Mothership Series #2: Sleeper Cell
Founders Brewing Company

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From:
Founders Brewing Company
 
Michigan, United States
Style:
Imperial IPA
Ranked #631
ABV:
10.8%
Score:
93
Ranked #3,312
Avg:
4.2 | pDev: 7.86%
Reviews:
18
Ratings:
156
Status:
Active
Rated:
Sep 23, 2023
Added:
May 25, 2013
Wants:
  12
Gots:
  14
This West Coast-style double IPA has been lying in wait having only been featured on draft… until now. A cult-favorite, Sleeper Cell features an intense dose of five hop varieties. The aggressive hop presence lingers on the palate finishing sharp, dry and utterly memorable. Our roots may be Midwestern, but here’s proof that we can delight hopheads seeking a West Coast-inspired flavor.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by RonnieRotten:
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Rated by RonnieRotten from Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

May 29, 2013
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.13 by Roguer from Connecticut

Sep 23, 2023
 
Rated: 4 by Cotton_27 from Michigan

Jun 30, 2020
 
Rated: 3.98 by JakerLou from New Hampshire

Apr 29, 2020
 
Rated: 4 by rare_bird from Michigan

Dec 02, 2019
Photo of mrkisscross
Rated by mrkisscross from Michigan

4.45/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
Bitter, very hoppy, heavy marmalade taste, alcohol finish. On draft at brewery. Pours clear
minimal head. Love it.
Jul 17, 2019
 
Rated: 4.25 by goblue30 from Michigan

Jan 29, 2019
 
Rated: 4.25 by GreatStoutman from Texas

Nov 14, 2018
 
Rated: 3.55 by emerge077 from Illinois

Aug 13, 2018
 
Rated: 4.1 by CesarLopes from Brazil

Jul 31, 2018
 
Rated: 3.84 by Futbolmanby from Michigan

Jul 30, 2018
 
Rated: 4.41 by Sauced4life from Michigan

Jul 28, 2018
Photo of BEERchitect
Reviewed by BEERchitect from Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Selective, and for good reason, the ration of imperial west coast styled IPA simply can't be dolled out to every random hop head who's proud to know what IBU stands for. But those select few who are privy enough to have Founders Mother Ship series imperial IPA in front of them are instantly and handsomely rewarded.

Rich golden hues teem from the onset of the pour. Lightly hazy and floating a creamy, rich and cottony head, Sleeper Cell brings a strong floral presence with citrus, pine and peppery booze resonating soundly on the nose. Sweet and caramelized, its taste comes with a granola medley of nuttiness, toastiness and succulent honey taste.

But then the hops come out to dominate the middle palate. Bursting with citrus, a strong taste of citronella bring and orange oil, pink grapefruit and lemon begin to pang away at the tastebuds while the malt balance begins to fade. Trending through tropical apricot and mango and headed toward a bitter spice of curacao liquor, pine and a piquant grassiness on the late palate.

Medium bodied but dangerously drinkable, the bitter sweet ale certainly favors the bitterness deeper and deeper into the taste, the beer trends spicy, peppery and warm with strong suggestions of citrus bitters and macerated citrus with pine. A long and bitter aftertaste applies a resinous grip deep into the next sip.
Jul 27, 2018
 
Rated: 4.35 by detroitpat from Michigan

Jul 22, 2018
 
Rated: 4.24 by HardyA from Michigan

Jul 09, 2018
 
Rated: 4.35 by Buck_Jones from Michigan

Jun 16, 2018
Photo of beersampler6
Reviewed by beersampler6 from Michigan

3.85/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Very lucky to have found this beer on sale at the Founders Brewery. Nice amber-golden color with small amount of head and some nice lingering lacing. Smells of some fruity and floral hops. Tastes of both citrus and floral hops with some less pronounced herbal hops, mixed with some corn, biscuit and malt flavors. Nice smooth finish, slightly creamy mouthfeel with some mild carbonation. Can definitely taste some of the alcohol presence but it's actually surprisingly muted considering the high ABV.
Jun 16, 2018
 
Rated: 4.21 by NolaHopHead from Louisiana

Jun 10, 2018
 
Rated: 4.08 by Phineasco from Massachusetts

Jun 04, 2018
 
Rated: 4.48 by MICAMD from Maryland

May 19, 2018
Mothership Series #2: Sleeper Cell from Founders Brewing Company
Beer rating: 93 out of 100 with 156 ratings