Arrogant Bastard Ale

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Escondido, California USA

No one advertises better or more smartly, than Stone. Lucky for them, their products are that good! This is a terrific IPA that deserves to be called ARROGANT. Citrusy, perfectly balanced, hoppy, delicious. Hard to explain the taste and mouthfeel, because they seem to change from second to second. Go get some!

A lovely confection, good balance, nice mouth feel, superb hopping. It was somewhat more carbonated than I enjoy.

Bomber. Just based on the bottle art, I’d like to give this a 6 out of 5 on appearance. Maybe the gargoyle was just happy to be poured into a Maudite snifter, but it looked gorgeous, murky red with a great head on it. Left a great lacing, too. Hoppiness, balanced with sweet malts are all over the nose. There’s some dark fruits and woodiness in there, too.

Ok, deep breath, time for the first sip … Beware! That first step is a doozy! It really lets you know who’s boss. Hops assault. But, it quickly mellows out and balances with sweet malts, a multitude of spices, brandy, wood, honey and molasses. But that’s on the tongue. The back of the throat is a different story altogether. Just in case you forgot, the bastard grabs the back of your throat and strangles you with a hop induced bitterness that stays with you for days. This one has a ton going on, yet remains balanced. They’re right, though, this is not for the weak of heart.

THIS BEER IS EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD! I’M NOT SURE I CAN DESCRIBE IT, BUT I REALLY, REALLY LIKE IT. IT IS A VERY BOLD FLAVORED BEER THAT IS A PLEASURE TO CONSUME! THIS BEER IS AS GOOD AS THEY GET!

Very rich and distinct flavor. Beautiful in the glass with a nice, but not overbearing head. Difficult to compare with anything else, this brew stands on its’ own. I look forward to my next glass!

Pours a dark (transparent in light) burgundy red with excellent head formation. Head is tan and between creamy and frothy. Aroma is sweet candy, slightly roasted malts; earthy, piney hops; a heavy rubbing alcohol aroma really comes out when it warms up; with hints of prunes and licorice. Flavor starts with sweet bready and slightly pruney malt, transitioning into moderate/heavy bitter, earthy, piney, floral hops, and finishes with bitterness and an alcohol warmth. Palate is heavily carbonated, but still manages to be quite smooth and creamy, with a tongue grabbing mouth feel. I can’t believe I haven’t rated the bastard yet. This is the beer that made me the beer geek I am today.

A strong beer with a lot of flavor in there. I find it is best served just slightly chilled and appreciated slowly. Lots of hops in there, but they are balanced well with a creamy, almost syrupy sweetness and noticable malt. Delicious!

"Surprising i like this more then i thought i would. Poured a ruby color with a small to medium head. Left good lacing on the glass. Smell citrus and hoppy. Taste sweet to start, then turns bitter. Very good beer."