Arrogant Bastard Ale

Enjoyed early yesterday evening (Sunday) while watching Rounders with Jen. It was the first time this term I've had time to really sit down and watch a movie without the stress of school hanging over my head.

Appearance: Pint glass. Poured thick with a robust creamy yellow/tan head it resembled a sustained, almost soapy appearance. Color of brown cloudy maple syrup.

Aroma: Strong herbaceous honey-like smell. Caramel overtones assimilated with toffee and sauteed dark fruit. Floral and aromatic smells permeate the nostrils.

Taste: Slight butterscotch midtaste. First impression is overwhelmingly bitter! I taste the very apparent aromatic and bittering hops which are both very distinguishable. It takes a nutty, barrel/cask aftertaste. After my palate got used to the initial bitter slap in the face, I could taste what resembled subtle undertones of chocolate and cocoa nibs, still bitter, but nevertheless contributing to the complex flavor. There remained a bitterness of fruit and caramel, accompanied with a toasted pumpernickel choco-flavored deliciousness!

Mouthfeel: Body is thick and tacky with a heavy unforgiving texture. Perfect carbonation. Leaves a coated bitter aftertaste that hardly dissipates long after the beer goes down.

Overall Impression: Hardly boozy. Amazingly balanced in its complexity revealing each distinguishable flavor and smell in its own, but working together as it metamorphosizes from start to finish



95/100