Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

"It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth... We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life... Passion threatens the complacent..." These are just excerpts from the two paragraphs on the back of my Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale brewed by Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, CA. Now I've read their bottle writings before--seems they have some alternative universe drill sergeant on staff there. But this one was crazy, as if some dark, motivational speaker was daring me to execute myself. This writer should go to work for Saturday Night Live and their skits.

So here goes. Let's see if I am Arrogant Bastard enough for this beer. I am guessing if I say anything negative, the answer is "no, I am not."

Wow, holy cow! First sip, what a blast of citrus, like grapefruit juice beer. And you can really taste the woody oak flavors as the aftertaste develops. Pretty nice so far, and since this beer is really evolving as I am writing in between sips, I'd suggest taking it slow and enjoying all the flavors. There is definitely an alcohol and hoppy flavor mixed in with all the citrus and the aroma also gives off both alcohol and a tangerine type scent. The oak and floral aftertaste is good.

My take is that I am not complacent but need to be a little more of an arrogant bastard to pick up another bottle. Maybe I'll try that tomorrow at work with a customer (the arrogance that is, not the drinking). In the meantime, I am glad I had this experience, and I suggest you do too.

Arrogant Bastard Ale Jersey

Arrogant Bastard Ale Pint Glass

English Laundry Men's Arrogant Collection Stainless Steel Watch #AR006