Style: Imperial IPABrewery: Founders (foundersbrewing.com)
Package: Bottle into Pint Glass
ABV: 9.4%
Gravity: Unknown
IBU: 86
Location: Citywide Liquors (Downtown South Bend)
Aroma: There is a big grapefruit, citrus and pine aroma that is almost overwhelming.
Appearance: Golden like a pilsner, fairly clear with a light white head that dissipates quickly.
Taste: Hide your kids, hide your wife, this is VERY bitter (86 IBU's compared with 5-10 for beers like Budweiser, Miller, etc). The smell of citrus and pine is amplified when you taste this, with some malty sweetness lost somewhere among the hops. There is a smooth alcohol burn towards the end, but definitely not too much. This is considered an Imperial IPA, which fits the category perfectly.
Mouthfeel: Light and smooth with a VERY dry finish. Mild carbonation.
Drinkability: This drink is for the hophead and adventurous alike. Getting toward the bottom of this pint, my taste buds actually started to hurt. I certainly enjoy a hoppy beer and while this one was quite good, it's not something I would drink regularly. It comes in a 4-pack for good reason.
Notes: Founders is based out of Grand Rapids, and I've tried many of their other styles, all of which are pretty solid. It would be nice to know what varieties of hops they used for this. If you happen to know, leave a comment.
Food Pairing: Spicy and/or fried food goes great with this, and many other IPA's. Other ideas include chinese, pizza, burgers, etc.
Grade: A
As much as I love the excitement of trying a new beer, particularly local craft brewery beer, I have been left disappointed several times when exploring new flavors from Founders. Whether it be Dirty Bastard, Breakfast Stout, or their Centennial IPA, I always feel like Founders goes a bit too extreme with their flavors.
ReplyDeleteThat being the case, you probably wouldn't like this one then, it's pretty outside the norm. With that being said, obviously beer tasting is subjective, however I think the Breakfast Stout is awesome, one of my absolute favorites.
ReplyDeleteYou might try finding some Hofbrahaus Dunkel. Solid dark lager. Not sure if they distribute, but if you ever make your way to the Cincy area...Newport KY to be precise...you should check out their choices. They have a great hefe there too.
ReplyDeleteJosh, sorry to hear that you have been disappointed by Founders. They are one of the greatest breweries (in my opinion of course) brewing darker beers, stouts, porters, imperials, etc. I would urge you to give them some more trys, that is unless these styles are not your favorite. KBS release is this coming weekend and there will certainly be some avail. in very limited quantities in the upcoming week or so. Black Biscuit has also been on tap at Fiddler's on occasion, and I would highly recommend that one as well. I will agree with Andy here that Breakfast Stout, along with KBS and CBS (Canadian Breakfast Stout) are some of my most favorite beers.
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