Founders Harvest Ale

Today I have Founder's Harvest Ale in my glass.  For what it's worth, I think I like this beer better than Surly's Wet (see previous post), but that isn't saying a ton.  The nose is full and juicy, but it's a bit thin on the palate, albeit fairly complex.  A little funk, a little juiciness, some herbal qualities, some grapefruit, and a bit of asprin on the finish.  Every year I want this to be one of the beers I most anticipate as we enter wet hop beer season, but every year I'm disappointed by it.  I'm glad other people love this beer.  I wouldn't go so far as to say that I hate it, but I feel like it's closer to good than great, and every year I want it to be great, I want to discover what I missed last time I had it, but I never seem to figure out why others are so enamored.

Founders Breakfast Stout

Today I have Founders Breakfast Stout in my glass.  Also known as "The Beer with a Baby on the Label."  At least in most states.  And it is good.  Founders Breakfast Stout has everything you need to start your day right:  chocolate, oatmeal, and of course coffee.  This one is deliciously coffee forward with plenty of dark chocolate riding through to a slightly hoppy finish countered with creamy oatmeal and, you guessed it, more chocolate and coffee.  Look up "perennial classic" in the dictionary and you might see a picture of this (though you're more likely to see a beer from Perennial Artisan Ales, or perhaps a flower.)  I recommend making sure you have a reasonably fresh bottle of it, as it's not a beer that ages well.  

Founders Imperial Stout

Today I have Founders' Imperial Stout in my glass. I'll be tasting this one in four sessions, since I bought a four pack of it. I don't have a single favorite beer, but I do get especially excited each year when this one comes out. I can't say I've had anything else quite like it. Perfection from the label (featuring a Russian style eagle) to the last drop. Just don't make the mistake of pouring yourself a second. In my experience that's just too much flavor. Overwhelms the taste buds. But the first bottle is delightful.

Founders chooses to make their Imperial Stout with loads of hops, but I wouldn't say it's at all reminiscent of a black IPA (as I found with Victory Beer's Storm King). Instead, the massive hopping seems to add another layer of texture into a beer centered around 10 different roasted malts. The result is sublime.

Founders Imperial Stout pours dark as sin, with a quickly settling tan head. There's plenty of coffee and roasted malt on the nose. One of my favorite things about this beer is the way it doesn't need to age for a minute to be palatable. Other Russian Imperial Stouts need a few months to cool off before consumption. By contrast, Founders is delicious fresh out the gate, and I prefer it good and fresh.

Founders Imperial Stout is big, black, smooth, and rich on the tongue. It's got a nice little kick at the end to let you know it's not too smooth. This one ages fast; let it sit for a few months and it slowly morphs into a different beer. The hops subside. It becomes a little more like all the other excellent Imperial Stouts. At the end of the day, y'all can keep your Ten Fidy, I'm going to stick with Founders Imperial Stout.

Bjorn.

Editor's note: Bullshit he doesn't have a favorite. Yes he does. This is it.