This is a brown ale brewed with hazelnut coffee according to the bottle.
9% ABV.
Part of the acclaimed "Backstage Series" from Founders, released on July 2nd. Tasting notes from July 23rd, 2012.
Pours a dark brown, almost black with a thin tan head.
Smell - roasted light coffee, sweet.
Taste - disgustingly sweet - hazelnut, vanilla, toffee totally overwhelms the beer, which apparently is a brown ale. Tastes like a coffee drink you would order at Starbucks - I was told that this was artificially flavored and sure enough the bottle does say (along the side) "brewed with artificially flavored hazelnut coffee", which is rather disappointing considering the quality you associate with Founders. I know the saying goes "Beer, it's not just for breakfast"! but this reminded me of coffee with Nestle Coffee Mate artificial flavouring added, which I happen to enjoy but apparently doesn't work so well in beer. At least not this one! A tad thin for a 9% ABV beer, compared to Southern Tier Choklat or Creme Brulee, for example.
Rating : D
This would be a drain pour if it wasn't so expensive. Maybe my expectations were too high from probably my all time favourite brewery but it's hard to believe this is in the same series of Backwoods Bastard or the fantastic Curmudgeons better Half. I suppose they were due a dud! Don't worry - I'll be back for more - just not this one.
More info:
Established 1997
Founded by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers
Ranked #2 Best Brewery in the World by Rate Beer 2011
www.foundersbrewing.com
Address:
235 Grandville Avenue Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
'PH: (616) 776-2182
That's really disappointing especially coming from Founders. In general they make some pretty good beers.
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