Beer Review – Arrogant Bastard

• Name: Arrogant Bastard
• Brewery: Arrogant Brewing
• Style: American Strong Ale
• Origin: California
• ABV: 7.2%

Arrogant Bastard has a certain reputation. As Instagram user @dark_n_brewding so eloquently said, “It kicks you in the balls and then kisses you on the cheek”. Arrogant Bastard’s aggressive reputation is happily acknowledged by Arrogant Brewing in saying:

This is an aggressive 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 multimillion-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 multimillion-dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.

With its reputation preceding it, Arrogant Bastard Ale has cemented itself in the social media presence of the craft beer community. Not a single day goes by in which I am able to avoid that sassy looking demon. For that reason, when I saw Arrogant Bastard on the menu at San Antonio’s Flying Saucer, I had to include it in my flight.

Arrogant Bastard’s dark, hazy appearance screams of the goading arrogance its brand so happily embraces. Surprisingly, it has a fruity and slightly sweet aroma, backed up by notes of coffee.

Dark_n_brewding’s description quite aptly describes the experience one is treated to by Arrogant Bastard. With a thick mouth-feel and a bitterness that hits you hard, Arrogant Bastard is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. That said, it is a well crafted brew. The initial bark of bitterness doesn’t linger too long, making Arrogant Bastard a very pleasant beer to drink; intensely flavored but somewhat fleeting.

All-in-all, Arrogant Bastard impressed me. I am looking forward to trying one of their several other brews in the near future.

TL;DR

Arrogant Bastard is exactly what it claims to be. If you’re looking for a well crafted ale that demands your respect, you’ve found it. I recommend giving Arrogant Bastard a try, if you’re game enough.

Rating: 8/10

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Learn more about Arrogant Bastard at its website, Untappd and Beer Advocate.