When I am having a difficult time deciding what to purchase (which happens often), an interesting name can become the tiebreaker. I didn’t grab an Arrogant Bastard the first time I saw it on the shelves, or even the second, but I remembered it enough to be sure that it eventually made it into the basket and home with me. One of these days I will start mixing in reviews for beers that I didn’t like so much (per good suggestion from Rob), but this isn’t one of them.
I am currently on the look out for the Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale . . . it will only elude me for so long!
Brewery: Stone Brewing Company (North County San Diego, California)
Name: Arrogant Bastard Ale
Style: American Amber Ale (Strong Ale?)
ABV: 7.2%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass. $4.99 for 1pt. 6oz.
Aroma: Sweetness with slight roasted maltiness and subtle (but plentiful) hop aroma.
Appearance: Deep amber to red color. Three (plus) finger, light brown head with very good retention and trail. Fairly clear with some bubbles rising visible.
Flavor: Even hop flavor with some slight dryness at the finish (not lingering). Roasted malt flavor present with a little noticeable warmth. Really well balanced hoppiness and malty sweetness.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with pretty high carbonation. Very smooth and easy drinking.
Overall Impressions: A really enjoyable beer to have a few of. The flavor is fairly close to what the aroma suggests. The flavors get even better (and more complex) as the beer warms some. Would certainly drink again.
Grade: B+ to A-
Perhaps I am not worthy . . . yet.
I’m probably just being lazy, but is there anywhere on your site to learn what the terms you use mean? If not on your site, any advice on where to find out what “hoppiness” and “maltiness” taste like? Smell like? I know what I like in beer, but I don’t know what to call it.
Absolutely . . . I am still trying to figure all of that out myself. There is a post on another site that had a very good list of beer tasting terms that I can dig up. Thank you for giving me material for a new post!