Arrogant Bastard Ale

Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, San Diego Co., CA

Beer Info (From the bottle) “This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick t something safer and more familiar territory — maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, r one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think that multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.”

Boy is that perfect label verbiage. At this point I couldn’t care less if this was a bottle of walrus drool, just so long as I get to laugh again at that amazing wording. Priceless. Anyway, another of my new favorite 750 ml bottles in front of me here. On the front is featured a really nicely illustrated demon with a smug look on his face as he hoists a brew to you, the drinker, basically saying, “you don’t even have the cajones to get some of this!” Yeah, well, let’s just see…

Wow. And another wow. Such a delicious pour with its deep amber hue and rich, creamy head. The scents right out of the gate are ripe with bitterness from the singing hops and positively alive with malts. If the description is any indication of what I’m in for -and then the smells coupling that– this is going to be a hard hitting ale.

And there it is: smoky, oaky, peppery… absolutely alive with woody notes and its IPA characteristics. It is stunning. Nutty undertones, wicked bitterness that is beautifully smooth and crisp, and something of a hidden floral note that only comes out after its completely coated your mouth. It’s vibrant, taught, and full of flavor. There is little denying that this is a superior ale in all its glory meant for sipping and enjoying for a lengthy piece of time. If I were to pair this with some food, I’d have to go with wood-plank fish, especially salmon or a nut-crusted walleye. And then, match it with some fried shrimp and chips. Oh yes. This is a knock out. You can also read another review by Fred here at Gunaxin right HERE, too!

Rating: * * * * 1/2

An ale that bites, for certain, but that does nothing to detract from its greatness… it only adds to it.