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Beer Reviews

Arrogant Bastard Ale

Stone Brewing Co.
Escondido, CA
USA
http://www.stonebrew.com

Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 7.2%

Rings’s Rating:
   (Recommended)


Comments:
Stone Brewing is a California brand that needs no introduction for anyone who fancies himself a “beer aficionado.” They’ve been a craft legacy brewer since the early to mid-’90s and foisted their Arrogant Bastard upon the world in 1997, along with the “you are not worthy” word-of-mouth marketing campaign. It was such a big deal, the Great American Beer Festival is alleged to have created a new category, American Strong Ale, to house it because it defied traditional categorization.

With California roots, it’s not shy with the Humulus lupulus. Pouring a dark red pruny color, it holds a thin head throughout the pour. The nose is dry hopped and the first sip continues very dry. There is a big, faintly malty body of fruit, pine, and mild citrus notes dominated by the big, hoppy aromas of their classified blend. It finishes dry with a lingering bitterness.

It’s a big beer—obviously—and one to please hopheads or someone in the big-IPA mood.


Reviewed by Rings on October 22, 2012.

Drinkin’ And Thinkin’

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