Fairly routine on micro-hops, especially where there is turbulence and thus the window for service is too short for a full service, to only offer a pre-poured limited service.
But, I have never been denied anything I've asked for. Although recently told that coffee on a 7:30 AM flight was instant from a packet with "hot" (lukewarm) water poured from a carafe.
If it irks you, send a note to AA with the flight number. Make certain that you clarify that this was not a safety-related issue relating to something such as turbulence.