Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Consortia
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Arrogant Consortia
- California, United States
- Style:
- Strong Ale - American
Ranked #54 - ABV:
- 7.2%
- Score:
- 92
Ranked #4,512 - Avg:
- 4.14 | pDev: 12.56%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Yesterday at 04:25 AM
- Added:
- Nov 15, 2000
- Wants:
- 484
- Gots:
- 2,879
SCORE
92
Outstanding
92
Outstanding
Notes:
At Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co., we believe that pandering to the lowest common denominator represents the height of tyranny—a virtual form of keeping the consumer barefoot and stupid. Brought forth upon an unsuspecting public in 1997, Arrogant Bastard Ale openly challenged the tyrannical overlords who were brazenly attempting to keep Americans chained in the shackles of poor taste. As the progenitor of its style, Arrogant Bastard Ale has reveled in its unprecedented and uncompromising celebration of intensity. There have been many nods to Arrogant Bastard Ale...even outright attempts to copy it...but only one can ever embody the true nature of Liquid Arrogance!
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.09/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by JZH1000 from Colorado
Older bottle just over a year but hopefully the darker color and abv helped it age. 22oz bomber.
On the pour a fine 1 finger head forms that slowly recedes to a very light covering and a ring around the glass. Light haze, and very dark, a murky reddish brown that lest some but not a lot of light through. Light lazy carbonation, no lacing.
Aroma is very nice despite the age. Some traditional west coast IPA notes and some nice floral aromas on top of an earthy chocolate caramel malt note. Some umami and a slight dryness on the finish presumably from the age, but it all ties together quite nicely.
Flavor follows the aroma pretty closely and introduces some fig and date dark fruit flavors followed by a stouty and hoppy bitterness. Still quite drinkable and smooth despite the bitterness nice and complex, lots of flavor but surprisingly balanced. And not as aggressive as the bottle makes it out to be, but perhaps that's just modern tastes talking.
Feel is quite big and chewy. The abv makes itself known relatively quickly too even when paired with food, and let me tell you 22ozs of 7.2abv will get you there, so don't be an arrogant bastard. Also quite filling.
Overall a beer that's big in every way, hoppy malty, mouthfeel, and abv, but without being completely overwhelming or gimmicky, although a small bit of both. It's a good beer for those who want big malts and big hops.
Yesterday at 04:25 AM
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by JZH1000 from Colorado
Older bottle just over a year but hopefully the darker color and abv helped it age. 22oz bomber.
On the pour a fine 1 finger head forms that slowly recedes to a very light covering and a ring around the glass. Light haze, and very dark, a murky reddish brown that lest some but not a lot of light through. Light lazy carbonation, no lacing.
Aroma is very nice despite the age. Some traditional west coast IPA notes and some nice floral aromas on top of an earthy chocolate caramel malt note. Some umami and a slight dryness on the finish presumably from the age, but it all ties together quite nicely.
Flavor follows the aroma pretty closely and introduces some fig and date dark fruit flavors followed by a stouty and hoppy bitterness. Still quite drinkable and smooth despite the bitterness nice and complex, lots of flavor but surprisingly balanced. And not as aggressive as the bottle makes it out to be, but perhaps that's just modern tastes talking.
Feel is quite big and chewy. The abv makes itself known relatively quickly too even when paired with food, and let me tell you 22ozs of 7.2abv will get you there, so don't be an arrogant bastard. Also quite filling.
Overall a beer that's big in every way, hoppy malty, mouthfeel, and abv, but without being completely overwhelming or gimmicky, although a small bit of both. It's a good beer for those who want big malts and big hops.
Yesterday at 04:25 AM
5/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by _dark3st_ur1n3
wish I had some deep dish pizza to go with this cold donkey piss.
I like it in moderation.
May 14, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by _dark3st_ur1n3
wish I had some deep dish pizza to go with this cold donkey piss.
I like it in moderation.
May 14, 2022
4.39 by dfillius from Iowa on May 14, 2022
4.5 by cold_beer on May 07, 2022
4.84/5 rDev +16.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by whitro17 from Florida
I love this beer! So different from all the others. A nice hit of malts & hops with an incredible bitterness that really lingers. The sweetness of the malt comes thru more as it warms. That bitter aftertaste is so good.
May 01, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by whitro17 from Florida
I love this beer! So different from all the others. A nice hit of malts & hops with an incredible bitterness that really lingers. The sweetness of the malt comes thru more as it warms. That bitter aftertaste is so good.
May 01, 2022
3.78 by not2quick from Missouri on Mar 31, 2022
4.22/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by MagicJeff from Georgia
Look: Dark bronze/sapphire body with a head that reminds me of a latte. Lacing throughout.
Smell: Raisin bread. slight candied orange notes. Slight grapefruit. Citrus and baking spice if I had to sum it up. Complex indeed.
Taste: Orange zest, intense pine. Some fresh dark bread notes. Slight raisin, slightest black pepper alcohol burn on the finish.
Feel: Creamy body. Quite drinkable for a +7 % ABV. I can't imagine trying this beer on Nitro, I think it'd take it to the next level.
Overall: This is one of the gateway beers that got me into craft beer. Distinctly remember it being the early 2010's and becoming burned out on the typical West Coast IPA (ironic because it's come full circle and that's my favorite style yet again) and wanting to try something different. Then and now Bastard has been a refreshing look on a style I'd otherwise not consider. Just a really well-made beer. Probably not your every day brew, but this was a great "random" beer to have today.
Mar 25, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by MagicJeff from Georgia
Look: Dark bronze/sapphire body with a head that reminds me of a latte. Lacing throughout.
Smell: Raisin bread. slight candied orange notes. Slight grapefruit. Citrus and baking spice if I had to sum it up. Complex indeed.
Taste: Orange zest, intense pine. Some fresh dark bread notes. Slight raisin, slightest black pepper alcohol burn on the finish.
Feel: Creamy body. Quite drinkable for a +7 % ABV. I can't imagine trying this beer on Nitro, I think it'd take it to the next level.
Overall: This is one of the gateway beers that got me into craft beer. Distinctly remember it being the early 2010's and becoming burned out on the typical West Coast IPA (ironic because it's come full circle and that's my favorite style yet again) and wanting to try something different. Then and now Bastard has been a refreshing look on a style I'd otherwise not consider. Just a really well-made beer. Probably not your every day brew, but this was a great "random" beer to have today.
Mar 25, 2022
3.82 by irishevans from California on Mar 24, 2022
4.3/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BigGinge from New York
Appearance: Pours a clear ruby color with a nice cap of light khaki colored foam.
Smell: Sweet, toasty, floral and slightly medicinal. Islay Scotch barrel aged Robitussin with a massive dose of hops.
Taste: Sharp and bitter hops up front. Malt contributes a bit of sweetness at the get-go but quickly shifts to a drier and heavily toasted taste. It's difficult for me to pick out any one flavor in particular. It's a complex beer but it's also a barrage on the senses. Rye comes to mind as does charred toast, peat, bitter tylenol-like hops and some oak. Heavily bitter all the way through.
Feel: Medium bodied, sharp carbonation, dry.
Overall: Not an easy drinking beer, but I didn't expect it to be anyway. I can totally understand how some people might not like it, but I've been a fan for close to 10 years now. When I want something to light up my palate I go for one of these. Well worth the money.
Feb 27, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BigGinge from New York
Appearance: Pours a clear ruby color with a nice cap of light khaki colored foam.
Smell: Sweet, toasty, floral and slightly medicinal. Islay Scotch barrel aged Robitussin with a massive dose of hops.
Taste: Sharp and bitter hops up front. Malt contributes a bit of sweetness at the get-go but quickly shifts to a drier and heavily toasted taste. It's difficult for me to pick out any one flavor in particular. It's a complex beer but it's also a barrage on the senses. Rye comes to mind as does charred toast, peat, bitter tylenol-like hops and some oak. Heavily bitter all the way through.
Feel: Medium bodied, sharp carbonation, dry.
Overall: Not an easy drinking beer, but I didn't expect it to be anyway. I can totally understand how some people might not like it, but I've been a fan for close to 10 years now. When I want something to light up my palate I go for one of these. Well worth the money.
Feb 27, 2022
3.64 by loch8534 from Illinois on Feb 27, 2022
4.94/5 rDev +19.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Ipaherb77
Strong flavor IPA style, very bitter just how i like it, 7.2 on the ABV. This is the perfect balance of bold flavor and ABV, this is my new favorite IPA.
Feb 19, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Ipaherb77
Strong flavor IPA style, very bitter just how i like it, 7.2 on the ABV. This is the perfect balance of bold flavor and ABV, this is my new favorite IPA.
Feb 19, 2022
4.42 by RPBeerdude from Colorado on Jan 28, 2022
3.87/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ZebulonXZogg from Illinois
L: Pours the color of a tarnished penny, a nice khaki head fades to a small cap, nicely laced glass.
S: Malts and hops, maybe a bit of caramel.
T: Citrus rind, peppery spice.
F: I expected something thicker, it's well carbonated.
O: Tastes change, I would have like this more years ago.
Jan 27, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ZebulonXZogg from Illinois
L: Pours the color of a tarnished penny, a nice khaki head fades to a small cap, nicely laced glass.
S: Malts and hops, maybe a bit of caramel.
T: Citrus rind, peppery spice.
F: I expected something thicker, it's well carbonated.
O: Tastes change, I would have like this more years ago.
Jan 27, 2022
3.75 by 88caprice from Virginia on Jan 17, 2022
3.74/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by jackflaps from Pennsylvania
Bottled 9/9/21, so not really "fresh," but review what you got
L: Dark reddish brown, cloudy but not opaque. Beige head, nice lacing.
S: Very roasty. Distinct. Almost peppery. A little fruit in there if you squint your nose some.
T: Follows the nose, huge roasted malt character. Doesn't leave room for much else tbh, but a very tiny amount of sweetness sneaks in the middle before the hop bitterness and spice washes it away.
F: Arrogant
O: This beer is still in a class by itself, even now. I appreciate it but I don't know that I need to revisit it. A review of this one is no substitute for trying it yourself...
Jan 02, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by jackflaps from Pennsylvania
Bottled 9/9/21, so not really "fresh," but review what you got
L: Dark reddish brown, cloudy but not opaque. Beige head, nice lacing.
S: Very roasty. Distinct. Almost peppery. A little fruit in there if you squint your nose some.
T: Follows the nose, huge roasted malt character. Doesn't leave room for much else tbh, but a very tiny amount of sweetness sneaks in the middle before the hop bitterness and spice washes it away.
F: Arrogant
O: This beer is still in a class by itself, even now. I appreciate it but I don't know that I need to revisit it. A review of this one is no substitute for trying it yourself...
Jan 02, 2022
4.41/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by minstrelwb from Indiana
Good ale, great name.
Dec 21, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by minstrelwb from Indiana
Good ale, great name.
Dec 21, 2021
4.28 by IPADean on Nov 29, 2021
3.9/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by Denverbeerman21
Pours dark ruby, light tan head, floral, hoppy smell. Citrus, caramel, piney, earthy, strong bitter finish.
Nov 27, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by Denverbeerman21
Pours dark ruby, light tan head, floral, hoppy smell. Citrus, caramel, piney, earthy, strong bitter finish.
Nov 27, 2021
3.88/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by dkoehler42 from New York
I found this in the fridge and couldn't believe I hadn't reviewed it. It pours a dark brownish ruby color with an off-white head. The nose is primarily malt with a bitter hop aroma. The taste is almost identical, with the heavy grain flavor up front and ending with the hoppy bitterness. It must be my bottle, but it feels like the back end of the flavor is missing from what I remember.
Nov 06, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by dkoehler42 from New York
I found this in the fridge and couldn't believe I hadn't reviewed it. It pours a dark brownish ruby color with an off-white head. The nose is primarily malt with a bitter hop aroma. The taste is almost identical, with the heavy grain flavor up front and ending with the hoppy bitterness. It must be my bottle, but it feels like the back end of the flavor is missing from what I remember.
Nov 06, 2021
4.29/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by gvickery from Texas
Dark reddish copper, clear, off-white head. Smells like toasted raisin bread, on the subtle side. Theres some light citrus notes as well. There’s an initial taste of caramel malts and biscuit immediately followed by a freight train of intense hop bitterness. You can vaguely taste some slight pine/citrus/spice from the hops but it’s mostly just early addition bittering hops that almost make it seem “hot”. No doubt about it, the labels right, if you’re a casual beer drinker or someone who is not very schooled in beer styles you will definitely not like this. It should be appreciated for how being a well made ale.
Oct 16, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by gvickery from Texas
Dark reddish copper, clear, off-white head. Smells like toasted raisin bread, on the subtle side. Theres some light citrus notes as well. There’s an initial taste of caramel malts and biscuit immediately followed by a freight train of intense hop bitterness. You can vaguely taste some slight pine/citrus/spice from the hops but it’s mostly just early addition bittering hops that almost make it seem “hot”. No doubt about it, the labels right, if you’re a casual beer drinker or someone who is not very schooled in beer styles you will definitely not like this. It should be appreciated for how being a well made ale.
Oct 16, 2021
3.97/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Zopiac from Michigan
Properly bitter. Sweet and malty.
Oct 09, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Zopiac from Michigan
Properly bitter. Sweet and malty.
Oct 09, 2021
4 by altrio on Oct 04, 2021
4.15 by Jonathan-Morgan from Florida on Sep 27, 2021
3.34 by SeaBass12378 from Virginia on Sep 24, 2021
4.14 by emwilke from Nevada on Sep 24, 2021
3.93 by UconnBeerFan on Sep 23, 2021
4.37 by MobBarley from Oregon on Sep 11, 2021
4.04/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by gooddaydiablo from Texas
look: dark red tea color with tons of off white foam
smell: super malty, candy
taste: huge malt, caramel in the middle, pine in the end
feel: thin body, smooth, not so balanced, too bitter ...
overall: this is a big beer, it's not for everyone, it is strong, a little old fashioned, cheers!
Sep 10, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by gooddaydiablo from Texas
look: dark red tea color with tons of off white foam
smell: super malty, candy
taste: huge malt, caramel in the middle, pine in the end
feel: thin body, smooth, not so balanced, too bitter ...
overall: this is a big beer, it's not for everyone, it is strong, a little old fashioned, cheers!
Sep 10, 2021
4.21 by Rhetion from Florida on Aug 20, 2021
3.77 by D-Duvelicious from Illinois on Aug 13, 2021
2.99/5 rDev -27.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
by Barnettaidan81
Honestly, they were partially right with that label description. I hated it. Not because my palate isn’t refined enough, but because honestly this just wasn’t good. Definitely arrogant. Really bitter, but the bitterness isn’t leading you to anything, it’s just there. It’s very piney in my opinion and if the bitterness leads you anywhere, thats it. Pine cones and juniper bushes. Honestly just kind of nasty. I won’t be getting it again, and I’m surprised at how many people actually like this. I don’t really waste beer ever, if I open it I drink it all and give it a fair shot, but this one went down the sink about half way through.
Jul 23, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
by Barnettaidan81
Honestly, they were partially right with that label description. I hated it. Not because my palate isn’t refined enough, but because honestly this just wasn’t good. Definitely arrogant. Really bitter, but the bitterness isn’t leading you to anything, it’s just there. It’s very piney in my opinion and if the bitterness leads you anywhere, thats it. Pine cones and juniper bushes. Honestly just kind of nasty. I won’t be getting it again, and I’m surprised at how many people actually like this. I don’t really waste beer ever, if I open it I drink it all and give it a fair shot, but this one went down the sink about half way through.
Jul 23, 2021
4.07 by azwdz on Jul 21, 2021
3.75 by FunkyPolak from New Jersey on Jul 18, 2021
4.28 by Kgodbolt15 on Jul 17, 2021
3.57/5 rDev -13.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by FrMatthewLC from Canada (NS)
Decent but not extraordinary.
Jul 02, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by FrMatthewLC from Canada (NS)
Decent but not extraordinary.
Jul 02, 2021
4.19 by Wilkolaczek94 from Connecticut on Jun 23, 2021
4.83 by XMiller on Jun 22, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by rapayn01 from Kentucky
I poured an Imperial pint can into a standard shaker pint glass. It was one of those beers arrayed in the singles at my local liquor store annex to the large grocery chain. The beer has plenty of malt taste (that abv is a good hint) without much sweetness -- and just enough hop bitterness for my tastes. I found it to be kind of like a balanced IPA. I'm not sure why I didn't have this until this year (in February), but I'll be having more in the future!
Jun 16, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by rapayn01 from Kentucky
I poured an Imperial pint can into a standard shaker pint glass. It was one of those beers arrayed in the singles at my local liquor store annex to the large grocery chain. The beer has plenty of malt taste (that abv is a good hint) without much sweetness -- and just enough hop bitterness for my tastes. I found it to be kind of like a balanced IPA. I'm not sure why I didn't have this until this year (in February), but I'll be having more in the future!
Jun 16, 2021
3.47/5 rDev -16.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by BerkeleyBeerSleuth from California
Deep reddish-brown with a very rich light brown head. For the aroma, I immediately observe toasty caramel malts. On the fruity end there is pineapple. I taste a highly bitter beer that conceals the malt flavors. The finish is highly bitter and their is some alcohol warmth. Just not a lot of flavor in this one.
Jun 14, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by BerkeleyBeerSleuth from California
Deep reddish-brown with a very rich light brown head. For the aroma, I immediately observe toasty caramel malts. On the fruity end there is pineapple. I taste a highly bitter beer that conceals the malt flavors. The finish is highly bitter and their is some alcohol warmth. Just not a lot of flavor in this one.
Jun 14, 2021
4.43/5 rDev +7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
Cannot believe not reviewed before - from first time I had in 1990s as gift from my father-in-law (I hated it) to today, it is the classic hop journey.
Clear deep reddish mahogany pour with two fingers of creamy/frothy tawny coloured head.
Malty nose - caramel , toffee, notes of citrus hop, piney; slightly floral.
Yeah - that's the stuff - sweet caramel, toffee malt that is obliterated by sticky resinous hop bitters - grapefruit peel, pine, orange rind; earthy.
Medium mouthfeel with decent but not overbearing carbonation - lingering and building bitterness washes over the palate.
This remains a trailblazing beer that may not be for every day consumption, but every time I come back to it I love it and love how at first I did not.
Jun 10, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
Cannot believe not reviewed before - from first time I had in 1990s as gift from my father-in-law (I hated it) to today, it is the classic hop journey.
Clear deep reddish mahogany pour with two fingers of creamy/frothy tawny coloured head.
Malty nose - caramel , toffee, notes of citrus hop, piney; slightly floral.
Yeah - that's the stuff - sweet caramel, toffee malt that is obliterated by sticky resinous hop bitters - grapefruit peel, pine, orange rind; earthy.
Medium mouthfeel with decent but not overbearing carbonation - lingering and building bitterness washes over the palate.
This remains a trailblazing beer that may not be for every day consumption, but every time I come back to it I love it and love how at first I did not.
Jun 10, 2021
Arrogant Bastard Ale from Arrogant Consortia
Beer rating:
92 out of
100 with
11125 ratings