Arrogant Bastard Ale
Arrogant Consortia
Beer Geek Stats
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- Style:
- Strong Ale - American
Ranked #16 - ABV:
- 7.2%
- Score:
- 93
Ranked #1,987 - Avg:
- 4.18 | pDev: 12.44%
- Reviews:
- 3,207
- Ratings:
- From:
- Arrogant Consortia
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 485
- Gots
- 2,874
SCORE
93
Outstanding
93
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!
Reviews: 3,207
| Ratings: 11,077
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Sigmund from Norway
3.44/5 rDev -17.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 7.2%. Dark brown to ruby colour, big to moderate light tan head. Nice but surprisingly moderate aroma of floral and fruity hops. "Arrogance" shows its face in the flavour, with a distinct and aggressive hoppy bitterness from start to finish. There is a certain malty sweetness in the background, but I cannot say the Arrogant Bastard belongs in the "well balanced" category. It is probably not meant to belong there. Perhaps I am "not worthy" after all? My wife said she liked it, though. Spooky ...
Mar 20, 2021
3.44/5 rDev -17.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 7.2%. Dark brown to ruby colour, big to moderate light tan head. Nice but surprisingly moderate aroma of floral and fruity hops. "Arrogance" shows its face in the flavour, with a distinct and aggressive hoppy bitterness from start to finish. There is a certain malty sweetness in the background, but I cannot say the Arrogant Bastard belongs in the "well balanced" category. It is probably not meant to belong there. Perhaps I am "not worthy" after all? My wife said she liked it, though. Spooky ...
Mar 20, 2021
brewme from Massachusetts
3.75/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Reminded of this beer by the How many Beers of Fame have you reviewed? post. Reviewed on memory. Have had this several times, was never a huge fan of it.
Mar 20, 2021
3.75/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Reminded of this beer by the How many Beers of Fame have you reviewed? post. Reviewed on memory. Have had this several times, was never a huge fan of it.
Mar 20, 2021
izraelc from New York
4.25/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I first had this almost 20 years ago. Back then it was considered a pretty extreme beer. Now not so much. This beer was definitely ahead of it's time. It really opened your eyes to the possibilities of what beer could be. Pours a dark amber. Big malt aroma. Big bitter hop body. Very aggressive. Slight maltiness with a bitter finish. Surprisingly drinkable. A classic all the way.
Mar 14, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I first had this almost 20 years ago. Back then it was considered a pretty extreme beer. Now not so much. This beer was definitely ahead of it's time. It really opened your eyes to the possibilities of what beer could be. Pours a dark amber. Big malt aroma. Big bitter hop body. Very aggressive. Slight maltiness with a bitter finish. Surprisingly drinkable. A classic all the way.
Mar 14, 2021
BiologyBob from Texas
3.26/5 rDev -22%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a tall boy. This is a classic strong ale.
Amber clean pour with nice head retention. Aroma of hops and malt.
High powered bitter metallic hoppy flavor.
Malty, bitter, yet enjoyable.
Feb 15, 2021
3.26/5 rDev -22%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a tall boy. This is a classic strong ale.
Amber clean pour with nice head retention. Aroma of hops and malt.
High powered bitter metallic hoppy flavor.
Malty, bitter, yet enjoyable.
Feb 15, 2021
ANIMOUL from Vermont
4/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 19oz stovepipe. Pours reddish brown with significant lasting head. Great lacing all the way down. Taste is of semi-strong burnt malts with nice hops. Tastes more like a strong red / amber ale rather than a "strong" ale. Good.
Jan 30, 2021
4/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 19oz stovepipe. Pours reddish brown with significant lasting head. Great lacing all the way down. Taste is of semi-strong burnt malts with nice hops. Tastes more like a strong red / amber ale rather than a "strong" ale. Good.
Jan 30, 2021
UristMcBrewer from Pennsylvania
3.81/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
The beer is a dark brown that shines a beautiful ruby when held up to the light. There is a big tan head to top it off. On the nose, it is roasty with a warm alcohol smell. It has a nutty character to the nose. The flavor is muted at first with that roasty nuttiness; earthy. It gives way to a very spicy, phenolic finish that really sticks around. In that finish there is a a distinct alcohol flavor. The body is mouth coating but also loose. carbonation is there but not too notable. The alcohol is warming on the way down. Overall, it is an interesting beer. The spiciness on the finish is the defining characteristic.
Jan 18, 2021
3.81/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
The beer is a dark brown that shines a beautiful ruby when held up to the light. There is a big tan head to top it off. On the nose, it is roasty with a warm alcohol smell. It has a nutty character to the nose. The flavor is muted at first with that roasty nuttiness; earthy. It gives way to a very spicy, phenolic finish that really sticks around. In that finish there is a a distinct alcohol flavor. The body is mouth coating but also loose. carbonation is there but not too notable. The alcohol is warming on the way down. Overall, it is an interesting beer. The spiciness on the finish is the defining characteristic.
Jan 18, 2021
KHadaway1 from Florida
4.93/5 rDev +17.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of my top 5 beers. Excellent balance of malt and bitterness. A strong ale but not as high APV as it might seem. A bit hard to find in north Florida.
Jan 16, 2021
4.93/5 rDev +17.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of my top 5 beers. Excellent balance of malt and bitterness. A strong ale but not as high APV as it might seem. A bit hard to find in north Florida.
Jan 16, 2021
imnodoctorbut from Texas
4.12/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
deep amber brown body pours with an excited mound of sudsy near-tanned head with moderately low retention that leaves occasional sticky lacing as it settles to a thin halo
aroma is aggressive pine hop, molasses, burnt caramel and tobacco - all beneath a mushroom cloud of booze
taste is a punchy, super aggressive blast of pine hop soaked in booze. there is a rich malt bomb beneath the surface as well. orange, peel and all, sneak in. tobacco and oak are in the wings.
feel is medium carbonation, medium body. dry the whole way through, with plenty of booze heat. somewhat grainy at times.
overall:
the most crazy dry and aggressive IPA i've ever had! ;)
OK. it's not an IPA. but it's certainly the most hop heavy non-ipa I've ever had.
if you need a wake up call, this one is akin to smelling salts, so be prepared.
it's not an easy sipper. but it's not trying to be. a hands down classic, which may or may not have launched a revolution.
Jan 11, 2021
4.12/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
deep amber brown body pours with an excited mound of sudsy near-tanned head with moderately low retention that leaves occasional sticky lacing as it settles to a thin halo
aroma is aggressive pine hop, molasses, burnt caramel and tobacco - all beneath a mushroom cloud of booze
taste is a punchy, super aggressive blast of pine hop soaked in booze. there is a rich malt bomb beneath the surface as well. orange, peel and all, sneak in. tobacco and oak are in the wings.
feel is medium carbonation, medium body. dry the whole way through, with plenty of booze heat. somewhat grainy at times.
overall:
the most crazy dry and aggressive IPA i've ever had! ;)
OK. it's not an IPA. but it's certainly the most hop heavy non-ipa I've ever had.
if you need a wake up call, this one is akin to smelling salts, so be prepared.
it's not an easy sipper. but it's not trying to be. a hands down classic, which may or may not have launched a revolution.
Jan 11, 2021
defunksta from North Dakota
3.81/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours a darkened ruby, browned color with a large yellow-tinged off-white head. SRM of 18-20. (4.25)
Aroma: The aromas develop as it warms. Strong, deep, and sweet aromas. There's huge resinous flavors of burnt caramel, tobacco, molasses, citrus mandarin orange. Mostly orange citrus, molasses, cocoa. Deep and sweet. (3.75)
Flavor: Flavor develops as it warms. First, strong and smoky flavors of burnt caramel, pine, boiled molasses. Deep, dark, and burnt resin. Moderately better and sweet. I get some sappy tangerine, pineapple, peach nectar. Some burnt molasses and caramel mixed with warmed and toasted pine needles. Lots of alcohol for sure. Combines to form somewhat of a leather flavor. Then a large, flavorless, soapy pine bitterness on the finish that lingers. (3.75)
Feel: Extremely heavier-bodied as expected. Moderate carbonation. Huge lingering soapy and non-distinct bitterness on the palate. (4.00)
Compared w/ Sierra Nevada's Celebration Fresh Hop IPA 2020: This one pours a darker color. Nearly identical beers. Faint aromas on both, less pine here. Less flavor here. It's heavier and more resinous. A stronger bitterness, but less pine flavor.
2021: Again pours a darker color. More smokey and burnt caramel, molasses, pine, leather, and tobacco.
Compared to Surly's Damien Child of Darkness 5/17/20: Pours a lighter amber-ish color with a much stronger head. Stronger citrus soap and pine. Less roasted black malt. Much stronger bitterness, body, and alcohol sweetness.
Overall: An interesting beer. Deep, dark and complex. Deep and dark flavors of burnt caramel, burnt tobacco, burnt molasses, burnt pine needles. Sappy and resinous. It rounds out and provides a puzzling leather flavor. Suppose maybe tastes like a sweet cigar. The flavors are complex though, and you'll notice many of the reviews don't mention specific flavors. Then a giant wave of bitterness courtesy of Stone. Sort of a mix between Stone IPA and a scotch ale (Dirt Bastard?). This beer packs a punch and (Final Rating: 3.81)
*Compare next to something like Dirty Bastard, but this will be more bitter*
Jan 09, 2021
3.81/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours a darkened ruby, browned color with a large yellow-tinged off-white head. SRM of 18-20. (4.25)
Aroma: The aromas develop as it warms. Strong, deep, and sweet aromas. There's huge resinous flavors of burnt caramel, tobacco, molasses, citrus mandarin orange. Mostly orange citrus, molasses, cocoa. Deep and sweet. (3.75)
Flavor: Flavor develops as it warms. First, strong and smoky flavors of burnt caramel, pine, boiled molasses. Deep, dark, and burnt resin. Moderately better and sweet. I get some sappy tangerine, pineapple, peach nectar. Some burnt molasses and caramel mixed with warmed and toasted pine needles. Lots of alcohol for sure. Combines to form somewhat of a leather flavor. Then a large, flavorless, soapy pine bitterness on the finish that lingers. (3.75)
Feel: Extremely heavier-bodied as expected. Moderate carbonation. Huge lingering soapy and non-distinct bitterness on the palate. (4.00)
Compared w/ Sierra Nevada's Celebration Fresh Hop IPA 2020: This one pours a darker color. Nearly identical beers. Faint aromas on both, less pine here. Less flavor here. It's heavier and more resinous. A stronger bitterness, but less pine flavor.
2021: Again pours a darker color. More smokey and burnt caramel, molasses, pine, leather, and tobacco.
Compared to Surly's Damien Child of Darkness 5/17/20: Pours a lighter amber-ish color with a much stronger head. Stronger citrus soap and pine. Less roasted black malt. Much stronger bitterness, body, and alcohol sweetness.
Overall: An interesting beer. Deep, dark and complex. Deep and dark flavors of burnt caramel, burnt tobacco, burnt molasses, burnt pine needles. Sappy and resinous. It rounds out and provides a puzzling leather flavor. Suppose maybe tastes like a sweet cigar. The flavors are complex though, and you'll notice many of the reviews don't mention specific flavors. Then a giant wave of bitterness courtesy of Stone. Sort of a mix between Stone IPA and a scotch ale (Dirt Bastard?). This beer packs a punch and (Final Rating: 3.81)
*Compare next to something like Dirty Bastard, but this will be more bitter*
Jan 09, 2021
Jazz1 from Iowa
4.94/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Now this in an old bottle, found two in the fridge downstairs with some old Belgiums that I hope have survived.
Whoa, if you like Oak, and reasonably high alcohol content, this is a perfect winter evening beer with some jazz (taste and music) ;) It does have a bitter aftertaste, but if you can take the Oak, then you can also appreciate the bitterness as it slap your tongue around. I like it!
I have one bottle left of this old boy. I'll have to share it with a friend!
Jan 05, 2021
4.94/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Now this in an old bottle, found two in the fridge downstairs with some old Belgiums that I hope have survived.
Whoa, if you like Oak, and reasonably high alcohol content, this is a perfect winter evening beer with some jazz (taste and music) ;) It does have a bitter aftertaste, but if you can take the Oak, then you can also appreciate the bitterness as it slap your tongue around. I like it!
I have one bottle left of this old boy. I'll have to share it with a friend!
Jan 05, 2021
IBU_Hunter from California
4.61/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Tasted both can and bottle in Dec 2020 before their best by dates.
*Aroma: limited tropical aroma/very very subtle pineapple, hoppy, mild roasted/toasted malt
*Looks: BEAUTIFUL! Looks chocolaty, amber-brown
*Taste: The first sip is dry, not too thick mouth-feel, dissipates in the tongue easily BUT then it’s a slap in your face with HOPS, HOPS, HOPS & MORE HOPS!
*Final Verdict*: This is an awesome, well made, aggressive bitter ale that’s a must-have for people who like strong hoppy beers! This is a cult-status Beer, and perhaps the best one in that cult regards :)
Although it is a bitter beer, the drinkability is light & refreshing. You cannot find another beer that’s so bitter yet beautifully refreshing & arrogant. It is not heavy malty by any means! Salute.
Solid “A” from me! Beautiful work by Stone. Note: Try to get their fresh 6-pack cans, the cans are super-cool looking compared to bottles!!! For some reason, I also found cans to better tasting & different colored beer than bottled beer (may be my illusion).
Dec 29, 2020
4.61/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Tasted both can and bottle in Dec 2020 before their best by dates.
*Aroma: limited tropical aroma/very very subtle pineapple, hoppy, mild roasted/toasted malt
*Looks: BEAUTIFUL! Looks chocolaty, amber-brown
*Taste: The first sip is dry, not too thick mouth-feel, dissipates in the tongue easily BUT then it’s a slap in your face with HOPS, HOPS, HOPS & MORE HOPS!
*Final Verdict*: This is an awesome, well made, aggressive bitter ale that’s a must-have for people who like strong hoppy beers! This is a cult-status Beer, and perhaps the best one in that cult regards :)
Although it is a bitter beer, the drinkability is light & refreshing. You cannot find another beer that’s so bitter yet beautifully refreshing & arrogant. It is not heavy malty by any means! Salute.
Solid “A” from me! Beautiful work by Stone. Note: Try to get their fresh 6-pack cans, the cans are super-cool looking compared to bottles!!! For some reason, I also found cans to better tasting & different colored beer than bottled beer (may be my illusion).
Dec 29, 2020
ChristopherCurtis from New York
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Clear amber with some orange hues. Rocky tan puck of foam. Hypnotizing carbonation.
Smell: Herbal and spicy with some sourdough and faint tobacco.
Taste: Bitter pine, golden raisins, rye toast that's been charred to ash, marmalade. Aftertaste lasts into oblivion.
Feel: Carbonated neckbeard nectar.
Overall: Dry, bitter and complex. This is some good shit.
Nov 27, 2020
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Clear amber with some orange hues. Rocky tan puck of foam. Hypnotizing carbonation.
Smell: Herbal and spicy with some sourdough and faint tobacco.
Taste: Bitter pine, golden raisins, rye toast that's been charred to ash, marmalade. Aftertaste lasts into oblivion.
Feel: Carbonated neckbeard nectar.
Overall: Dry, bitter and complex. This is some good shit.
Nov 27, 2020
TedHead from Illinois
3.66/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark red copper with a slightly tan head. Smells like caramel malts with hoppy floral smell and slight dark chocolate notes. Taste is like roasted malts and notes of coffee sweetness followed by apparent hop bitterness. Goes down very easily with little carbonation. Overall I expected a little more. It's very balanced in hops to malt and sweetness to bitterness-everything is very middle of the road and nothing in particular stuck out to me.
Sep 29, 2020
3.66/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark red copper with a slightly tan head. Smells like caramel malts with hoppy floral smell and slight dark chocolate notes. Taste is like roasted malts and notes of coffee sweetness followed by apparent hop bitterness. Goes down very easily with little carbonation. Overall I expected a little more. It's very balanced in hops to malt and sweetness to bitterness-everything is very middle of the road and nothing in particular stuck out to me.
Sep 29, 2020
BNSlums from Washington
3.15/5 rDev -24.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.25
S: malty, buttery caramel hints, subtle juice
L: dark amber to mahogany, pours a very thick tan head that settles over time
T: surprised by the initial spice but quick to fade, caramel toffee notes, nutty
F: full bodied and oiley, a beer you could chew on but not a meal beer
As far as ales go, at 7.2abv this is a solid choice. Their marketing campaign feels like a personal attack, however. Well done.
Sep 27, 2020
3.15/5 rDev -24.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.25
S: malty, buttery caramel hints, subtle juice
L: dark amber to mahogany, pours a very thick tan head that settles over time
T: surprised by the initial spice but quick to fade, caramel toffee notes, nutty
F: full bodied and oiley, a beer you could chew on but not a meal beer
As far as ales go, at 7.2abv this is a solid choice. Their marketing campaign feels like a personal attack, however. Well done.
Sep 27, 2020
THE_VANDAL from Arkansas
3.81/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A woody, nutty, and molasses-like sweetness on the pour that moved on to the mouth. Coffee oils accompanied a pecan pith-type bitterness, lasting well after the swallow. Warming alcohol flush after that first swallow. Admittedly, a bit heavy for my tastes, but one that a big malts fan will relish.
Sep 26, 2020
3.81/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A woody, nutty, and molasses-like sweetness on the pour that moved on to the mouth. Coffee oils accompanied a pecan pith-type bitterness, lasting well after the swallow. Warming alcohol flush after that first swallow. Admittedly, a bit heavy for my tastes, but one that a big malts fan will relish.
Sep 26, 2020
bret27 from California
3.51/5 rDev -16%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 yrs or so since I last had this.
Now comes in a tall boy for $3.49.
About 2 months old.
Very dark clear amber, tan creamy head.
Smells like spicy grassy hops. Maybe not super fresh. Malt-woodsy.
Tastes like a hoppy amber. Kind of resiny rye-ish.
Medium.
Overall: doesn’t stand out anymore. I honestly have no idea if the recipe is changed but it does taste like a macro version of a microbrew.
Sep 23, 2020
3.51/5 rDev -16%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 yrs or so since I last had this.
Now comes in a tall boy for $3.49.
About 2 months old.
Very dark clear amber, tan creamy head.
Smells like spicy grassy hops. Maybe not super fresh. Malt-woodsy.
Tastes like a hoppy amber. Kind of resiny rye-ish.
Medium.
Overall: doesn’t stand out anymore. I honestly have no idea if the recipe is changed but it does taste like a macro version of a microbrew.
Sep 23, 2020
RDWHAHB_Tom from Maryland
4.45/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
9/19/2020
Info: aluminum can, Bottled 6/18/20, BBD 10/07/20, 40*F at sea level
Glassware: Pint glass...
L: Rich, deep, cloudy caramel-amber. Thick, pillow-y tan head with wonderfully-uneven hills of foam. Opaque, glue-like lacing.
S: Mildew-y, buttery yeast. Grass, mint. Booze. Leather.
T: Scotchy black pepper, charcoal. Roasted, biscuity malt. Lemon, grapefruit.
F: Lively, crisp then chewy. Lots of zing on the tip of the tongue.
Overall: This beer *is* an arrogant bastard upfront, but it mellows into a sweet, butterscotch finish. Rude, buttery-yeasty nose; scotchy, peppery, buttery taste with muscular grapefruit bitterness; bite of pepper on the tongue, but it all mellows out into a sweet, buttery, minty warmth. Strong, but still personable, ale!
Sep 19, 2020
4.45/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
9/19/2020
Info: aluminum can, Bottled 6/18/20, BBD 10/07/20, 40*F at sea level
Glassware: Pint glass...
L: Rich, deep, cloudy caramel-amber. Thick, pillow-y tan head with wonderfully-uneven hills of foam. Opaque, glue-like lacing.
S: Mildew-y, buttery yeast. Grass, mint. Booze. Leather.
T: Scotchy black pepper, charcoal. Roasted, biscuity malt. Lemon, grapefruit.
F: Lively, crisp then chewy. Lots of zing on the tip of the tongue.
Overall: This beer *is* an arrogant bastard upfront, but it mellows into a sweet, butterscotch finish. Rude, buttery-yeasty nose; scotchy, peppery, buttery taste with muscular grapefruit bitterness; bite of pepper on the tongue, but it all mellows out into a sweet, buttery, minty warmth. Strong, but still personable, ale!
Sep 19, 2020
OldmanCothran from California
4.15/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
L: Pours a rich cloudy molasses color, thick stout-like head that thins but holds
S: Earthy, malty, bitter
T: Really tasty and drinkable for such a high abv brew, nice blend of malt sweetness, hop floral and a distinct bready bitter finish
O: A solid go to, holds up with heavier grub, high abv makes it a once in a while one for me, but a regional classic
Sep 18, 2020
4.15/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
L: Pours a rich cloudy molasses color, thick stout-like head that thins but holds
S: Earthy, malty, bitter
T: Really tasty and drinkable for such a high abv brew, nice blend of malt sweetness, hop floral and a distinct bready bitter finish
O: A solid go to, holds up with heavier grub, high abv makes it a once in a while one for me, but a regional classic
Sep 18, 2020
spicyhopdaddy from California
3.75/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A watery amber ale. It's dark and smells like caramel, but it's not heavy at all. Very easy breezy. Would be great for a rager. Cool night in the woods, PNW, house party, smell of damp wood and cigarette butts. Sip to savor, or chug it and go dance.
Sep 01, 2020
3.75/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A watery amber ale. It's dark and smells like caramel, but it's not heavy at all. Very easy breezy. Would be great for a rager. Cool night in the woods, PNW, house party, smell of damp wood and cigarette butts. Sip to savor, or chug it and go dance.
Sep 01, 2020
snaotheus from Washington
4.11/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2020-08-21
16oz can served in a can-shaped Flat Stick Pub glass. Canned 06/03/20, Enjoy By 10/01/20. Kudos to the "Arrogant Consortia" for including both. It somewhat mortifies me that I've never reviewed this beer. This was once a go-to for me.
Anyway, pours a rich caramel color, fairly clear, with a big head that fades fairly slowly and a healthy amount of carbonation to support it. Smell is vaguely hoppy, a little toffee, some pine sniffing straight from the can. Overall, fairly muted.
Taste is slight toffee sweetness just for a bit before a burnt caramel and slight dark roast coffee wave bowls me over. Bitterness builds up in west-coast IPA style. Coats the mouth in bitterness, with that toffee and burnt caramel drifting around the palate keeping things interesting.
Mouthfeel is medium or a little thicker. Overall, this beer is a classic. It's even better than I remember thinking it was.
Aug 22, 2020
4.11/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2020-08-21
16oz can served in a can-shaped Flat Stick Pub glass. Canned 06/03/20, Enjoy By 10/01/20. Kudos to the "Arrogant Consortia" for including both. It somewhat mortifies me that I've never reviewed this beer. This was once a go-to for me.
Anyway, pours a rich caramel color, fairly clear, with a big head that fades fairly slowly and a healthy amount of carbonation to support it. Smell is vaguely hoppy, a little toffee, some pine sniffing straight from the can. Overall, fairly muted.
Taste is slight toffee sweetness just for a bit before a burnt caramel and slight dark roast coffee wave bowls me over. Bitterness builds up in west-coast IPA style. Coats the mouth in bitterness, with that toffee and burnt caramel drifting around the palate keeping things interesting.
Mouthfeel is medium or a little thicker. Overall, this beer is a classic. It's even better than I remember thinking it was.
Aug 22, 2020
Peach63 from New York
4.33/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours copper with a 1 1/2 inch thick, foamy tan head. Heavy lacing, which clings to the mug.
Aroma of roast malts, caramel malts, coffee, nuts, toast, pine tar.
Taste follows nose: Roast malts, caramel malts, coffee, nuts, toast, pine tar. Slight woody taste. Resinous. Excellent bitterness.
Medium to full bodied, moderate carbonation. Dry, bitter finish.
This is one of the best beers out there.
Aug 04, 2020
4.33/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours copper with a 1 1/2 inch thick, foamy tan head. Heavy lacing, which clings to the mug.
Aroma of roast malts, caramel malts, coffee, nuts, toast, pine tar.
Taste follows nose: Roast malts, caramel malts, coffee, nuts, toast, pine tar. Slight woody taste. Resinous. Excellent bitterness.
Medium to full bodied, moderate carbonation. Dry, bitter finish.
This is one of the best beers out there.
Aug 04, 2020
Mister_Faucher from Washington
3.9/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
19oz can served in a nonic glass. Canned on 06/25/20.
Look- Clear darker copper color. Solid light khaki head that slowly recedes to a thin foam cap, nice lacing. Light carbonation streams visible.
Smell- Sweet malt, caramel, grapefruit peel, coffee and raisins, toasted nuts and grassy/herbal hop notes.
Taste- Similar to the aroma. Sweet malt and caramel, coffee, raisins and toasted nuttiness followed by grapefruit rind and a very intense herbal hop bitterness.
Feel- Heavier side of medium bodied, sticky and fairly dry. Medium carbonation on the tongue.
O- Pretty nice if you can get past the overwhelming bitterness. As for me that bitterness is a bit too much for my tastes.
Jul 28, 2020
3.9/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
19oz can served in a nonic glass. Canned on 06/25/20.
Look- Clear darker copper color. Solid light khaki head that slowly recedes to a thin foam cap, nice lacing. Light carbonation streams visible.
Smell- Sweet malt, caramel, grapefruit peel, coffee and raisins, toasted nuts and grassy/herbal hop notes.
Taste- Similar to the aroma. Sweet malt and caramel, coffee, raisins and toasted nuttiness followed by grapefruit rind and a very intense herbal hop bitterness.
Feel- Heavier side of medium bodied, sticky and fairly dry. Medium carbonation on the tongue.
O- Pretty nice if you can get past the overwhelming bitterness. As for me that bitterness is a bit too much for my tastes.
Jul 28, 2020
OK_Denise from Oklahoma
3.84/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Maybe my taste buds are wimpy, but I just did not think this was a outstanding Ale. There is nothing wrong with it, but the initial taste and finish are just a bit strong for me. Perhaps that is just part of the style, but it sort of diminished the overall appeal for me. The hoppiness is just a bit too much for my taste. Anyway, it is not anything bad so if you like this style then go ahead and give it a try.
Jul 26, 2020
3.84/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Maybe my taste buds are wimpy, but I just did not think this was a outstanding Ale. There is nothing wrong with it, but the initial taste and finish are just a bit strong for me. Perhaps that is just part of the style, but it sort of diminished the overall appeal for me. The hoppiness is just a bit too much for my taste. Anyway, it is not anything bad so if you like this style then go ahead and give it a try.
Jul 26, 2020
TheBricenator from Oregon
4.4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: Dark ruby-red leaning towards brown, clear, and with a HUGE billowing beige head that leaves big, sticky lacing clinging to the glass
Aroma: Rich dark malts (non-roasted), earthy hops, pine sap, some raisins, a little alcohol heat, and warm brown bread
Taste: Brown bread and pine explode out of the gate, earthiness joins in along with some dark fruit notes. Some fruity esters move in and out of frame before a huge hop bite along with some alcohol close things out
Mouthfeel: Medium-high carbonation, slick and thick mouthfeel – viscous but not over the top. Very dry on the finish
Overall: Damn this beer is awesome and still a huge, palate-wrecking, and tasty concoction. This is the beer that got me into ‘microbrew’ (read: craft beer) 15 years go and also taught me not to be afraid to challenge the palate. Big, bold, unabashed, unapologetic, and thankfully unchanged over the years. Awesome stuff. The perfect beer to have someone try if they scoff at the ‘finger-tilting craft beer’ that you are drinking instead of falling in line with the masses
Jul 20, 2020
4.4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: Dark ruby-red leaning towards brown, clear, and with a HUGE billowing beige head that leaves big, sticky lacing clinging to the glass
Aroma: Rich dark malts (non-roasted), earthy hops, pine sap, some raisins, a little alcohol heat, and warm brown bread
Taste: Brown bread and pine explode out of the gate, earthiness joins in along with some dark fruit notes. Some fruity esters move in and out of frame before a huge hop bite along with some alcohol close things out
Mouthfeel: Medium-high carbonation, slick and thick mouthfeel – viscous but not over the top. Very dry on the finish
Overall: Damn this beer is awesome and still a huge, palate-wrecking, and tasty concoction. This is the beer that got me into ‘microbrew’ (read: craft beer) 15 years go and also taught me not to be afraid to challenge the palate. Big, bold, unabashed, unapologetic, and thankfully unchanged over the years. Awesome stuff. The perfect beer to have someone try if they scoff at the ‘finger-tilting craft beer’ that you are drinking instead of falling in line with the masses
Jul 20, 2020
JacobusFavier23 from Texas
4.11/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
For someone whose been into craft beer drinking for 5+ years now, it's a sin that this is my first time drinking this beer. Pouring this into a pint glass.
L-Dark amber and three finger headed rocky pour. Nice bubbles lively dancing through the beer. The head stays there but dissipates to a lacy foam. Looks incredible.
S-Smells of sweet roasted malt, hops and licorice. Biscuit is also there, and maybe some imperial soy sauce. Very nice.
T-The taste is bitter hop forward for sure. The hop is very piney, but at times citrusy, which is super enjoyable. Wheat and cracker is in the flavor as well. Just solidly crafted and very drinkable for a strong ale.
F-Medium bodied mouthfeel. Enough carbonation.
O-A solid beer at all levels. Crafted extremely well. I don't get the "harsh" aspect everyone says about it. I found it delightfully drinkable and well made.
Jul 01, 2020
4.11/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
For someone whose been into craft beer drinking for 5+ years now, it's a sin that this is my first time drinking this beer. Pouring this into a pint glass.
L-Dark amber and three finger headed rocky pour. Nice bubbles lively dancing through the beer. The head stays there but dissipates to a lacy foam. Looks incredible.
S-Smells of sweet roasted malt, hops and licorice. Biscuit is also there, and maybe some imperial soy sauce. Very nice.
T-The taste is bitter hop forward for sure. The hop is very piney, but at times citrusy, which is super enjoyable. Wheat and cracker is in the flavor as well. Just solidly crafted and very drinkable for a strong ale.
F-Medium bodied mouthfeel. Enough carbonation.
O-A solid beer at all levels. Crafted extremely well. I don't get the "harsh" aspect everyone says about it. I found it delightfully drinkable and well made.
Jul 01, 2020
Arrogant Bastard Ale from Arrogant Consortia
Beer rating:
93 out of
100 with
11077 ratings
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