Arrogant Bastard Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

Darkmagus82

Montana

4.24/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Served on tap in a snifter glass

Appearance-Served a mahogany colored brew with ruby highlights shining throughout. Upon serving there is a one finger cream colored head that fades rather quickly to leave a persistent film on the top of the brew and a very nice level of lace on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The aroma is a nice mix of bready malts, caramel, and a moderate hop aroma. The hop while mainly grapefruit citrus in nature is also mixed with aromas of a pine hop aroma as well.

Taste – The taste begins with a bready and biscuit base with a lighter caramel sweetness. Up front there are also some hop flavors of a pine nature. The caramel fades as the taste advanced with the pine getting stronger and more potent. While the caramel fades, fruit flavors of a light cherry and apple flavor come to the tongue. While the pine levels out in the middle, it is joined by a lighter grapefruit citrus hop flavor. This citrus grows stronger more toward the end of the taste with it, when mixed with the rest of the flavors, leaving a bitter pine and citrus flavor to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel-The body of the beer is on the slightly creamier side with a carbonation level that is a b it on the higher side. The creaminess allows all the hop flavors of the brew a chance to linger on the tongue, while the carbonation level makes it easier drinking and more refreshing.

Overall – A quite tasty brew. It’s on the hoppier side, but balanced quite nicely by the sweeter fruit, caramel, and more malty flavors of the brew. Its well know for a good reason; its quite a good moderate strength IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2013 02:45:32 | More by Darkmagus82

pcguitarwzrd

Florida

4.03/5  rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Appears stout-black at first pour but hold it to the light to reveal a deep reddish-brown. Head is khaki and dissipates quickly.

S: Deceptively mild. Some malty and chocolate notes. Can't pick up too much of the hops.

T: Hop explosion followed by baking chocolate, espresso, prunes and an aftertaste of chocolate milk. Alcohol is never apparent except to dry the finish nicely.

M: Rich and satisfying but never syrupy.

O: Even if I hated this beer I would give it points for the monologue on the bottle. In fact this is an excellent beer that may become one of my go-to's.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 01:38:13 | More by pcguitarwzrd

AleEnthusiastSorensen

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Poured a dark amber color with a four finger tan colored head that lingered for quite a while. The head recessed with beautiful mounds leaving a medium tracing behind. Had a light aroma that gave to a surprisingly strong hop taste that left a medium amount of bitterness on the palate. Mouth feel was medium with an almost light chewiness to it, all together I found it to be a delightful beer for any afternoon.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 22:14:00 | More by AleEnthusiastSorensen

BurgeoningBrewhead

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.75

Poured entire bomber into 34oz mug; dark, slightly cloudy orange with a thick white head that sticks around with some great lacing. Smells flowery and hoppy like an IPA, although with a bit thicker malt backbone. Taste follows nose exactly; sweet thick and malty at first, and bitter and hoppy to finish. Mouthfeel is medium, not too full or fizzy. Delicious.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2013 02:37:04 | More by BurgeoningBrewhead

Moose90

Colorado

4.11/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoy By: 03.04.13
22oz bomber into tulip

A – Dark translucent brown with copper hues. Head doesn't last long but lacing left behind is solid.

S – Sweet malts and quite hop forward. Dried dark fruits, raisins, plums.

T – Coffee, bitter chocolates and dark roasted malts. Quite dry and floral hops come through on the finish.

M – Quite smooth and crisp, dry and no cloying sweetness.

O – No idea what to expect. Lots of coffee and bitter chocolate, as well as nice dry floral hops. Nice, truly unique beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 07:24:10 | More by Moose90

kshizzle101

Washington

4.68/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Poured from 22oz bomber into pint glass

A - dark reddish with a thick 3 inch head. thick lacing as it's drunk down

S - smells of booze, pine, caramel, with a deep malt background

T - pine hops come through strong, carmely and malty background with a strong after taste of booze. there is something sweet going on here too but i can't quite place my fingers on it - possibly dark fruits like cherry or plum

M - exactly how it should be. sticky, but very drinkable - even at 22oz at a time!

Overall - One of my favorites - I'll never get sick of this beer. Not quite perfect, but about as close as you can get.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 02:31:47 | More by kshizzle101

seagullbeer

California

4.51/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

i doubt i have the taste or sophistication to appreciate but...

A- beautiful dark amber, only slightly cloudy, nice lasting head out of bottle

S- malt balls

T- Rich strong and malty. i dont like beers that are to heavy on the malt flavor but this is really interesting and not too sweet

M- Perfect, nice carbonation and sticks around just long enough

this beer is a jerk.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 02:08:20 | More by seagullbeer

Ilafan

Minnesota

4.31/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

As my beer palate has diversified, my attitude toward this abundant beer has changed. I used to recoil at its hoppiness. Now, for some reason, I love it.

Pour: Average coloring, head, lattice
Smell: Lovely! I can smell a strong, bitter grapefruit
Taste: very hoppy with a slightly pleasant tartness at the end
Mouthful: just right/balanced

Very nice beer!

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 23:48:38 | More by Ilafan

M_C_Hampton

Georgia

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A: poured from a 22 oz bottle into a pint glass, deep red brown amber with a thick tan head that lingers leaving good lacing, clear

S: heavy on caramel malt, citrus hopa, orange, lemon, honey

T: dry grapefruit hops up front, heavy sweetness of honey, fig, bitter finish

M: full bodied with good carbonation

O: solid ale that is balanced with sweet and bitter flavors

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 23:36:22 | More by M_C_Hampton

Fatehunter

Oregon

4.26/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A finger of head on a dark straw colored body.
The aroma is fairly malty/grainy with a big dose of lemon.
The taste is bold and strong. An excellent malt bill with a healthy lemon bitterness. The balance is great.
The texture is smooth and soft with moderate carbonation.
The balance on this beer allows it to be big and bold, yet still quite drinkable. An amazing ale.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 06:54:48 | More by Fatehunter

Bosoxfan20

Oklahoma

4.48/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

A- Poured 22oz bomber bottle into Spiegelau IPA glass. Pours a crisp, deep amber with a perfect 2-2.5 finger thick cream colored head. Super thick. Fantastic lacing. Just a beautiful looking beer.

S- Robust aroma. Floral hops with some pine notes. Touch of sweetness.

T- Oh my. Fantastic balance. Taste truly follows nose. Hop forward with citrus notes. Crisp. Sweet malt base that is very complex. A number of waves of flavor rolling through here. Warm finish with a touch of alcohol, but not overpowering the terrific flavor. Dryness and bitterness lingers, but in a good way. So smooth!

M- Mid to full body. Nice and creamy. Silky smooth and velvety as it covers your mouth. Perfect carbonation

O- Simply one of my favorites. Love the complexity and feel of this beer. In this case, arrogance, not ignorance, is bliss.

22oz bomber for $5.99

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 22:09:44 | More by Bosoxfan20

inglebk

South Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured into pint glass
1 1/2 inch head. Deep clear amber with lingering creamy head. Lacing that just won't go away. Pretty sexy.

Smells of citrusy hops and grapefruit. Sweet and bready malts. Really nice and complex aroma.

Hops hit the tongue at first, followed by the perfect balance of malty sweetness. I could definitely make a habit of drinking this stuff.

One of the most balanced beers I've tried. Mouthfeel is thick and lingering. Citrus hops stay on the tongue with a bread/biscuit aftertaste.
Great beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 06:01:15 | More by inglebk

Premo88

Texas

4.81/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

1 pint, 6 oz. bottle poured into pub glass

L: 3/4- 1-inch head really holds on, perfect tan head to offset murky dark caramel red. lacing is intense, especially for a head that doesn't start off as gargantuan. this beer is the definition of OPAQUE ... can't see through it; can't even see the carbonation inside it as it rises (but it's there).

S: flowers, sweet, citrusy ... and i think i smell malt, but i'm not good enough with the nose to say what I'm smelling -- i just know it's f-ing awesome. glade or febreeze should can this smell and sell it.

T: so damn bitter it makes me weepy ... goddamn is this beer good; like an English pale ale but with a very distinctive something different (grain, grass, ?what?) that is sharp the first time you drink one. but i'm drinking a second one right now, and all i taste is damn good ale. sharp bitter up front, smoother malt on the back end with everything hitting you all at once.

F: a perfect beer here. great carbonation, drinks light enough to trick you into thinking you could slam a 6-pack (and more!!!) of this. hell, i don't even know what "feel" means other than i want this in my mouth.

O: i've been stingy with my numbers so far, but damn is this about as good as it gets. it's placed in the American strong ale category, but if you handed this to me and told me it's a bitter, English pale ale or English IPA, I wouldn't be able to call you a liar (might say more about me than the beer).

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale has long been my favorite ale. Arrogant Bastard may have surpassed it ... can't say that just yet, but I can say as long as Stone BC keeps making this, I'll keep buying and drinking. Bravo!

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 02:17:42 | More by Premo88

Joshpu

California

4.23/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a bottle into a duvel glass.

A: Poured a transparent amber color. Two finger tan creamy head. Quite a bit of carbonation.

S: Smells like a citrus hop smell. Im also getting the sweet caramel malt notes. Also has the spicy smell to it.

T: Definitely getting the hop presence, malty caramel, earthy spice.

M: Medium bodied. The hops linger for a while, more of a slow sipper for me. Feels like alot of carbonation on the mouth.

Overall its a great beer. Unfortunately this bottle wasn't as good as I remember it, although I just noticed that the enjoy by date is only 3 days away, so I should probably get a more fresh bottle to review, which I will eventually do. Reminds me of an amber ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 08:01:27 | More by Joshpu

fireman10

4.63/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

i am not the biggest ale fan...until now. this ale is a wonderful blend of hoppy, bitter, and full body greatness...with a slight trace of an exotic spice from some small tribal community in southern Iran that i've never heard of. At first the inexperienced drinker may find this beer a bit vulgar, cocky and downright mean...but as the offensive posturing of this beer starts to mellow down and slides smoothly down your throat, you will find yourself begging for yet another fake beating. by the fourth gulp, you will be writing love notes.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 02:36:58 | More by fireman10

TheCondor

Missouri

4.46/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

In my continuing quest to imbibe all the Beers of Fame, I consumed some Arrogant Bastard Ale. THe last Stone product I drank was Ruination, which was way too much for me. It kind of soured me on Stone products for a while. Side poured with vigor from the bottle into a pint glass.

Appearance- Pours a beautiful clear brown color with a big, fluffy, rock to finger head that disspiates very slowly, still retaining much of the head down to the last drop. Excellent lacing as well, leaves tons of residue all down the glass. Fabulous presentation

Smell - Smells so unique, especially given its appearance. Breads, toasty malts, and aggressive hop characteristics such as pine, citrus, and grapefruit collide in the nose of this brew. So unique, I hardly know how to charaterize this brew!

Taste - Outstanding, one of the best tasting beers I have had for a while. Strong hop notes up front such as citrus and pine give way to the malty, bready backbone. As the brew warms, there is a bit of dried fruit flavor as well.

Mouthfeel - Finishes crisp and bitter, like an IPA. Letting this beer warm only makes it more refreshing and drinkable. This is truly an exceptional brew.

Overall - One of the the best beers I have ever had, and I've drank quite a bit of beer in my day. Warm or cold, this beer is outstanding. I was taken aback by the beer that poured like a brown or amber ale, smelled like an IPA, and tasted like, well, nothing I've ever really had. It is a true conglomeration of styles. A hybrid of styles, done absolutely correctly. If you haven't had this brew, you need to get it.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 01:30:55 | More by TheCondor

MCain04

Illinois

4.04/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

poured out of a 22 oz bomber into a spiegelau large snifter. 6 weeks fresh.

a: deep amber and clear, dark cream head of 2 fingers with awesome retention and lacing. pretty beer.

s: might just be my stuffy nose but it's not too aromatic. I get some nice piney and floral notes with some malt and a little caramel but it's not strong

t: arrogant hop bitterness overwhelms the palate. a touch of sweetness from the malt body. just very very bitter... very bitter.

m: smooth, a tad dry, a little over carbonated, crisp.

o: frequently enjoyed given availability. it ruins the palate a bit but when I'm in the mood for a bitter bomb this is an old standby.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 07:35:07 | More by MCain04

djjacobsen

4.14/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

This is a fun one. AB introduced me to the craft beer world. I knew little about it all. The color is a gorgeous amber brown. the smell is of nothing but earthy hops and booze. The taste follows the nose...super bitter upon a canvas of earthy notes that are centered in this American Strong ale. It is a decent jump-off point and is always fun to revisit but the Arrogant Bastard is nothing more than a well-labeled, over-marketed beer beast. I guess I'm not worthy

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 23:06:32 | More by djjacobsen

Chadhowie

California

4.7/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

This is by far one of my favorite all time beers. The strength and fortitude of the hoppy full flavor makes this a perfect beer. It's no wonder that multiple variations have been and are attempted based on this beer. Pretty much all of those are excellent too. You can't go wrong with Stone!

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2013 22:22:00 | More by Chadhowie

Misajet90

Montana

4.86/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

This is a good solid beer to go along with a strong flavored meal. I usually will have one with a steak or burgers but to be honest it's a good beer to have just about anytime.

If you can find it on tap it's worth it every time. I've only seen it at the Brewery and at Barney's Beanery but I'm sure there are more. Out of the bottle this is a great beer also.

Overall I highly recomend this beer to everyone, if you like dark beer or not it's worth trying it out.

Serving type: on-tap

01-15-2013 19:35:31 | More by Misajet90

ironchefmiyagi13

New York

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

I have to say it was the bottling that lead to the purchase of this beer, as well as being curious to seeif I had what it takes to enjoy a beer such as this. Well I do! Fantastic brew from a fantastic brewery.

A: pours a rich rust/amber color with a thick head that lasted for a minute or two with substantial lacing.

S: initial aroma after opening and pouring were notes of toast, caramel and butter scotch and aggressive hops/pine. After it has sat and opened up, nuances of dried fruit like mango, prune and apricot are noticed.

T: explodes with flavor! They weren't lying when they said this is an aggressive beer. It's been about 5 minutes since I took a sip and I can still taste the hops. But at the same time, it doesn't scare me away with the hops and bitterness and dry finish. It makes me want to drink more. Very dark chocolate is there after sitting for a few minutes, as well as burnt sugar adding to the dry, bitter flavors.

M: rich flavor and very dry and long finish.

O: thank god that the store I bought this at has a couple other Stone beers. This was definitely a 'trial by fire' beer and I believe I passed the test. A great purchase.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 23:44:35 | More by ironchefmiyagi13

ChapaTX

4.64/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Excellent beer! You have to have a taste for a stronger tasting beer to enjoy this one. Poured a darker brown color. Taste is hoppy, barley like. Not bad at all and will get again. I personally like a hoppy taste. I would say that it is just under the taste of an IPA. It also had about an index finger width worth of head on it that was tannish in color.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 12:53:00 | More by ChapaTX

Svendozen

New Hampshire

4.58/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into a tulip, which I still have yet to get used to. I'll tell you, if it didn't have beer in it I would probably crawl under a table if anyone saw me drinking from a stemmed glass.

Pours a big fat, two fingered head that hangs around like your wife's annoying friend...only...in a good way. You could almost serve this head in a dish with an ice-cream scoop.

Smells like a grapefruit fruit and a pine cone had an illegitamate love child in the form of a good beer. Kind of reminds me of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in the aroma department.

The taste was a big shock to me as it wasn't nearly as hoppy and bitter as it smelled. It does have the grapefruit hoppy taste of a pale ale, but it's not overpowering which is what I was afraid of. Honestly I'm a stout man, and I bought and drank this as a promise to a friend. I am truly glad that I did. This is a fantastic beer...and I will definately be buying more of it.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2013 07:00:59 | More by Svendozen

Kelpius

4.88/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is one of my favorite bottled beers. Considering some of its qualifying competitors come from the same company, you can't go too wrong with any Stone beer. Delightful mouth feel, superb flavor and tremendous overall quality. A bit pricey, but worth the splurge. Try it. It might become your favorite beer. If you like something a bit hoppier, try the IPAs from Stone. Seriously, a brewery we can only hope is around to stay.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 05:35:37 | More by Kelpius

barnzy78

Illinois

4.48/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Enjoy by 2/28/13
Pours brown with some reddish hues when held to a light, great frothy beige head holds good retention & leaves excellent lacing all over the glass as the head dissipates. Nose is fresh piny hops, grapefruit, sweet caramel malt, bready, pungent. Tastes are definitely bold with pungent, piny, grapefruity hops, bitter up-front, sweetness comes through as bready malt and heavy caramel, almost burnt. Slight earthiness, but the pine rides out the finish and lingers. Medium body, creamy, nice carbonation. Overall, always a favorite of mine & nice to come back to after waiting too long to pick one up!

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 04:35:44 | More by barnzy78