How to get the Arrogance in your area:

This proceedure can potentially take a bit of time and effort, but success will

be its own reward.

In order for Stone or Arrogant Bastard Ale to be available in a particular

area, it is necessary to obtain an existing distributor of beer for the that

area. This is often problematic. Most distributors are overloaded with items

and have scant time to review and analyze new things. Much of their decision

making is based upon "old-boy" contacts. As you might guess, brash young

upstarts like us at Stone are not part of the old-boy networks.

Every time we contact the distributors in a new area, we get comments like

"We're overloaded on items," "We don't have the time to consider something new

right now," and "I've never heard of Arrogant Bastard Ale, besides people want

imports right now and that 22oz micro segment is dying." How sad for them to

be so unaware of the Arrogance.

We have won out over Ignorance in many areas based upon the following theories:

(1) Smart business people listen to their customers. (2) Most distributors are

actually fairly smart people, and their customers are pubs, restuarants and

markets. (3) If these customers are asking for the Arrogant Bastard Ale, the

distributor will be more interested in carrying the beer.

Of course, this only happens because the customers of these bars, restaurants

and markets are demanding the Arrogance! If enough people ask often enough,

the message will eventually get through to the powers that be.

Don't be shy. Let your message be clear. Tell the MANAGEMENT (don't waste too

much time talking about the Arrogance to non decision makers) at your favorite

pubs, restaurants and markets that you would like them to ask their

distributors for Arrogant Bastard Ale. In the meantime, you'll get it through

mail-order or other methods which means lost dollars for them. Always make

sure that you are polite with your request. Remember, there is a fine line

between being an Arrogant Bastard and an Obnoxious one. Smart managers won't

be interested in going out of there way to bring something in for somebody who

is a jerk.

Thanks for helping to spread the Arrogance!