Strong Ale
Founders Brewing Company

On-tap at Ashley’s. Bright amber edges get lost in a dusky brown body. Creamy, lingering, light sandy head. Nose is ripe fruit, toffee, and wonderfully fresh pine/resin hops. Full, creamy, chewy body reveals sweet toffee and rich fruit. Warming but not boozy. Hops come on strong as promised, but they don’t overpower. Well-balanced dose of pine sap and herbal mint. Bittersweet finish makes me want more.

Another attempt by the brewers to make a Curmudgeon good enough for the bottle. Brownish red color with a minimal tan head and bits of lacing. Aroma is fruity and piney along with an alcohol kick. Taste begins somewhat roasty and malty with a bit of caramel but more nondistinct malts. The flavors transitions to a piney and fruity bitterness. Bitterness is stronger than expected. A little doughyness lies underneath but goes on the finish which has quite a kick. This is still missing the vinous character and rich flavors that I think the brewers want but it has definite potential.

Dark brown brew with ruby highlights and a creamy off-white head that leaves a little splotchy lace on the glass. Smells of syrupy sweetness and alcohol. I don't like being able to smell the alcohol, it has a large negative impact on drinkability for me.

Heavy caramel and syrupy sweetness with a hint of roast malt with well balanced profile of resinous hops. Alcohol is present, perhaps a little too powerful (more negative drinkability). MOderate body is slightly slick on the tongue with very delicate carbonation.

STRONG is right, in every way. A tasty brew, but a sipper for sure, drinkability is kind of low.