Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

FoundersFanatic

Ohio

1.4/5  rDev -66.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 2 | overall: 1

Not even going to waste my time listing everything. This is by far the WORST beer I have ever had that is rated as a great beer. I have NO idea how anyone could think this has taste or is a great beer. I have a very good grasp on what good beer is and can even appreciate great beer styles I don't prefer, but this is just a horrible beer. I was recommended this beer by a beer steward and told that it is a very good beer, very much worth the $18/6. It is in fact one of the worst tasting beers I've ever had including Bud light!!! It is bitter, tastes like burnt wood or charcoal, is thin, no complexities to speak of, just an overall horrible beer IMHO. This is the LAST time a try a Stone beer. I have had 4 Stone beers and ALL of them have either been a huge let down or out right horrible beers. I can't believe how bad this beer tasted. I've only had a few beers that taste this bad in my life and they are usually the ones that go for $9 for a 24 pack of cans!

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2011 00:50:29 | More by FoundersFanatic

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

1.8/5  rDev -57.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1

This beer pours a cloudy, dark copper color with no head. The aroma is toast, molasses, raisins, and alcohol. It's flavor has notes of toast, vanilla, licorice, and brandy. The brandy taste takes over and at the same time there is a strong bitterness that gets stronger the more you drink it. It also has a nasty, bitter aftertaste. Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale is way too strong to be good and is not recommended!

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2010 02:08:47 | More by B967ierhunter177

r00tarded

Massachusetts

1.85/5  rDev -56.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

I can't find the attraction to this beer. I know there are lots of people that love it, but if I wanted to suck on a grapefruit, I'd suck on a grapefruit.

I had the non-oaked version and found it barely palatable. I tried the oaked version and, while its more drinkable, it's hardly a beer that I'd say "yes please, I'd love another one!".

One of my least favorites from Stone Brewing and my least favorite strong ale.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2007 20:41:37 | More by r00tarded

waltonc

Colorado

1.88/5  rDev -55.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 1

I haven't had Arrogant Bastard in years, but figured I'd try this oaked version on tap at Monk's Kettle in case my tastes have changed. Let's see...nope. Still tastes like the absurdly over-hopped Arrogant Bastard I remember. No balance at all. Just pure hops. Maybe I'll try it again a few years from now.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2008 14:19:00 | More by waltonc

beck2008

California

2.05/5  rDev -51.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 1

This ale was quite a disappointment. My friend said this was his favorite beer so I had to try it. I had the double bastard ale and was blown away by the alcohol, I had this one and was just blown away by the nasty overall taste. The finish was a serious woody chemical taste akin to Varathane on hard rock maple.

the details

A- Pours dark amber with 1/2 finger head. semi cloudy

S- Very very malty, smooth yet very strong chemical smell

T- Strong hop on the front end

M- medium carbonation

D- Too strong on the back end, way too much oaky taste. Not sure this flavor belongs in beer.

I have a lot of respect for what Arrogant Bastard is trying to accomplish with their aggressive brand of beers but this is a bit over the top. But then again, maybe that's the whole point.

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2011 18:23:46 | More by beck2008

TheOtherMike

Michigan

2.13/5  rDev -49.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 1.5

I'm on good terms with the Double Bastard, so I didn't expect this to be so different. I do not like molasses. I do not like the smell of molasses. This reminds me terribly of molasses. Fortunately, the alcohol content overpowers one's taste buds and the molasses taste fades. I got through it ok and recommended it to a friend that likes this type and he gave it a thumbs up.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2010 05:11:02 | More by TheOtherMike

Arbitrator

California

2.38/5  rDev -43.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

Chilled 12oz bottle into a glass.

A: Pours a clear amber color with mahogany and ruby tones when held to the light. Has a limpid off-white head that quickly recedes to a light film and the collar of death around the drink. A few drabs of lacing but nothing spectacular.

S: Piney, resiny hops, toasted malt, caramel, and toffee, with oak and some vanilla overtones.

T: Toasted and caramel malt, with a lesser pine hop character on the initial taste. It becomes bitter very quickly as the hops take over, and the oak contributes an additional bittering character that I'm not too fond of. By the finish it lessens slightly due to a combination of vanilla and toffee, but the aftertaste is again very dry and bitter. Just not my bag.

M: Medium bodied. Carbonation is slightly high and pricks the tongue a bit.

D: Not a huge fan of this one (and, to be honest, the original form). I recognize the appeal in this one but it's not for me, and I won't get it in the future.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2009 01:35:16 | More by Arbitrator

Brunite

Illinois

2.45/5  rDev -42.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

A- Pours dark amber with ruby edges....1/2 finger head....hazy.

S- Lots of booze....some faint malts....some woodiness

T - This got worse as it warmed. Started with some woody bitterness. Turns to alcoholic grapefruit.

O- Too much booze...too much grapefruit without balance...did not like....poured this after 1/2 and grabbed something else.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2011 02:28:37 | More by Brunite

Vylo

New Jersey

2.45/5  rDev -42.1%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Pours a deep amber color, enticing.

Smells like wood, not surprising given the name, but a bit overbearing.

Taste was... disappointing to say the least, reminded me more of double bastard then arrogant bastard. Too strong, tasted like a piece of driftwood dunked a cheap whiskey. Alcohol was not covered at all, and greatly interfered with enjoyment.

Mouthfeel was a bit bland too, could have used more carbonation. Flat taste.

Overall, a huge let down. I hope I had an off bottle, because I really like arrogant bastard (though I hated double bastard). It just tasted wrong to me.

If you like oak aged, give it a try, otherwise, your money would be spent better elsewhere.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2011 21:13:49 | More by Vylo

livingregret

Washington

2.58/5  rDev -39%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Serving Type: Bottle

Appearance: A muddy brown w/ a 1 finger head that had a good amount of lacing. The head/lacing made up for the not so nice colour

Smell: Nice smell....Citrus, flower like, and woody.

Taste/Mouthfeel: When you first take a sip you get a very nice creamy feeling to it it's followed by a big citrus flavour(Grapefruit) and ends w/ the overpowering taste of Oak. Oak Chips...this drink taste like Oak. Like the beer says...Oak. You tase A LOT of oak. Very dry finish. Overall I enjoy the beginning flavours/feel but the Oak just overshadows the other flavours at the end...and it leaves a odd taste in your mouth

Drinkability: Well I didn't care for it. The Oak just overshadows the good smell and what starts out as a good taste

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2007 23:02:19 | More by livingregret

mmedina210

New Jersey

2.58/5  rDev -39%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

Bought a sixer a while back and had a few with a fellow BA.

Looks like a typical Stone brew (great)

With the first whiff I was turned off. Way too much of an oak/pine presence.

The taste was the same as the smell. It tastes like you watered a X-mas tree with Arrogant Bastard and drank the end product. Reminds me of tanqueray. Hated the taste. Way too much Pine/Oak

Mouthfeel wasn't bad at all, but after the first few sips, I just gulped it down.

Not drinkable at all in my opinion.

Def. not close to one of the worst beers you can find, but I would say skip it and go for a regular Arrogant Bastard Ale, which is Superb.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2009 06:21:01 | More by mmedina210

savagearms

California

2.58/5  rDev -39%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Might have gotten a bad batch, but Overall not impressed at all, long lasting aftertaste. Thick, heavy beer. Long lasting head about 2 fingers tall, cream or off white in color, deep red/brown in color. Had a burnt coffee/wood smell, with a burnt coffee kick in the face for taste.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2011 02:00:00 | More by savagearms

Drazzamatazz

Maine

2.6/5  rDev -38.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

A: A almost murky brown with very little head. Light does not pass completely through. Carbonation seems very present as well as some possible sediment?

S: This bottle has been cellared for over a year, yet I still detect some alcohol. Otherwise a nice combination of dates, vanilla, oak, and caramel.

T: Ut-oh. It tastes like medicine. Very herbal and slightly astringent. I had one from the pack fresh, so I know they were fine when I got them. I think this might be a little early for this one. Slightly sweet and reminiscent of some fruit I can't put my finger one, its hard to get past the crushed aspirin bitterness.

M: Highly carbonated with a medium body.

D: I doubt I'm going to finish this one, its my fault for jumping the gun though. I'll make sure to come back to this in a years time, as well as get a review for a fresh bottle as well.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2011 02:28:36 | More by Drazzamatazz

JDV

Texas

2.63/5  rDev -37.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

bottles thanks to franksnbeans and fordest
Almost thinner bodied seaming to its regular counterpart. Still reddish brown, with a somewhat muted dryly-sweet malt smell and light hops. Taste though was lighter, more muted, and much dryer and chalkier, especially in respect to the bitterness. The oak seems to have magnified the things I didn't like about the original. Not for me.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2008 18:44:54 | More by JDV

TheSSG

Illinois

2.63/5  rDev -37.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 1

A: Pours a thick, soapy head. Deep, almost opaque burnt sienna color. Quite lovely.

S: Bright, sweet malt aroma with a hint of old wood. Extremely nice smelling.

T: Rich coffee malt flavor turns to a bitterness (the grapefruit comment is pretty spot-on). Finish is long and toasted malt, but also tastes like a bourbon finish (would assume this is the oak and grains reacting with each other). As I keep drinking this I find it's been WAAY too heavily hopped. After every sip, that lingering bitterness just stays. It's becoming a cumulative bittering. Which is turning unpleasant.

MF: Surprisingly liquidy, was expecting a thicker, more viscous beverage.

D: It's becoming a labor to finish this; every sip ensures more of this unpleasant bitterness that isn't going away. Too much roasted malt, too much hopping. I would like to try this again if they oaked it for several months or years longer. Needs to really mellow out for such treatment; with more aging the hop bitterness would subside. Then I'd have a beverage I would be in love with.

I decided to post up a review of this because I'm getting a bit tired of seeing the only bier getting play on Beer Advocate being ones that are over the top.
While I'm sure many appreciate taking roasted malt, hop bitterness, and oak all to the Nth degree in the same bier, I do not.

I am most saddened by this because it started off so well. But, 15 minutes later, I am struggling to finish this. Balance, balance, balance. Too much going on at once.
I'm sure the back of the bottle will insist I don't have a "good enough" palate for this or some silliness, but maybe 1/2 the folks on Beer Advocate are smokers and have a numbed palate that NEEDS a blitzkrieg of flavor to get through.

Too much for a full serving. As a 4oz sample, this bier is ASTOUNDING. Undrinkable after about 6 oz.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2010 03:18:50 | More by TheSSG

MmmIPA

Pennsylvania

2.65/5  rDev -37.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 4

Brown body with a off white head,leaves a ring around the glass.Nice lacing also

faint Arrogant Bastard smell

Very tasty. as the beer ages it becomes very good and less bitter but still retains its Oaked flavor,its malt flavor shows up also.Its becomes less hoppy which I love.The booze is still there its still a little hard to drink

Creamy and easy going and very malty,nice carbonation also.

I think the beer has lost its kick, I had it for ther first time on xmas eve 06 and it was very bitter and now its a mear shadow of it self.I will say drink fresh whenever possible and drink it all up cause when it gets soft,its not like the Bastard its meant to be.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2007 18:49:46 | More by MmmIPA

seanyfo

United Kingdom (Scotland)

2.65/5  rDev -37.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

12oz bottle served into a Heineken half pint glass.

A- Dark hazy copper body with 2 finger creamy head that holds well considering abv, with some nice lacing.

S- Hops dominating, i would compare it to a really well aged mature cheddar. A little raisin perhaps, a vinous note, maybe could even describe it as vinegar like!

T- Its just hop domination start to finish, the well aged cheddar note comes through for me in the beginning but the sharpness of the grapefruit like hops overpower and dominate into the lingering dry finish. Malt hasnt a hope.

M- Medium body and high carbonation.

D- Its just not enjoyable for me. I understand this style is very hop focussed but this is just flat out hop domination. I can appreciate the strong hop aroma but the lack of balance has me wincing with each mouthful, crying out for a little malt sweetness. Not a style i can consider drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2011 19:21:20 | More by seanyfo

aaronh

Pennsylvania

2.68/5  rDev -36.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

When I popped the top of this beer, an evil looking vapor slowly crept from the bottle. Pours into the glass with a moderate tan head that quickly fades. Aroma of vanilla, damp malt, and a hint of bourbon notes. Flavor is dominated by the oak notes. Dry smoky flavor has very little malt sweetness to counteract it. Hop bitterness comes in eventually, but still plays second fiddle to the wood. For this size of a beer, the mouthfeel is a bit thin. Drinakbility is OK, but I'd take regular AB, DB, or really ANYTHING else stone has to offer over this. I think I can get a couple more if anyone's intersted in trades. :) Pretty much a disappointment.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2007 01:43:46 | More by aaronh

Frozensoul327

Michigan

2.73/5  rDev -35.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

A: Ruddy red color witha small head of red/tan foam. Lower carbonation. No lace. Pretty clear through the glass.

S: Dense notes of vanilla bean and rich, heavy caramel malt. A woody note is present, likely due to the oak (duh).

T: Notes of whisky, grain, alcohol, wood and wine like fruitiness. Kind of sour. No vanilla note or sweetness as hinted at in the aroma. Not my bag.

M: Light. Slightly sour and a lower level of carbonation. Dry finish reminds me of a red wine.

D: Not for me. Maybe i'm not "ready" for it. Don't know if I ever will be. This highly touted beer falls way flat in my book. When I think American Strong, this isn't what i'd like to imagine. I just don't care for this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2007 00:18:44 | More by Frozensoul327

DerBayer

Germany

2.73/5  rDev -35.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Hmmm looks interesting a cloudy dark ruby pretty enticing but little head

Smells of bitter hops faint caramel and some vanilla

TAstes of much the same but there it is AGAIN the same sickly aftertaste of cream soda as in Stone Imperial Stout but luckily less pronounced

Mouthfeel is moderate but refreshing carbonation with a medium body

Drinkability is well not exactly moorish

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2009 19:59:16 | More by DerBayer

Intimidtor

Ohio

2.73/5  rDev -35.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

I have enjotyed most American Strong Ales that I've had. This one is not for me. I think I would love this beer without the oak after taste. Poured from bottle into clean glass. About 1/4 inch of head. Smelled inviting and first taste had me questioning what it was I just tasted. Continued on and it never got better. I'm not saying this is a bad beer becase many like it. Just not for me. Ill stick with Great Lakes Nosferatu for an American Strong Ale.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2009 02:15:09 | More by Intimidtor

PorterLambic

Florida

2.8/5  rDev -33.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours a beautiful clear reddish-brown. Nice 1" head, light tan with great retention. Thick and creamy leaving great lacing.
Smell is hops, a hint of grapefruit and the absolute faintest hint of malt.
Taste is hops, malt, grapefruit, faint oak note.
Medium body, medium effervescence with a crisp tingle up front and a smooth finish. ABV is not noticed at all. Mostly hops aftertaste with a slight caramel note. No oak noticed at all and little malt.
A decent beer but not up to the expectations of a Stone brew.

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2009 18:40:12 | More by PorterLambic

Avantyawn

New York

2.83/5  rDev -33.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

12 ounce bottle poured into imperial pint glass

A: Amazing looking deep amber brown with a huge head. Truly excellent looking.

S: I initially thought it smelled amazing, but the woody grain oakness is turning me off a bit even though, the fresh hoppy oily arrogant bastard of course smells amazing.

T: You know, I absolutely love Arrogant Bastard, but I am not digging the oaked treatment. I feel like I am drinking Arrogant Bastard and then licking an oak barrel. I don't quite get it...It just does not taste good to me.

M: The beer has a great mouthfeel, but the chalkiness of the dry oak I do not enjoy.

O: Overall, I love Arrogant Bastard, but not this version. Sort of a weak review, but I've already reviewed Arrogant Bastard to much acclaim, and just am not digging this variation.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2011 01:19:17 | More by Avantyawn

cbn

Florida

2.93/5  rDev -30.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard pours mahogany-red in color with a massive beige head wich leaves a mess of lace on the glass as it retreats, clarity is unsurpassed.

Aroma is sweet, vanilla and alcohol.

Flavor starts bitter lemon with mild sweet tea middle, bitter spicy fade.

Smooth and fairly thin, the ale seems to lose every bit of carbonation about half way through .

Drinkability suffers, thin, lack of carbonation, flavors stacked to the bitter side.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2008 20:29:14 | More by cbn

Bighuge

Minnesota

2.98/5  rDev -29.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Hazed dark mahogany/ruby red appearance. Thin and bubbly dirty white head. Lacing is minimal. Aroma is all that goodness I remember from AB with just a hint of woodiness in the aroma. That pineapple tropical fruit melange brings back memories. I also get a little caramel/nougat thing going on. Taste is fairly bitter and actually a little harsh and abrasive. I'm not sure I like the effect of the oak chips here. Cuz I remember loving the hell out of the real thing. I think the chips bring a little astringency to the mix. I don't dig the aftertaste at all. All that tropical fruit goodness that I remember takes a backseat now unfortunately. To the over-riding oak chip quality. Too much for my liking.

I guess they're right about this one. I'm NOT worthy.

Thanks for the brew Darren.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2006 04:34:54 | More by Bighuge