Brews and Blues Beer and Smokin’ Blues

Arrogant Bastard Ale

This beer has been on my to-do list for a while, but since it's not a style I drink regularly, I kept putting it off. I finally broke down and added this bomber to my shopping cart on my last visit to Gail's Hops and Grapes. 

Stone Brewing Company's Arrogant Bastard Ale is rather unique.  I guess the easiest way to describe this beer is a richly amber colored HOP EXPLOSION.  It rings in at 7.2% ABV, so it also has a significant alcohol punch, but the flavor is still excellent at cooler temperatures.  I knew this beer was hoppy, so I was prepared for it when I took my first sip.  As soon as I did, I was almost let down.  The initial taste was rather malty and sweet, but about 3 or 4 seconds into that first sip, the hops came on like a street corner crack whore.  The hop bill and IBU rating for this brew are listed as classified!  It's just hard to pass by on a beer that contains this note on the bottle label: 

This is an agressive 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 to 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, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal.  Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better.  Perhaps you're mouthing these words as you read this.

I highly suggest clicking on the Arrogant Bastard Ale link above and reading the material on the website for this specific brew.  It's quite entertaining!