Arrogant Bastard Ale

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

This beer pours a beautiful deep amber with a thick foamy head. It leaves incredibly great lacing on the glass as you drink it. You can small the malt and raisin or prunish odors in here. A very good beer. I was surprised, I thought it was going to be too strong, but I’d definitely drink it regularly if I could buy it by me.

One of the best ales I’ve ever had. Deep Dark Ruby with a tan head that sticks around for a while. Nice lacing on the glass. Strong hop sensation of the palate to offset the amount of malt. Nice filling finish.

For some reason I thought this was awesome. Great taste and pour with nice aroma. Initial sip is like a chop in the throat, though.

US Trip Aug/Sept 2009 - Notes from tasting indicate pours dark with light citrus notes, malty and bitter, complex.

Red brown with a middling beige head. Aroma is very hoppy and a touch sweet. Flavor is very bold. There’s some sweet, grainy, brown sugar malt flavor up front. Has a strong, complex, somewhat spicy citrus hop presence. Finishes quite bitter and dry.

Pours cloudy mahogany with a small head. Aroma is mostly hops and brown sugar sweetness. Mouth feel is thick and sticky. Flavor is about as in you face as possible with bold bitterness a sickly amount of sweet and some nice earthy flavors in the background. Was too sweet and bitter to really be enjoyed. Proof that a big beer is not necessarily a great beer.

Pint draft from Mulligan’s in Cincinnati. Pours reddish brown with a small light tan head that leaves rings of lace behind after each drink. Aroma of hops, malts, brown sugar, raisins, wood, and herbal/earthy notes. Flavor is bitter hops, caramel, roasted malts, and a bit of fruit. Sweet and bitter. Medium body, complex and satisfyingly balanced. What can I say that others haven’t? Stone just can’t seem to miss.

Stone produces some awesome stuff (like their unbelievable imperial stout) and this beer is no exception. Exceptional, full-bodied ale.