Stone Brewing Arrogant Bastard Ale Craft Beer Review – Bold and Unapologetically Flavorful
Renowned for its audacious character and uncompromising quality, the Arrogant Bastard Ale from Stone Brewing is a standout in the world of craft beer. With its 4.5-star rating, it truly embodies the brewery’s philosophy of being bold and independent.
Brewed in the United States, Stone Brewing’s Arrogant Bastard Ale is an American Strong Ale by definition, but it’s really in a class all its own. It is a beer that refuses to be categorized and never fails to challenge beer lovers’ perceptions of what beer can be.
Pouring a beautiful deep ruby color, this beer captivates the eye. Its head is substantial and frothy, producing a pleasant lacing as you make your way through the glass. The visual appeal is certainly consistent with the audacious personality this beer touts.
The Arrogant Bastard Ale’s aroma is robust and complex, offering a delightful blend of toasted malts, dark fruit, and a significant hop presence that delivers a resinous, piney scent. The complexity of the aroma prepares you for the onslaught of flavor to come.
On tasting, a rich malt base is the first thing to strike the palate, bringing forth notes of caramel and toffee. This is quickly overtaken by a wave of aggressive hop bitterness. The interplay between sweet and bitter is challenging yet pleasing. Dark fruits, like cherries and plums, add to the complexity, providing a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
The finish is long-lasting and predominantly bitter, showcasing the ale’s aggressive hop profile even after swallowing. The mouthfeel is medium to full, with moderate carbonation, and the 7.2% ABV provides a pleasant warmth.
In conclusion, Stone Brewing’s Arrogant Bastard Ale is not a beer for the timid. It is a beer that demands your attention with its bold flavors and high bitterness. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast seeking a brew that pushes boundaries, this audacious ale is well worth a try.
