Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale

Brewed by Founders Brewing Company
Style: Old Ale
Grand Rapids, Michigan USA

I live in Grand Rapids so I’ve tried most of Founders products and though they are all distinctive in thier own way this, along with the Kentucky Boubon Stout, is by far thier finest masterpiece. Thick and Malty, this beer tastes like candy mixed with fine whiskey and warms soothingly as you swallow. The hops are generous but not too stong and play off the primary cereal flavor perfectly. Despite the price this is a beer you must try if your lucky enough to catch it on the shelf.

A good Old Ale from Founders. compares somewhat to Third Coast, but has a more fruity finish to it...not so much hoppy.....have to see how the rest of the bottles age in comparison to the first.

Pours light brown with a fine white head. Aroma is mildly alcoholic and malty. Flavor is complex with a salty quality with a mild caramel sweetness and some light fruitiness.

On tap at Crunchy’s in East Lansing. Got the 25 oz., red beer with little head. Couldn’t isolate many aromas at all, possibly partly the fault of being in a bar. Very sweet and sticky, flavors of cherry and raspberry, alcohol well-hidden, slightly bitter. Deserves a re-rate when not in a bar, and possibly with some aging.

Pours dark red with some light brown head. Smells of over ripe cherries. There’s a blend of toffee, caramel, and some chocolaty notes. There’s a touch of a hop note that I didn’t much expect. Flavor is straight forward. Rich toffee, alcohol heat, and a short punch of bitterness. Full, creamy body with light carbonation and a dry finish. Not to bad at all, but I’m hoping my last bottle with improve.

dark copper brown pour with nice small head that left very nice lacing - armoa was not very strong but smelled of malts, palate is smooth and silky= flavor is of malt/dark fruit - at first I thought this was not going to match my taste with the dark fruit but I couldn’t stop drinking it. nice balance of Malt and Hops for my taste. I like the malt but need the bitter offset to please my palate! This Old Ale reminds me of the Sam Adams that I had at the Oyster Bar in Boston (that was made solely for the restaurant) Since, I likely won’t be in Boston again soon, I am glad I found this one - in fact I think this is better as there is more of a hoppy presence. Hides the ABV well in taste! I wish I lived in Grand Rapid so I could enjoy more Founders!

This is one of those beers that’s made great but isn’t necessarily my cup of tea. Very sweet. Very malt forward. Raisins, caramel, vanilla, toffee, some alcohol. I’d like there to be just a touch more bitterness at the finish. I may need to revisit this one while it’s around.

Bottle. Pours copper/orangish/brown. Interesting taste of carmel, malts, and hopy spices. Slight fruit undertone, warm smooth mouthfeel. Taste is big, rich, and full. You’ll want to sip this one. Not lacking in complexity at all. 9.3% ABV is not overwhelming. I’m going to attempt to age my 2nd bottle for around 12 months and see the difference.