Thursday, June 7, 2012

Founders Imperial Stout (Review)

I've always been more of a defender of book cover-judging than most, but especially when it comes to beer. The first beer I ever liked was North Coast's Russian Imperial Stout Old Rasputin, which I ordered solely because of its name. The double headed eagle on this gorgeous Founders Imperial Stout similarly heralds glad tidings.

Since the exquisite Cask Republic opened in New Haven in early 2011 I've been spending ever more of my bar budget (read: the contents of my wallet not earmarked for other poisons) on imperial IPAs, since they tend to have a lower price-to-ABV ratio than my beloved dark beers. Now that I'm back on Long Island for a bit, I visited the local beer distributor and picked up a pack of these babies, having had only the best experiences with Founders (the Dirty Bastard in particular comes to mind).

Like going back to vodka after a semester of bourbon, my very first sip reminded me why my heart lies far east of the Rhine*.

This stuff pours like motor oil-- some dark elixir of bitterness meted out in small vials during the reign of Richard III, flowing like an endless silk handkerchief from a felled magician's sleeve into the glass. I didn't have the proper glassware for it (something more akin to a brandy snifter is more appropriate), but I didn't mind, since the smaller circumference of the glass kept the head alive for quite a while. This thing is chewy and resilient; the head's got a deep caramel color to it and looks so solid I could float a wafer on it (actually, I probably could have).

With 90 IBUs this stout isn't for the faint of heart-- I've never had a beer so bitter I didn't like it, so I was in heaven. Have you ever had a really strong dark chocolate, like 70 or 80% cocoa? If you didn't like that, I'm not sure you'd like this. It's 10.5% ABV so if you're used to weaker beers, prepare yourself-- it goes down pretty easy, although as it warms up in the glass the ethanol does assert itself a little more. Beers like this should be served at what's called "cellar temperature" (50-55 degrees), so if you're looking for something to cool yourself off in these June days go find a pilsner or something (I've always found a nice maibock works well, personally).

Make sure you give this a proper smell (this is where the brandy snifter is helpful)-- as any wine or beer snob will tell you, scent strongly affects taste, so if you just go at it without acclimating your olfactories you're missing out.

There's not much carbonation here, in keeping with its overall weight, and this isn't a beer to rush through, or to accompany food. If you think Guinness is heavy, well, you're downright mistaken-- I can tackle a Guinness and a burger easily, but this one's gonna demand your full attention, and you won't be sorry to give it. Particularly toward the end it almost recalled some barleywines I've had in terms of mouth feel, so if you like a poppy beer this brew's not for you. If you like Guinness, you might still enjoy this beer, but be warned: dry and/or Irish stouts are lighter in about everything but color (lower ABV, less bitter, less heavy), so while I'll never sway anyone from trying an excellent beer, you might want to work your way up to this one.

In 2010 this beer took home the bronze for American-Style Imperial Stouts in the World Beer Cup, in case it's pedigree you're after. I read it described somewhere as "a contemplative beer", and I can't say I disagree-- it's a lot to take in, and while I've had more than one in a sitting before I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. The flavors and weight can get overpowering after a while, and now that I'm on my second six-pack of the stuff in two weeks I think it's best when balanced out by a nice simple ale, or even cider.

Happy drinking, folks-- maybe next time I won't review something horribly out-of-season.

PS: For those curious, I did graduate. Onward and upward, I suppose.

*"Russian Imperial Stouts" come from England. Also this is technically an American-Style Imperial Stout, but I won't say anything if you won't.

16 comments:

  1. I am genuinely pleased to glance at this website posts which carries
    tons of useful facts, thanks for providing these information.


    Visit my page NFL Jerseys Cheap

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, its fastidious piece of writing on the topic of media print,
    we all be familiar with media is a great source of data.



    Feel free to visit my blog: Gafas Oakley Baratas

    ReplyDelete
  3. Quality content is the main to interest the visitors
    to pay a quick visit the web site, that's what this web page is providing.

    Here is my weblog: Sidney Crosby Black Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you're using? I've loaded your blog
    in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.

    Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a honest price?

    Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

    Here is my web-site; Sac a main Guess

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites
    I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be useful to
    read articles from other writers and use something from their websites.


    Here is my blog post ... Louis Vuitton Bags

    ReplyDelete
  6. I do not even know the way I ended up right here, however I thought this submit was once good.

    I don't recognise who you might be but certainly you're going
    to a well-known blogger if you happen to aren't already. Cheers!

    My blog post ... Cheap Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello there! This article could not be written much better!
    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept preaching about this. I'll forward this post to him. Fairly certain he'll have a
    great read. Thanks for sharing!

    Feel free to surf to my page; NFL Jerseys Cheap

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks , I have just been looking for info about this subject for a while and yours
    is the greatest I have discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion?
    Are you positive in regards to the source?

    My blog post :: web site

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using?
    Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded
    up as fast as yours lol

    Feel free to visit my blog post - visit this link

    ReplyDelete
  10. Admiring the dedication you put into your blog and detailed information
    you provide. It's awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same unwanted rehashed information.
    Fantastic read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm including
    your RSS feeds to my Google account.

    Also visit my website next page

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's nearly impossible to find educated people for this topic, however, you seem like you know what you're talking about!
    Thanks

    My page next page

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Feel free to surf to my site: Michael Kors Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's awesome in favor of me to have a site, which is useful designed for my knowledge. thanks admin

    my blog post - Boutique Guess

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article.
    Thank you for providing this info.

    Also visit my homepage: Nike Free Tilbud

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this
    site. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by
    you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal website now ;
    )

    Also visit my homepage ... Air Jordan Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete