In a playful twist on a 1990s hit song lyric, “He drinks a whiskey drink, he drinks a lager drink,” fans of both beverages now have a new reason to celebrate. Introducing Arrogant Bastard Whiskey—a unique malt whiskey created from a popular craft beer.
Arrogant Bastard Whiskey isn’t beer itself, but rather beer that has been transformed into whiskey. Specifically, this whiskey is distilled from the wort of Arrogant Bastard Ale. Wort is the liquid that results from soaking malted barley in water before adding yeast for fermentation. Unlike some whiskeys distilled directly from beer, Arrogant Bastard Whiskey takes this process a step further by using wort rather than finished beer.
Arrogant Bastard Ale has been a staple among beer enthusiasts since its debut in 1997. This craft beer, created by Stone Brewing in California, is known for its distinct flavor profile. Although Stone Brewing is now owned by Japanese company Sapporo and might not be considered “craft” in the traditional sense, it remains well-regarded in the beer community.
The wort for Arrogant Bastard Whiskey was produced at Stone Brewing’s Virginia location. It was then transported to Foundry Distilling in Iowa, a distillery founded by former Templeton Rye creator Scott Bush. At Foundry, the wort was fermented, distilled, aged for a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 97 proof. The result is a surprisingly light and fruity whiskey, with notes of green apple, pear, berry, and citrus, complemented by subtle hints of spice and vanilla.
This is not the first collaboration between Foundry Distilling and Stone Brewing. In 2021, they worked together on an earlier version of Arrogant Bastard Whiskey. The following year, they released an Imperial Stout Whiskey. Other distilleries also practice distilling whiskey from beer. For example, Charbray in California, led by master distiller Marko Karakasevic, distills “bottle-ready” beer. Similarly, Westward Whiskey in Portland, Oregon, collaborated with the now-closed BridgePort Brewing.
In addition to Arrogant Bastard Whiskey, Foundry produces other spirits, including Butcher’s Block Vodka, Botanically-Infused Gin, and various brewery collaborations.
Currently, Arrogant Bastard Whiskey is available in three states: California, Iowa, and Texas. However, it can also be found on secondary market websites. As this innovative whiskey gains popularity, it may become more widely accessible.
Whether you’re a fan of the original beer or just enjoy unique spirits, Arrogant Bastard Whiskey offers a new way to experience a beloved craft beer in a different form.
