What Stone says;

This is an aggressive ale. 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 multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beverage will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make things taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.

At Stone Brewing, we believe that pandering to the lowest common denominator represents the height of tyranny – a virtual form of keeping the consumer barefoot and stupid. Brought forth upon an unsuspecting public in 1997, Arrogant Bastard Ale openly challenged the tyrannical overlords who were brazenly attempting to keep Americans chained in the shackles of poor taste. As the progenitor of its style, Arrogant Bastard Ale has reveled in its unprecedented and uncompromising celebration of intensity. There have been many nods to Arrogant Bastard Ale…even outright attempts to copy it… but only one can ever embody the true nature of liquid Arrogance!

Stats: 7.2% ABV

Style: American Strong Ale

First released: 1997

Tapped 2/25/12

ABV of 5.7%.
Tapped: 9/1/11 (for our Fantasy Football draft night)

9/2 Update: We poured a lot from the keg – maybe about 5-6 pitchers in 90 minutes or so – and it poured terrible.  Sometimes the first beer to pour has a large head but this was consistently a thick foam that would monopolize about 90%+ of the pour, as pictured below.  We ended up having to pour into a pitcher just to let it sit for a while in able to pour into our beers.  Tim has already offered to replace the keg but at this point (more than half-way through it) I might just finish it and be weary to buy “new” brews from BBC (who is already slowly falling out of favor with me).

Wachusett says;

Country Pale Ale
The Balanced Pale Ale

• The best selling ale in Central Massachusetts

• First brewed 1994

• Available year round

Our original brew crafted by Ned, Kevin and Quinny in the early 90′s with super drinkability.
American two row pale with Crystal malts Cascade, Willamette and Cluster hops.

A.B.V. 5.1% | 17 IBUs

Keg #50
Tapped 6/24/11
Kicked 8/31/11 (68 days later).
Great beer, just took too long to finish as it spanned August, which was basically a dry month.

We’re recovering from a pair of the slowest moving kegs we’ve ever had (Geary’s HSA & especially Gritty’s Halloween) so this should be a nice, welcome change.  I also wanted to serve something light since I’ve been getting sinus/allergy headaches when drinking and I suspect it might be the hops that I’m allergic to… which this hopefully won’t affect as much. [6/9/10 Update: it seems to be fine & allergy-free.  The Willamette hops didn't seem to bother me at all]

From BBC,

BBC’s flagship brew is a light colored, medium bodied ale exhibiting exceptional freshness through its 2-Row Pale malt backbone and signature hop flavor and aroma.  In the words of renowned beer writer Lew Bryson, Steel Rail EPA is “what the water in heaven oughta taste like.”

5.3% Alcohol by volume (ABV)
20 International Bitterness Units (IBU)

Tapped 6/8

Kicked 6/15

…kicked during the Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup win!