Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) has officially announced that All Day IPA Session Ale will be available in 19.2 oz. cans beginning in early 2017.
In an effort to supply you with another convenient option to get your easy-drinking hop fix, Founders Brewing Co. will start packaging All Day IPA in 19.2 oz. cans in 2017. Considering the fact that All Day IPA has acted as a bit of a catalyst for the emergence of the Session IPA over the last few years, the decision to expand the packaging format for this offering was an easy one to make. If hop lovers cannot seem to get enough of this balanced, low alcohol India Pale Ale that boasts a “complex array of malts, grains and hops,” why not provide them with a larger, single-serve container to enjoy on the beach, at the river or after a hike?
The 19.2 oz. cans of All Day IPA will roll out in early 2017 and will be available at convenience stores, ballparks, arenas, and various other craft beer-friendly establishments found throughout the distribution area of Founders Brewing Co.All Day IPA will continue to be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 15-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft. I am sure these new 19.2 oz. cans cannot get here soon enough for many of you, and I totally understand. Just remain patient and keep an eye out for these to drop early next year. Prost!
Vital Information for All Day IPA from Founders Brewing Co.
Release – Year-Round Style – India Pale Ale (Session) ABV – 4.7% IBUs – 42 Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 15-packs of 12 oz. cans and draft. 19.2 oz. cans available in early 2017. Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/find-our-beer/
Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) recently announced that the limited release Backwoods Bastard Ale Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels has officially begun its annual roll out to distribution.
When you consider that this brew is one of the finest and most consistent examples of barrel-aged beer released each year, it is absolutely no surprise that Backwoods Bastard returns as an incredibly popular, fan-favorite offering from Founders Brewing Co. The brewery earned this acclaim by carefully aging this Scotch Ale in Bourbon barrels to achieve “a glorious combination of oak, bourbon heat, sweet caramel and roasted malts, a bit of earthy spice and a touch of dark fruit.” The finished beer clocks in as an 11.2% ABV sipper that is the perfect nightcap to enjoy after a long, cold winter’s day.
Backwoods Bastard has started rolling out to distribution now and will be available in Alabama, Florida and throughout the full distribution footprint of Founders Brewing Co. by the middle of November. This limited release offering can be found at fine craft beer establishments on draft and in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles. Considering the celebrated status of this brew and the craft beer community’s current obsession with Bourbon barrel-aged beers, you can expect Backwoods Bastard to move quickly once it hits store shelves. Take heed of this warning, hit up your local beer store whenever you can, and stock up now to ensure you have an adequate stash to enjoy all winter long. Prost!
Vital Information for Backwoods Bastard Ale Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels from Founders Brewing Co.
Release – Limited, November 2016 Style – Scotch Ale, Bourbon Barrel-aged ABV – 11.2% IBUs – 50 Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/find-our-beer/
Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, Michigan) recently announced that Lizard of Koz Imperial Stout will be joining their Backstage Series beginning in mid-November.
Lizard of Koz enters the Founders Brewing portfolio of distributed offerings as the second and final release in the 2016 Backstage Series, a limited release lineup made up of “boundary-pushing, experimental beers” that the brewery affectionately refers to as their “brewers’ playground.” This Imperial Stout’s recipe was created by Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki as a birthday gift to his sister Liz and features some of her favorite ingredients: “fresh Michigan blueberries, rich chocolate and vanilla – aged in bourbon barrels to round out those beautiful flavors.” Fans of Founders Brewing first experienced Lizard of Koz when it was added to the tap list at the brewery’s 2015 Black Party – an annual celebration of the brewery’s dark, experimental beers -, and it proved to be an undeniable hit that just had to be revived on a larger scale. The Backstage Series was established for just such a beer, and now the nation will have the opportunity to try this special offering.
“Lizard of Koz represents everything we love about the Backstage Series,” says Co-Founder and President Dave Engbers, “Inspired, creative, a little bit out there and exploding with flavor. The perfect way to cap off 2016.”
Starting in mid-November with most areas seeing it by December, the extremely limited release of Lizard of Koz will officially hit shelves in 750 ml bottles for the suggested retail price of $18.99 each (price may vary upon location). Look for this beer to turn up at select craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Founders Brewing’s 39 state distribution footprint. It goes without saying that anything with “Bourbon Barrel-aged” in its description does not last long on shelves these days, so do not waffle on your decision to purchase this one if you see it at your favorite craft beer shop. Take my advice and just buy the bottle. Prost!
Lager madness continues to dominate and delight the Tasting Notes segment this week as we take a look at PC Pils from Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan).
I first brought you news of PC Pils back in August when Founders Brewing Co. announced that this offering would be joining their portfolio as a new fall to winter Seasonal release (click here to read the full post). This “American Hopped Pilsner” employs the expected qualities of the fine Pilsner malts you would find in European examples, but the brewery throws your palate a curve with the use of Chinook, Cascade and Centennial hop varietals sourced stateside. This happy union produces piney, citrusy and floral flavors and aromatics in a beer that can only be described as “profoundly crushable, pleasantly crisp.” PC Pils is available through the end of the year and can be found on draft, in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $9.99, and in 15-packs of 12 oz. cans for the suggested retail price of $17.99. Look for this one at craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout the full distribution footprint of Founders Brewing Co. With that information covered, let’s open this can, quench some thirst and take some Tasting Notes!
Tasting Notes for PC Pils from Founders Brewing Co.
Appearance:PC Pils slips into the glass as a light golden yellow in color. When exposed to direct light, the body glows, gaining a vibrancy that can only be described as a highlighter yellow hue. The body is pristine, clear, and shows off a moderate carbonation level meandering about. The pour built three fingers of pillowy, bubbly foam that is the brightest of whites. Retention is good, eventually causing the head to fall to fluffy, amoebic masses playfully acting as a top cap. Lacing is decent and turns up as chunky spots left behind sparingly and sporadically after sips. Reserved in presentation but silently screaming all things Pilsner.
Aroma: A delicate but unmistakable hop presence gets things started in the department of aromatics. Light pine and juicy citrus laze about, mingling casually with the fresh floral tones that nonchalantly greet the nose on each and every inhale. Clean and lightly sweet Pilsner malts cut the hops a bit by lending a touch of biscuity goodness. It may sound simple, but this is one alluringly fragrant Pils.
Taste: Without any apprehension at all, the hops certainly show a little more bite here. Pine resin kicks the flavors off, shifting to bitter grapefruit peel and zest with ease. Lithe floral and serene grassy tones soften things up a bit as the flavors move toward a crackery Pils malt presence that is more savory than sweet. The maltiness complements and lends balance to the hops. A fine level of brewing craftsmanship is stamped all over this brew’s flavor profile.
Mouthfeel: This offering is light in body with a bright carbonation level to it. That said, the beer is still somehow allowed to retain a touch of weight. This gives PC Pils the ability to properly and fully engage the palate, and separate itself from any mass-produced lagers out there masquerading as standards for the style. The ABV plays zero role here, and rightfully so. The beer is crisp, clean, dry and incredibly easy drinking. Aftertaste is just a touch of lingering pine and grapefruit zest.
Final Thoughts: If you are looking for a traditional, Euro-style Pilsner, PC Pils probably will not get you that fix. Sure, it retains the malt characteristics of a traditional Pils and European examples of the style do have a snappy hop presence . . . but full disclosure warrants that I inform you that the hops in PC Pils show some teeth. Aptly described as an “American Hopped Pilsner,” this offering absolutely shows the brashness that our country is often accused of having and displays our seemingly undying love of lupulin. This being the case, I do have to say that the bitterness and hoppiness are both presented in such a way that the beer retains the style’s easy drinking nature. This is not a case of over-hopped insanity. No, not at all. It is more of an artistically penned love letter to American hops delivered in a medium other than the expected IPA. It is a beer that will satisfy the most decorated of hophead, and will also act as a great way to introduce the craft beer novice to the bewildering world of hops in the format of an easy drinking and more approachable style. Crisp and wonderfully drinkable, PC Pils is a welcomed addition to the new and growing landscape of American lagers. Prost!
Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) recently announced that PC Pils will soon join the brewery’s Seasonal lineup.
Lagers are absolutely making a comeback these days, and Founders Brewing Co. is joining this welcomed trend by adding PC Pils as a new autumn to winter Seasonal. Aptly described as ” profoundly crushable, pleasantly crisp”, PC Pils lays a foundation with the finest Pilsner malts and then shakes things up a bit in the hop department. Although European Noble hops are usually employed in this style, the brewers at Founders decided to go with the American varieties of Chinook, Cascade and Centennial to develop aromatic and flavor notes that are piney, citrusy and floral. This offering comes together at a very reasonable 5.5% ABV and 45 IBUs to achieve maximum drinkability.
PC Pils will see an initial release in September in the Founders taproom and in a very limited amount of select markets. Full distribution will then be seen by the entire brewery distribution footprint from October through the end of the year. This offering will be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $9.99 and in 15-packs of 12 oz. cans for the suggested retail price of $17.99. October will be here before you know it, so keep an eye out for PC Pils to satisfy all your easy drinking beer needs this fall. Prost!
Vital Information on PC Pils from Founders Brewing Co.
Release – Seasonal, limited release in September in brewery taproom and select markets. Full distribution from October through year’s end ABV – 5.5% IBUs – 45 Hops – Chinook, Cascade & Centennial Packaging – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles for suggested retail price of $9.99, 15 packs of 12 oz. cans for suggested retail price of $17.99
Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) announced this week that they will release Pale Joe as a limited offering beginning in September.
Pale Joe is a unique twist on the Pale Ale style thanks to the addition of coffee during the brewing process. Instead of using the more traditionally employed Brown Ale or Porter/Stout base for a coffee beer, the brewers at Founders decided to go with the Pale Ale style this time around to create a “golden ale [featuring] notes of gently roasted, fruit-forward coffee.” This 5.4% ABV ale gets its coffee boost thanks to “a special blend of high-end Ethiopian coffee expertly roasted by… Ferris Coffee and Nut.” The final product comes together to create a satisfying iced coffee experience in a craft beer package.
“Pale Joe came out of my current infatuation with pale, sessionable beers,” says our Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki, “Being the ArtPrize beer, I wanted to play with expectations so I experimented with adding coffee to a lighter, pale ale. Turns out, using gently-roasted, fruit-forward coffee adds a nice roasty flavor that does not complete with the malts in the beer.”
In addition to being a fun new release, Pale Joe is also the fourth beer brewed by Founders to benefit ArtPrize, “an international art competition [promoting] critical dialogue and collaboration through new, creative ideas among a large and diverse population of people.” ( Inspired Artist Black IPA, Mosaic Promiseand Spectra Trifecta were the previous three ArtPrize releases from the brewery). All employees at Founders Brewing Co. were given the opportunity to submit their artistic portfolio for the chance to create the label for Pale Joe. Aaron Rossell, Lead Cellar Operator and Kendall College of Art & Design graduate, earned the honor of illustrating the label artwork thanks to his “striking character illustrations and unexpected use of color.”
September 13 will mark the official release of Pale Joe on draft and in 12 oz. bottles in Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, New York City and Boston, Massachusetts with limited availability on draft only in all other markets within the Founders Brewing distribution footprint (this includes Alabama and Florida). Mark those calendars and be sure to get your Pale Joe fix when you see it. Prost!
Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) has officially announced that All Day IPA Session Ale will be available in 19.2 oz. cans beginning in early 2017.
Mashing In 