Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

ruinationation

Arizona

4.97/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A good looking pour. A little less dark than orig AB to me, dark ruby with a thick one finger head that sticks around.

Smells like pure goodness. Perfect balance between hops and malt with a bit of vanilla.

Hops hit good and hard with carmal and pine following. The vanilla comes through, guess thats what I'm associating the oak with.

Feels like this should be around all year. But if that was the case how often would I have an AB and would I really appreciate the oak?

Going to try my hardest to age a few but one, two, three, or four of these when needed is recomended. Keep in mind these are baby 12oz. Drinkability depends on how many you invested in.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2007 01:19:04 | More by ruinationation

malty

Michigan

4.97/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a fresh 12 oz. long neck into the new Sam Adams curvy scientifically thoughtful glass.

The color is a ruddy glowing amber-rosewood with a fine 1/2" head.
Sheets on almost undisturbed lace all the way down the glass.

Smells just like a freshly bit into caramel apple; Vanilla dominates while the hops bring to the rear a somewhat spicy tropical fruit element. A few brisk swirls of my fancy glass evokes concord grape jelly scents smattered with brown sugar & molasses.

Wow, all the deeply sweet & malty scents took a shotgun seat position as the dry & rindy hops grabbed the wheel as soon as this glorious liquid hit my tongue. The oak chip maturation really shines on the standard Arrogant Bastard I've grown so fond of. The hops and the oak chips create a perfect dryness & bitterness for the sweet (and slightly toasty) malts to rest upon. All of the scents I described translate perfectly into the flavors, all with a bombastic bitter hop attack straight out of the gate. There's even a tiny hint of sourness at the finish, (although it could just be the unique bitter/dryness from the oak chips) which I'm really digging.

Mouthfeel is medium-to-full bodied with a perfect amount of ultra fine carbonation to keep all the flavors frolicking. A deeply flavorful and dry finish.

Drinkability is through the roof. This really works well for me. The sweet & thick malts linger underneath the potent hop ensemble all entwined with the vanilla dry oakey spotlight - blows my socks off. I'd skip dinner and just drink a few more of these!

Overall a stunningly bold and perfectly balanced ale. It's like The Avengers, The Invaders, The Fantastic Four and the Super Friends all got together and created this beer. If I were to compare this beer to a band, it'd definitely be Led Zeppelin. Full force, multi-dimensional, grimy and graceful! A perfect beer for me!

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2007 00:47:52 | More by malty

ncbeermonger

North Carolina

4.97/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

mmm that's good beer!

pours very well into my trusty sam adams beer glass. The smell is outstanding! Buttery, smooth smell, hints of citrus, and floral hops. Head is almost a non entity.

The taste is outstanding, why can't all beer taste like this? Tastes smooth, hops are there, and the oak comes through like a champ! I prefer this one over the non oaked.

The mouthfeel is amazing, much lighter than the beer looks, super smooth.

This beer is one of the most drinkable beers ever brewed ANYWHERE. This beer is amazing, and no you are not worthy!

NC BEERMONGER LOVES THIS BEER!

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2008 07:43:44 | More by ncbeermonger

Stockfan42

Massachusetts

4.97/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer easily tops the unoaked. The first thing I'll usually do is take a good smell of it. The oak and hops make a very sweet smell.

The foam head was very creamy leaving you with a very malty flavor in your mouth. The very dark body could give off a dark amber red tint. If held to a light you"ll see what I mean.

After taking a sip I get that oak and hoppy taste I had smelt before followed by a fruity kick, maybe grapes or something sour. Also the oak wood chips help to leave a pretty good after taste.

This beer goes down incredibly smooth. A bit pricey around these parts but worth a try, will not disappoint

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2009 08:15:45 | More by Stockfan42

erikwibaeus

Sweden

4.97/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I must say that i have noting to complain about when it comes to the beer itself. This is an excellent ale in my taste. Better then this you cant find. The mouthfeel and the taste is really outstanding compared to the nice "non-oaked" version. The darkness is not overwhelming for my taste and the smell is just outstanding.

Even the label looks good! http://www.arrogantbastard.com/oaked/images/OAKEDpic.jpg

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2010 15:37:34 | More by erikwibaeus

mattgreger

Pennsylvania

4.97/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Beer of the Night - Stone Brewing Company - Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale - American Strong Ale - 7.20% ABV

Picked this bottle up in Capones Bottle Shop In East Norriton.

The pour on this brew was very nice. As you look at the colors, it is a dark brown, a bit of reddish streaks throughout. It had a great, light tan head that had a little bit of retention that last just a few minutes. This brew left a great lacing as it slide down the sides of snifter that I had poured it into.

The aroma on this brew is also very nice. It has a great smokey, wood aroma that comes out in the front of this brew. It quickly feeds into a great aroma of floral hops, which comes with some sugars and just a touch of alcohol bourbon. As the brew sits and warms, the Oak is present more then ever, and is a great addition to the already good Arrogant Bastard. It finishes with some more of the nice bourbon notes and the hops, that comes off nice and citrussy.

This is a great tasting brew. Its super complex and gets better as the brew warms in the glass. The flavors follow the aromas pretty well. There are some great notes of chocolate, toffee/coffee, bourbon, and a great smokey, oak flavor. It has a great hop bitterness as well. They aren't overkill though, because the oaked process mellowed them out and gives this brew an almost stout likeness. The warming of the brew gives life to the name sake of the it, but putting forward, the bourbon, oak, and smokey flavors. Its a great brew.

The mouthful on this brew is very good. It has that alcohol tingle, the hoppy bitterness. This is a great medium bodied brew that gives you everything you look for in the style. Its smooth and packs a punch that gives you a run for the money, but leaves you wanting more.

Its kind of funny, you look at the bottle on this brew, and the label says "Your Not Worthy." Its very true. This brew is a great representation of the style. I have had the original Arrogant Bastard, which is also an amazing brew. This brew steps it down, but not in a bad way. It gives it a more reserved, almost elegant version of teh brew. It still hop strong and a great brew. I can't wait to get my hands on another bottle of this brew. Until you have tried other respresentions of this sytle, your truely Not Worthy to have this brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2011 21:02:54 | More by mattgreger

kmcnair

California

4.95/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I sampled the Oaken Bastard on tap last night at O'Brien's in San Diego.

Appearance is incredible, robust dark amber color and creates a thick off white head. It leaves a very thick lace down the glass as it is consumed. One of the most impressive looking beers I have ever had.

Smell is different than the ever so hoppy bastard that I am used to. I get some rich, roasted malty character in the nose. A certain sweet quality is there as well. The oak adds an earthy, woody element that is rather nice.

Taste is really complex. Has some grapefruit, currant and woodsy elements. Its sweet and malty and really balanced.

Mouthfeel is very nice, medium to full. Creamy as it goes down and a slightly warm finish.

Drinkable? You bet it is, I managed to put down 3 pints in a couple hours and had my party not been heading out I would surely have had another. Even my girlfriend drank a couple of these and she is typically a hop hater.

If you have the option, try this one, it is great! The balance between hop and malt is unlike any other Stone offering I have had before. Hope to get to try it again sometime.

Serving type: on-tap

02-28-2004 20:22:00 | More by kmcnair

morayeel

Pennsylvania

4.95/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

WOW!! This is awesome. I purchased the new smaller bottles that are to small to hold all the flavors in that are just dieing to get out.

A- a very dark brown-red colour with an off white head that stays the entire way down, beautiful to look at.

Smell- Awsomet smell you can get hints of the sweetness in this ale.

Taste- this beer is so complex there's too much for me to comprehend.

mouthfeel- most Stone brews have that same healthy mouthfeel, not too thin and not thick to where it makes you gag like some beers can do.

drinkability- This is a 1 or 2 beers and im done. The oak bastard ale is a lot sweeter then the regular bastard ale so the sweetness get to you after the second beer. This is an ale I would save for a victory beverage when the redskins win!!!!

I don’t know what it is about stone brewing but I love everything they make. I even keep a half barrel of something they make on tap at all times.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2007 02:36:51 | More by morayeel

Baraka

Missouri

4.95/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a deep dark brown with a solid head. Solid lacing. Smell consists of both citrus hops and sweet caramel malts, suggesting a complex balance of flavors. The taste does not disappoint: we have a very complex melding of hop bitterness, pine and citrus flavors, and a transcendent malt sweetness backed by a smokey and woody flavor. The amazing thing about this beer is that instead of all the disparate flavors fighting for dominance and overwhelming each other, they allow each other to shine brighter, bringing all the complexity together in a deliciously awesome, powerful beer.

As a big fan of regular Arrogant Bastard, I looked forward to trying this iteration and it did not disappoint. It has all the elements that i loved in AB but manages to add additional complexity. I could drink this stuff all night without getting sick of it; the flavors are that good (plus it hides its alcohol really well under all of the complexities).

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2010 04:20:21 | More by Baraka

ryantaussig

New York

4.95/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Beautiful brown/amber hue with a creamy and surprisingly sturdy head. Lacing absolutely everywhere, clings on like a champ. Smells of hops as well as subtle aromas of alcohol, malts, and wood. Tastes of hops and sweet malt come through strongly with a finish focused on the woody notes. Dry after the finish, but not as much as expected which is nice. Goes down easily.

A very good brew I would have in the middle of a tasting group. It's strong enough to burn out the pallet for white ales, but won't do any damage on the way to an IPA or very malty Stout as a nightcap. Perfect middle of the progression beer. I'd suggest it as a session beer were the price tag a bit smaller. Still worth every penny though.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2010 19:05:31 | More by ryantaussig

TheSupremeAJ

Pennsylvania

4.95/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12oz bottle poured into standard pint

A- Pours a very nice dark amber with a large creamy white head. Has a slight haziness and suspended yeast particles. Very genuine, and although the the cleanest, most perfect beer, it has imperfections which make it perfect.

S- Very malty, smooth, almost with great cologne-like qualities. I could probably get away with wearing this stuff as cologne!

T- Very nice smooth caramel malts. Strong hop backbone and leveraged hop aroma. The oak chips add a considerable luxury class to an already excellent beer.

M- Good carbonation and a very nice bite from the hops. This beer does not feel thin or underwhelming one bit. The hop resins leave a nice feeling and the alcohol is warming.

D- This is too damn good and I could drink this a long time and be a happy man. I think it may make me a little too arrogant with the 7.2%, however I don't think this beer would be as good if they didn't make it the way it is. They don't call it the Arrogant Bastard for nothing.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2010 03:41:15 | More by TheSupremeAJ

GClarkage

California

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

01/07/05- On tap at the Toronado in San Francisco, CA

Presentation- Served in a tulip glass (damn! was hoping for a pint)

Appearance- Great orange-brown color with a nice big creamy head and nice lacing.

Smell- Possibly the best smelling beer I have ever put my nose to. So much malt, hops, fruity, flowers and oak put together.

Taste- The first thing that I noticed were the hops. Not to bitter, but just enough to entice me to drink more. Then the malt hit me. Rather dark and caramel flavored malt which mixed in perfect with the hops. To top it all off, it had an extra oak flavor that put it over the edge.

Mouthfeel- Medium to highly carbonated, but still goes down ultra easy.

Drinkability- One of the best beers I have ever had. Everything comes together so well in this beer. How I wish they had this beer in the bomber size bottles.

Serving type: on-tap

01-07-2005 00:34:44 | More by GClarkage

plaid75

New York

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured a deep murky amber hue with a finger and a half creamy off white head. There was very good retention and excellent sticky lacing.

The smell featured a thick sticky resiny grapefruit hop aroma with a juicy orange sweetness. Excellent toasty grain aroma as well.

The taste was upfront sweet orange with a stellar peppery, grapefruit hop finish. An excellent toasted doughiness throughout.

The mouthfeel was full and mildly chewy.

Overall an EXCELLENT ale. Solid ABV with an excellent drinkability. Head and shoulders above the regular version. Really, just a superior beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2006 03:19:42 | More by plaid75

atsprings

North Carolina

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Sampled side by side with regular Arrogant Bastard Ale, like you could call it regular. The beer poured the same deep amber almost brown as it's more common older brother with a similar head that left a little less lacing. The aroma was almost identical to it's brother, caramel malts and pine hops with just a hint of oak. The oak in the taste adds a truly unique quality to an already complex beer. My only problem is it adds just a slight astringency to the mouthfeel, nothing much, but enough to keep it from the 5 I gave it's brother. All being said, this is also a one of my absolute favorite beers, but I rank it just behind the real deal.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2007 03:14:07 | More by atsprings

Revvy

Michigan

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Notes- Poured into a Belgian Goblet for tasting purposes.

Appearance - Poured a deep/dark reddish brown, with a beautiful 1/4" creamy head which dissapated within a few minutes, leaving a nice lacing on the curve of the goblet and a surface layer of both large and small bubbles that remained on the surface of the beer throughout the drinking session.

Aroma - Cold, the ale has an almost smoky/woody aroma mixed with both resinous and floral hops, along with hints of brown sugar and bourbon. The wood nose that comes through is definitely oak, and it predominates the aromas. There is also a hint of coffee.

As the ale warms, the coffee, oak, bourbon comes richly to the surface, yet the hops still clearly comes through the center of the aroma...very citrussy.

At the warmest there is even a surprising hint of roasted coconut coming through.

Overall, the aroma is very porter-like...

Mouthfeel - The best word to describe the mouthfeel is "tangy," there is definitely a hop "bite" to it that touches the tip of the tongue, roof of the mouth and the back of the throat upon swallowing. My favorite salty snack is wasabi coated peas, and the bite is very similar, though not as hot.The bite dissipates quickly and the ale coats the mouth smoothly, like a Belgian strong ale...or a chcolate milkshake, but with a bit more carbonation.

This definitely warms as it goes down..at about the half way mark in the glass one feels a warming of the belly.

Taste - There is a lot going on here...The flavors are nearly identical to the aromas...chocolate, toffee, coffee, oak, bourbon, smoke, and a definite hop bitterness...but the hops are mellowed, or smoothed over by the oak aging, which drops it out of the level of "hop bomb" like it's un-aged brother...It moves it into the realm of chocolate/coffee stout.

The flavors are there from cold to room temp, but grow more pronounced as it warms. A noticeable smokiness comes through as it warms, either from smoked grain or because of a toasting of the oak...it is not overpowering, like in a Rauchbier, it reminds me of a porter I once tried that had peat smoked malt as 1/32 of the grainbill...just a hint in aroma and flavor.

Overall - This is an amazing ale...at 7.2% ABV it is not a Barleywine, but in terms of drinking pleasure...taste, aroma, mouthfeel, it could very well be. Maybe drinking it in a different glass would have changed this impression, but in my Belgian maudite goblet it brings the barleywine tendencies out...

I found regular Arrogant Bastard to be very much a hop bomb (which I can only take in small doses) but this version is mellowed quite a lot. It is mellow, but it is not "sissified," this is still a very aggressive ale. Think Arnold Swarzenagger in a tuxedo in "True Lies" as opposed to Arnold Swarzenagger as Conan the Barbarian.

The hoppiness still is reminiscent of bashing your head against the wall, but this wall is padded, like in a mental ward...The complexity of the aromas and flavors, especially the smokey/oakiness, makes this very drinkable...

Despite the Arnold comment, this is a very sexy beer...It's a hot blonde in a velvet dress, with a stiletto in her garter belt. The kind of woman, where after a night of unforgettable passion, you wake up in an ice filled bathtub missing a kidney...and spend the rest of your life wanting another night with her.

This made my top 10 list of beers.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2008 01:34:18 | More by Revvy

hdofu

Maryland

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Is it really arrogance if it due the respect? My latest sampling from the Stones Brewing company. This beer is something else. The beer smells florally, hops and malts present. Taste is bittersweet with a good blend of hop and malt and a bit of taste of brown sugar. It has a fairly thick feel on the tongue full body. If it wernt such a pricey beer there'd be nothing keeping this bastard on the shelves, definitely one you could do more then one of and it's not too high in the alcohol to make it too overwhelming. Definitely a darn good beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2008 21:40:31 | More by hdofu

begforme4484

Connecticut

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Compared to non-oaked ABA, this beer is it's own beast. Different characteristics and complexity completely.

Pours a deep reddish brown with a good amount of tan head. Very sticky lacing that hangs around nicely on the glass.

The smell is very smooth. A nice vanilla tone atop a seemingly caramel body. Very subdued hops and a hint of alcohol. It smells delicious.

The taste if basing from the smell is a smack in the lips. The smell is so smooth and subtle and the flavor is full charge.

Sweet malts, caramel, up front. A nice vanilla surge with woody overtones follows through. There is a very controlled hoppy bitterness throughout the entire sip. It's not nearly as powerful as regular ABA, but compliments the beer very well.

Not the first time I've had this beer, but I bought it again just so I could review it.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2010 00:18:48 | More by begforme4484

ncfranklin

Alabama

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle into a tulip. Drink by date of 04/20.

A: Just like it's non-oaked brother, rusty brown/red, two finger tan head and solid lacing.

S: Notes of citrus hop, caramel, and a bit of wood. Impressive to get that wood in the smell.

T: Mmm. Aggressive bitter hop up front, tho not as biting as the normal. Seems the wood has mellowed that initial kick. The caramel kicks in second, with a strong oak note to it. Really a whole new world of here as the wood seems to not let this one get too sweet, perfect balancing act.

M: Incredibly smooth and drinkable, with just the slightest tacky quality. Almost like a fine scotch.

D: Arrogant Bastard is a favorite beer of mine. Oaked Arrogant Bastard is all that greatness, with a mellow calming wood sensation that I don't think is rivaled in any other oaked beer I've had. Truly remarkable.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2011 21:14:30 | More by ncfranklin

GMB

Japan

4.93/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Stone's Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale fills the room with aromas of pine, citrus, and flowers as it pours forth a deep reddish brown body. The head is thin and disappears quickly. The small, delicate bubbles slowly moving towards the top tell me that this beer is going to be gentle on the tongue.

The nose is unlike any I have experienced. The kind of bright and bold floral and citral aromas that we expect from Stone mingle the earthy richness of warm, dry oakwood. Notes of dried fruits and toasted grains linger in the background, but that is not to say that they do not contribute. Indeed, the aroma is rounded out by the malt, which adduces aromas of browned (not burnt) butter. The interplay of oakwood and rich browned butter is new to me, and I am having trouble coming up with analogies. Perhaps one can liken it to roasting whole spices, such as cinnamon, in browned butter as the base for aromatic dishes.

The taste is even more complex and intriguing than the nose. The bittering hops play with Stone's bold citral hops to create the illusion of grapefruit. Sweet browned butterscotch, an undertone of bitterness, spicy and citral aroma hops, and woody oak call to mind flavors of meats slow-roasted in savory barbecue sauce. So do the beer's rich sweetness and soft feel on the palate.

Stone's Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale is similar to Double-IPAs. Its flavors are intense, complex and demanding. Its flavors continue to develop for what seems like an eternity on the palate. I took my last sip ten minutes ago, but I am still picking up new flavors as I breathe and move my tongue about my mouth. Outstanding.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2012 00:06:27 | More by GMB

Shiredave

New York

4.9/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer is a work of art. I was lucky enough to try this at the Stone 12 beers event in NYC and it was in the opinion of many I was with, the "Best in Show". It had the same intense blend and balance between the sweet, slightly roasted malt, explosive citrus and firey hop flavor and bittering, but an added deep, smokey roundness that mellowed and softened it into someting incredible. I had 3 and still tried all 12 beers. Thank God for trains. An absolute taste treat for the hop lover. Lets hope the Stone boys keep putting thier Bastard in oak and sending it east!

Serving type: cask

03-20-2003 21:52:20 | More by Shiredave

SheepNutz

Kentucky

4.9/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

3 Liter bottle split up with my boys Kevin (kmpitz2) and Chris (clvand0) and poured into a tall stemmed Arrogant Bastard glass. It pours a deep brownish ruby red color with three towering fingers of head. Bigass chunks of lacing all down the sides of the glass. The smell is a little less hoppy than regular Arrogant Bastard. It still has some citrusy aromas, and some dark fruit aromas as well, such as cherry. The taste is rich and malty at first. Lots of cherry, wood, and earthy flavors. The finish is a great balance of hops with a hint of oak. The flavors just all come together in perfect harmony. The mouthfeel is extraordinary, so thick and so smooth. The drinkability is fantastic for a 7.2% brew. A damn near perfect beer. I wanted to give it a perfect 5, but I'm gonna hafta agree with Kevin here. For as strong as the flavor is, there could be just a little bit more in the nose. Nevertheless, the beer was just a treat to drink and an honor to share with Kev and Chris.

Serving type: bottle

11-23-2004 16:56:43 | More by SheepNutz

bort11

Missouri

4.9/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

With great thanks to SkinnyElvis for this one
12 oz bottle poured into an imperial pint glass. Chunky tan head that leaves perfect rings of lace on the glass. Color is a dark chestnut brown with ruby highlights when held to the light.
Smell has a more pronounced grapefruit hops bitterness than I remember he regular AB having. Taste is so smooth. The malt sweetness blends with a slight resiny hops bitterness, Citrus and floral notes swirl around as I swallow.
This is one of the smoothest beers I've ever had. It just glides down my throat. So good!

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2007 07:43:21 | More by bort11

MLucky

California

4.9/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is just badass. No other way to put it.

12 oz bottle, poured into a pint glass. Deep amber body, persistent quarter inch of tan foam, lots of lacing.

Nose is lots of deep toasty malt, some bready yeast scent, hops surprisingly recessed but present.

Taste is just exceptional. Very deep and malty with a nice hop aftertaste, surprisingly little alcohol flavor for a 7.2% beer, you kind of have to be looking for it to notice.

Drinkability... well, this is a strong ale to sit with and savor, one that will sit in the glass and wait for you without going flat or stale. Smoother than regular AB.

What can one say? Stone continues to impress. One of the best things I've had in months.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2010 05:28:11 | More by MLucky

thebrood1987

New Jersey

4.9/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I'm a big fan of their original Arrogant Bastard so I had to try this one. On the first smell I get a smoked sweet oak scent with some pine and citrus from the hops. It starts off with the smokey oak sweetness mixing in with the regular roasted thick almost caramel like malts they normally use in the original version. The oak is pretty strong in the middle of the taste which sticks around on the middle of the tongue just as long as the bitterness from the hops stick around on the back of the tongue. It's pretty rich and has a thick mouthfeel and could pass for an Imperial beer easily with the richness and body that it has. I love how Stone hops their beers they never fail me when I'm looking for that hop punch. They aren't a one trick pony though and this beer proves it. They incorporated the oak flavor so well in this that it makes an already amazing beer even better and more complex. You won't be disappointed if you are a fan of their beers... this might even turn out be your favorite from them.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2011 22:45:19 | More by thebrood1987

sevenarts

New York

4.9/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Dark red, light-colored fluffy head that leaves lots of lacing behind. Gorgeous, just like the regular version.

S: The piney, citrusy hops dominate, with hints of fruity sweetness and maybe just a touch of the wood. Compared to the regular AB, this leans maybe a little more to citrus/fruits than the pine bomb of the parent beer.

T/M: Again, very similar to the "normal" Arrogant Bastard, with lots of strong hop bitterness, pine, citrus, slightly softened by the sweet malt and just a hint of woodsy flavors.

O: The oak aging doesn't come through very strongly on this, though it does change the beer subtly but noticeably, altering the balance a bit and imparting a little extra layering. It's a tough call between the two versions, this one is just a little softer, less intense and maybe a touch less bitter; both are great.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2012 23:02:10 | More by sevenarts