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Beer specs

Beer details
Rating: 78

Arrogant Bastard Ale

Brewery: Stone Brewing Company · Escondido, CA
Variety: Ale · American Ale · American Strong Ale
Alcohol: ABV 7.20% / ABW 5.76%
Preferred vessel: Pint glass
Color: Nut Brown (English Brown Ale) (20 SRM)
Added by Keith
Last updated by J Keith Brown

From Wikipedia: Arrogant Bastard Ale is an American strong ale. It is marketed by warning potential consumers that they are “not worthy” of such a sophisticated beer, suggesting most people cannot appreciate a beer of such quality and depth. It is a popular beer among craft beer aficionados.

Local designer/illustrator Thomas K. Matthews created the original gargoyle in 1996. He also drew the Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Ruination IPA and Stone Levitation Ale gargoyles, as well as barley and hops motifs.

Dark, Strong, Complex, Bitter, Hoppy

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Reviews

  1. Review by Chris Merritt
    Rating: 50

    Chris Merritt

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Dallas, TX
    Jan. 7th, 2009 at 1 p.m.
    Comment:

    I guess I’m not “sophisticated enough” because this is one of the foulest beers I’ve ever sampled. That’s the appeal, obviously, but I’m not sure I could get through one bottle of this stuff. Completely unrefined, but again, that’s what they’re going for.

    Characteristics: bitter complex sour unbalanced
  2. Review by Rob Hudson
    Rating: 78

    Rob Hudson

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Eugene, OR
    Jan. 13th, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.
    Comment:

    I dig this stuff. It’s a good strong and hoppy beer. The chinook hops, exclusively used in this beer, give it a nice earthy and spicy aroma.

    Characteristics:
  3. Review by Steve Lenti
    Rating: 79

    Steve Lenti

    drank this beer from a Pint glass
    Jan. 13th, 2009 at 6:24 p.m.
    Comment:

    Awesome stuff, but is very overwhelming if you are not used to this style of beer. It’s bitter, sweet, hoppy and for me delicious. I would classify this beer as a India Red Ale. If you like this make sure you taste the oaked version as well, which IMHO rules!

    Characteristics: bitter hoppy sweet
  4. Review by Jeremy Boles
    Rating: 78

    Jeremy Boles

    drank this beer from a Snifter in Estes Park, CO
    Jan. 13th, 2009 at 7:48 p.m.
    Comment:

    I’m a fan of this beer. Over-the-top in a good way. Aggressive, yet balanced hops. In the aroma, I get some orange peel, maybe some tobacco and pine. The initial taste is what I would imagine what sucking on a whole hop flower would taste like. Earthy, bitter, citrusy and piney. Definately a beer to sip and enjoy it complexities. I enjoy the oaked version of this beer too.

    Characteristics: hoppy pine
  5. Review by Matt Todd
    Rating: 83

    Matt Todd

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Atlanta, GA
    Jan. 13th, 2009 at 7:54 p.m.
    Comment:

    Very good, dark, hoppy beer.

    Characteristics: dark hoppy
  6. Review by Brian Hefter
    Rating: 75

    Brian Hefter

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Portland, OR
    Jan. 13th, 2009 at 10:09 p.m.
    Comment:

    This is a pretty intense beer if you’re not expecting. Fairly hoppy, dark, and a little fruity all at the same time. It packs a decent punch too with its slightly higher than average ABV. Not necessarily for those who prefer a more mellow beer, but solid for those who look for a strong and distinct taste.

    Characteristics: dark fruity hoppy
  7. Review by Brian
    Rating: 88

    Brian

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Louisville, KY
    Jan. 14th, 2009 at 11:25 a.m.
    Comment:

    Purposefully over the top, AB doesn’t disappoint. It pours ruby red, is sweet (but not cloying), and you can feel the alcohol warmth. I enjoy the tiny hint of raisin/plum and the much more prominent grapefruit taste. Mouthfeel borders on a bit oily.

    Characteristics: alcohol grapefruit semi-sweet warm
  8. Review by Tiffani Jones
    Rating: 70

    Tiffani Jones

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Seattle, WA
    Jan. 16th, 2009 at 2:02 a.m.
    Comment:

    Yum. Hoppy and subtle, tastes fruity, jasmine-y and floral somehow. Pours red.

    Characteristics: floral fruity hoppy jasmine
  9. Review by slurve
    Rating: 72

    slurve

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Montclair, NJ
    Jan. 16th, 2009 at 2:09 a.m.
    Comment:

    Hoppy is an understatement. This beer is intense.

    Characteristics: dark hoppy
  10. Review by gregmondro
    Rating: 90

    gregmondro

    drank this beer from a Pint glass
    Jan. 21st, 2009 at 10:33 a.m.
    Comment:

    Dark flavorful with a nice smell and excellent taste. It is aggressive, so you either like it or hate it.

    Characteristics:
  11. Review by Robert Occhialini
    Rating: 85

    Robert Occhialini

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Atlanta, GA
    Jan. 21st, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
    Comment:

    This one’s not for you unless you are serious about your Hops. If you are serious about your hops, you will be hard pressed to find a better American Ale that is this over the top.

    Characteristics: complex dark hoppy
  12. Review by dalasv
    Rating: 81

    dalasv

    drank this beer from a Pint glass
    Jan. 23rd, 2009 at 11 a.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics:
  13. Review by Chuck Harmston
    Rating: 85

    Chuck Harmston

    drank this beer from a Goblet in Arlington, VA
    Jan. 25th, 2009 at 7:41 a.m.
    Comment:

    “You probably won’t like this beer. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality or depth.”

    That doesn’t mean that I don’t :)

    Characteristics: dark fruit hoppy over-the-top warm
  14. Review by kellik
    Rating: 60

    kellik

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Gainesville, FL
    Jan. 25th, 2009 at 11:58 a.m.
    Comment:

    I’ve been wanting to try this beer for a while now, so I was excited to find it on tap. I think my expectations were too high, b/c I was not “wowed”. It smelled amazing, but the taste didn’t quite match. It delivered on the hoppiness, but wasn’t balanced enough for my personal preference. I think I’ll try it again when I haven’t been drinking liquor all night. It felt a little greasy.

    Characteristics: greasy hoppy super-bitter
  15. Review by Dave S.
    Rating: 86

    Dave S.

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Los Angeles, CA
    Jan. 28th, 2009 at 10:33 p.m.
    Comment:

    Yep. What everyone else says. You love it, or you don’t. Personally, I love this stuff.

    Characteristics: hoppy
  16. Review by Brian
    Rating: 77

    Brian

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Denver, CO
    Jan. 30th, 2009 at 2:47 p.m.
    Comment:

    I remember distinctly the first time I tried this beer. It was circa 2003 in Haines, Alaska. I hadn’t ever really had anything this crazy before. The copy on the bottle is hilarious, with the cap telling me I’m not worthy. Am I? Whew, I hope so. Flavor is mighty, lots of hops, citrus, dates, fresh fruit. Finish isn’t too cloying, if you’re determined, you can make it through a bomber in an evening. Just don’t plan on driving.

    Characteristics: citrus dates hops
  17. Review by mjb
    Rating: 79

    mjb

    drank this beer from a Bottle
    Feb. 5th, 2009 at 9:10 a.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics:
  18. Review by mikegee
    Rating: 90

    mikegee

    drank this beer from a Snifter in Miami, FL
    Feb. 5th, 2009 at 4:13 p.m.
    Comment:

    Brown red, transparent

    White/yellow soapy/creamy head

    Citrus aroma, pine, grapefruit

    Crisp to Medium mouthfeel

    Very hoppy

    Characteristics:
  19. Review by elmazz
    Rating: 73

    elmazz

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Eugene, OR
    Feb. 7th, 2009 at 2:09 p.m.
    Comment:

    A popular brew, but you can do better.

    Characteristics: approachable
  20. Review by ReTodd
    Rating: 66

    ReTodd

    drank this beer from a Bottle in Phoenix, AZ
    Feb. 13th, 2009 at 9:34 a.m.
    Comment:

    Not something I would drink on a regular basis. Very strong bitter flavor.

    Characteristics:
  21. Review by Matt Johnson
    Rating: 90

    Matt Johnson

    drank this beer from a Tulip in Renton, WA
    Feb. 14th, 2009 at 6:49 p.m.
    Comment:

    Deep smell of hops and malt. You never wait for the flavor to hit you. Hoppy bitterness throughout, and a very complex depth of malt and semi sweetness. Also a tinge of alcohol in the background. Not for people who like “crisp” (boring) beers. It may not go with all foods because its so flavorful by itself and can be overpowering. I just choose to have it instead of food. Arrogant Bastard is the kind of beer that makes drinking beer fun.

    Characteristics: complex hoppy
  22. Review by Jtosh
    Rating: 82

    Jtosh

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Indianapolis, IN
    March 4th, 2009 at 10:16 a.m.
    Comment:

    This beer isn’t for everyone. The first time I had it I wasn’t a fan, however I love it now. Once you realize they are trying to make a completely over the top beer you can start to apreciate the complexity and uniquecharecter of this beer. High ABV and high flavor makes for a great time.

    Characteristics: Arrogant
  23. Review by Lance
    Rating: 76

    Lance

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Portland, OR
    March 5th, 2009 at 6:12 a.m.
    Comment:

    Lots of flavor. Bitter and hoppy.

    Characteristics: complex hoppy
  24. Review by Fajita
    Rating: 50

    Fajita

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Cedar Park, TX
    March 10th, 2009 at 2:15 p.m.
    Comment:

    I bought it for the name and the logo. I found it incredibly hard to finish the bottle.

    The flavor was good, but the strong alcohol bite what made drinking it hard.

    Characteristics: bitter strong alcohol
  25. Review by towski
    Rating: 50

    towski

    drank this beer from a Pint glass
    March 11th, 2009 at 4:08 p.m.
    Comment:

    Very strong bitter flavor, mostly disgusting

    Characteristics: disgusting
  26. Review by Justin Thorp
    Rating: 81

    Justin Thorp

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Washington, DC
    March 12th, 2009 at 4:46 a.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics:
  27. Review by lizardking410
    Rating: 70

    lizardking410

    drank this beer from a Pint glass
    March 12th, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
    Comment:

    This is NOT for the faint of heart! The Arrogant Bastard takes no prisoners. Not one of my favorites, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t order it again.

    Characteristics: dark hoppy strong
  28. Review by dirvish
    Rating: 88

    dirvish

    drank this beer from a Bottle in Chico, CA
    March 12th, 2009 at 2:22 p.m.
    Comment:

    Very hoppy strong ale. Delicious!

    Characteristics: hoppy
  29. Review by tpaull
    Rating: 91

    tpaull

    drank this beer from a Goblet in Bellevue, WA
    March 12th, 2009 at 7:08 p.m.
    Comment:

    Love it! “You’re not worthy!”

    Characteristics:
  30. Review by Wren
    Rating: 90

    Wren

    drank this beer from a Bottle in Santa Monica, CA
    March 17th, 2009 at 8:47 p.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics: hoppy
  31. Review by unrealnighthawk
    Rating: 85

    unrealnighthawk

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Peoria, IL
    March 27th, 2009 at 4:47 p.m.
    Comment:

    Tasty beer! A+++ would buy again!

    Characteristics:
  32. Review by scredsfan
    Rating: 80

    scredsfan

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Aiken, SC
    April 3rd, 2009 at 5 p.m.
    Comment:

    I have to agree with my colleagues above - this is a “love it” or “hate it” beer. Personally, I’m on the “love it” side. Deep dark color, frothy head, and nicely balanced hoppy malty aroma. Complex, malty hoppy flavor. I like the sweetness at the end, but for some reason, the finish doesn’t seem to live up to the rest of the beer (my only complaint). Plus, you’ve got to love that logo!

    Characteristics: complex deep_amber hoppy malty sweet
  33. Review by Donleezey
    Rating: 76

    Donleezey

    drank this beer from a Bottle in Eugene, OR
    April 6th, 2009 at 4:58 p.m.
    Comment:

    Stone’s flagship beer delights and equally disappoints. It has beautiful taste characteristics but is quite intense. This one will leave you licking your lips with a very prominent lingering taste. Putting back more than one 22oz in a sitting requires an aggressive palette.

    Characteristics: bold lingering finish red syrupy tasty
  34. Review by Lobsterman
    Rating: 87

    Lobsterman

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Portland, ME
    April 11th, 2009 at 12:32 p.m.
    Comment:

    A good hopped Strong Ale. Nice Red color with spicy aroma thats hard to define. [8/2/09-had a tapped pint; tastes more balanced and better +2.]

    Characteristics: bitter hop intense malt
  35. Review by Nick Olejniczak
    Rating: 86

    Nick Olejniczak

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Madison, WI
    April 17th, 2009 at 7:39 p.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics:
  36. Review by Scott C
    Rating: 85

    Scott C

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in New York, NY
    April 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 p.m.
    Comment:

    Great combination of dark and hoppy. Not too dark, but darker than an equally hoppy IPA.

    Characteristics: dark hoppy
  37. Review by MikL
    Rating: 83

    MikL

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in La Mesa, CA
    April 24th, 2009 at 2:19 p.m.
    Comment:

    This is one beer that has sealed itself on my tap list. 6 months and 24 days ago we opened our doors and put A.B. on tap and it hasn’t come off. Too many of my regulars choose it as their #1 backup. Stone is one of our first choices when it comes to local beer and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

    Characteristics: bitter great. strong
  38. Review by lafrefre2000
    Rating: 90

    lafrefre2000

    drank this beer from a Bottle in Mendocino, CA
    May 18th, 2009 at 8:45 p.m.
    Comment:

    This is my benchmark ale. It is aggressive and complex, which is how I like an American Ale. The after taste leaves some room for improvement. There are better ales, but none that I can find at the local Wine & More for under $10 a bottle.

    Characteristics: aggressive bitter grapefruit hoppy
  39. Review by Joel Mahaffey
    Rating: 92

    Joel Mahaffey

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Orono, ME
    July 20th, 2009 at 10:33 a.m.
    Comment:

    My near favorite go-to beer. Super malty, super hoppy with a golden red color and boastful head.

    Characteristics: hoppy malty
  40. Review by Lance
    Rating: 52

    Lance

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Arlington, VA
    Aug. 3rd, 2009 at 6:10 p.m.
    Comment:

    Absolutely what it says on the label. I’m not worthy to drink this beer. Hoppy beyond reason kick in the teeth. Or forehead. Either one.

    This review based on memory of a tasting from a few months ago.

    Characteristics: bitter
  41. Review by tmedley
    Rating: 74

    tmedley

    drank this beer from a Bottle in Tampa, FL
    Oct. 11th, 2009 at 2 p.m.
    Comment:

    Beer is OK. Label is hilarious.

    Characteristics: dark hilarious
  42. Review by elliotttf
    Rating: 97

    elliotttf

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Glendora, CA
    Jan. 5th, 2010 at 2:51 p.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics:
  43. Review by mike_gallagher
    Rating: 80

    mike_gallagher

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Philadelphia, PA
    Jan. 29th, 2010 at 9:54 p.m.
    Comment:

    Great balance of hops/malt and a great beer overall.

    Characteristics: bitter citrus hoppy malty
  44. Review by NhilJung
    Rating: 55

    NhilJung

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Columbus, OH
    Feb. 8th, 2010 at 12:15 p.m.
    Comment:

    Overly malty, Overly hopped, overly marketed, and purely overrated.

    Characteristics: ABV the
  45. Review by Jon Jordan
    Rating: 87

    Jon Jordan

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Richardson, TX
    March 8th, 2010 at 6:01 a.m.
    Comment:

    For my taste it’s a little strong to be an everyday go-to, but still a very enjoyable experience.

    Characteristics: bitter strong
  46. Review by bs529
    Rating: 88

    bs529

    drank this beer from a Stein (Mug) in Louisville, KY
    March 14th, 2010 at 7:01 p.m.
    Comment:

    Characteristics:
  47. Review by Brad Chmielewski
    Rating: 87

    Brad Chmielewski

    drank this beer from a Pint glass in Chicago, IL
    April 7th, 2010 at 9:42 a.m.
    Comment:

    The Arrogant Bastard pours a deep amber color with a two finger creamy beige head that sticks around for a while and leaves a nice thick lacing on the glass. A sweet floral aroma comes up from the glass along with toasted malts and toffee notes. A wonderful balanced nose. When you finally take a drink you get a big dose of hops but they are not overbearing. Backing it all up is some nice caramel malts. A strong bold aftertaste that leaves your mouth sticky and dry for a long, long time. Drinkable yes, sessionable maybe not. At 7.2% it’s a great beer to sit down and split a bomber with a friend. It’s an aggressive beer so it’s not for everyone.

    Characteristics: strong

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