Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
Stone Brewing Senior Manager of Brewing & Innovation Jeremy Moynier Talks Arrogant Bastard Ale
96 Rating - World Class
We spoke with Stone Brewing Senior Manager of Brewing & Innovation Jeremy Moynier about Arrogant Bastard Ale.
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
Steve Wagner, Stone Brewing’s co-founder and original brewmaster. Co-Founder Greg Koch gets credit on this one as well. The recipe was actually a mistake. They made a miscalculation of malt and hops and knew pretty quickly that it wasn’t the beer they’d intended to brew. Steve was ready to toss it all when Greg Koch suggested they give it a chance. It turned out to be a very welcome mistake!
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
What is the style? American strong ale? It’s not a red ale. It’s not an IPA. It’s not a pale ale. It doesn’t really fit that well into any beer style category. When I first started at Stone, this beer blew my mind. I didn’t know what it was and had never had anything like it. It was malty, bitter, hoppy and higher-ABV. All I knew was that I loved it, and it was just about the only beer I drank for that first year because I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I had one last week as I do from time to time. It still blows my mind.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
It’s truly an original, unique beer. Add in the creative marketing of it (“Hated By Many. Loved By Few.”) and you have an absolute home run. Greg and Steve figured they would sell through that original “mistake” batch and be done with it. It sold out in the blink of an eye and there was passionate feedback from people who did love it (and there were people who hated it). Arrogant Bastard Ale was born.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
It’s malty, hoppy, bitter and has a nice ABV level. Full body and, yes, you can have more than one (but be careful).
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
Arrogant Bastard Ale still has an incredibly loyal following. We have been brewing Arrogant Bastard Ale for 26 years with no end in sight.
