“This is an agressive 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 suggest that you stick to safer more familiar territory — maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little bewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.”
… so reads the saying on each bottle of Arrogant Bastard Ale. OK, Brew Review over — they’ve said all that needs to be said. Well, almost.
I picked up a 22-ounce bomber of the Arrogant Bastard, since a) it has a damned cool name with a motto on it I can salute, and b) it’s hard to avoid the bottle with the horned, winged demon staring at you with eyes that are saying to your soul: “you don’t deserve me, you foolish ball of worthless flesh and bones, but you will buy me, whether it’s with the coin in your pockets or your pitiful soul!” After calling for cleanup in aisle three of my puddle of fear-induced pee, I bought a bottle (with money!) and took it home.
I totally perfer beers lacking “multi-millon dollar ad campaigns,” so I don’t think the Arrogant Bastard saying applies to me. However, this ale (which is considered an American strong ale) is definitely something special. The taste that hit me right away was “fruity,” sweet and definitely hoppy with a citrus taste (probably why I considered it fruity). Don’t let the label’s wording or the image of Satan on the bottle throw you too much — this beer has a taste of its own, but it’s not likely to smack you in the mouth if you’re not too experienced in different beers, much like how I consider Belgian beers hit me the first time I tried them.
If you’re into the bold taste of hops in a beer and like something on the moderate-to-strong side, you’ll do yourself a disservice in not giving this beer a try. RateBeer gives Arrogant Bastard a worthy 98/100 rating. Come on, you know you want to tell someone you bought/tried an “Arrogant Bastard!” Share it with someone more worthy of the rest of the 22-ounce bottle if you need to — I’m free most Friday nights.
Clacked by Keith McDuffee 
on Mar 27, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
