Dirty Bastard
Founders Brewing Company


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- From:
- Founders Brewing Company
- Michigan, United States
- Style:
- Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
Ranked #28 - ABV:
- 8.5%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #8,435 - Avg:
- 4.05 | pDev: 10.62%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 20, 2022
- Added:
- Jan 03, 2003
- Wants:
- 364
- Gots:
- 2,434
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding


Notes:
So good it’s almost wrong. Dark ruby in color and brewed with seven varieties of imported malts. Complex in finish, with hints of smoke and peat, paired with a malty richness and a right hook of hop power to give it the bad attitude that a beer named Dirty Bastard has to live up to. Ain’t for the wee lads. Brewed with 7 varieties of malt (varies over the years).
50 IBU
50 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by DanO1066:
4.04/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by DanO1066 from Maryland
"Kicked the keg" on the Old Chub at The Brass Tap here in Baltimore, but wanted to stick with the style, so the staff poured me a 12oz bottle: looked pretty good in a dark bar; aroma of malt & hops, more of the same in the taste; pleasant CO2 in a medium bodied ale; reminded me of the Stone Old Guardian only better balanced (yes I know they're different styles)
Aug 01, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by DanO1066 from Maryland
"Kicked the keg" on the Old Chub at The Brass Tap here in Baltimore, but wanted to stick with the style, so the staff poured me a 12oz bottle: looked pretty good in a dark bar; aroma of malt & hops, more of the same in the taste; pleasant CO2 in a medium bodied ale; reminded me of the Stone Old Guardian only better balanced (yes I know they're different styles)
Aug 01, 2021
More User Ratings:
4.25 by not2quick from Missouri on May 20, 2022
4.21 by cold_beer on May 20, 2022
4.01/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by spectru from Florida
April 30, 2022 - Dark copper, crystal clear, so dark you must hold it up to a light to see through it. Fluffy, lacy tan head, recedes slowly; I like the aroma, faint as it is to my invalid sniffer; Fully robust in flavor, a little tangy; Not a particularly robust mouthfeel, mild carbonation, but not bad. I like this beer. I expect I'll get it again.
Apr 30, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by spectru from Florida
April 30, 2022 - Dark copper, crystal clear, so dark you must hold it up to a light to see through it. Fluffy, lacy tan head, recedes slowly; I like the aroma, faint as it is to my invalid sniffer; Fully robust in flavor, a little tangy; Not a particularly robust mouthfeel, mild carbonation, but not bad. I like this beer. I expect I'll get it again.
Apr 30, 2022
3.67 by rabembenek from Indiana on Apr 14, 2022
3.97/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by RRB328 from Massachusetts
Enjoyed with Lee, 3/13/22
Mar 13, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by RRB328 from Massachusetts
Enjoyed with Lee, 3/13/22
Mar 13, 2022
4.44 by Rollmeaway2loadout from Illinois on Mar 12, 2022
4.39 by soarinsteven from Illinois on Mar 03, 2022
4.15/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BigGinge from New York
Appearance: Pours a very very dark ruby red color, verging on brown. Tan colored head disappeared in a flash.
Smell: Brown sugar, Coca-Cola, oatmeal cookies.
Taste: Brown sugar and dark bread up front. The sweetness and bitterness duke each other out half way through. Towards the finish I get a bit of charred coffee grounds and a sweet toasted caramel note. Nutty and dry finish. Balanced.
Feel: Medium bodied, well carbonated. No alcohol warmth.
Overall: Great beer.
Feb 18, 2022
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BigGinge from New York
Appearance: Pours a very very dark ruby red color, verging on brown. Tan colored head disappeared in a flash.
Smell: Brown sugar, Coca-Cola, oatmeal cookies.
Taste: Brown sugar and dark bread up front. The sweetness and bitterness duke each other out half way through. Towards the finish I get a bit of charred coffee grounds and a sweet toasted caramel note. Nutty and dry finish. Balanced.
Feel: Medium bodied, well carbonated. No alcohol warmth.
Overall: Great beer.
Feb 18, 2022
1.5 by bottom_ramen on Feb 13, 2022
4.41/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by magikbagel from Wisconsin
I’ve heard so much hype surrounding Founders that I decided I’d finally give them a try, I would have sooner if it weren’t for the price. The Dirty Bastard seemed the most likely to be up my alley. After arriving home to pour into a glass and take my first sip, I immediately realize what I’ve been missing. This beer hit me on the first sip with such rich and delightful flavor, something that you kind of take for granted in beer when you’re not used to it. Instead of trying to explain the soul of this ale, I just want to say that this was a perfect first try from this brewery and really enjoyed the experience the beer brought me.
Jan 19, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by magikbagel from Wisconsin
I’ve heard so much hype surrounding Founders that I decided I’d finally give them a try, I would have sooner if it weren’t for the price. The Dirty Bastard seemed the most likely to be up my alley. After arriving home to pour into a glass and take my first sip, I immediately realize what I’ve been missing. This beer hit me on the first sip with such rich and delightful flavor, something that you kind of take for granted in beer when you’re not used to it. Instead of trying to explain the soul of this ale, I just want to say that this was a perfect first try from this brewery and really enjoyed the experience the beer brought me.
Jan 19, 2022
3.73/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by DonBowman from Pennsylvania
Drier finish than my tastebuds can handle
Jan 15, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by DonBowman from Pennsylvania
Drier finish than my tastebuds can handle
Jan 15, 2022
4.03 by jmbeerdude91 from Arizona on Jan 12, 2022
4.13/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by md3kcn from North Carolina
Purchased as a single bottle from Ingles for $1.50. Poured into a tulip glass.
L - Pours a pitch black, but copper when held to the light. One-finger tan head with fantastic lacing.
S - Brown sugar, oak smoke, and Cohiba Red Dots. A broad sense of earthiness, but I can't be really specific.
T - Deep dark caramels, brown bread, and molasses. Darkened toast comes through the most, though. Bitter, but not overbearingly so; it goes well with this brew. Ethanol comes through towards the end of the glass.
F - Warms your body like nothing else! Smooth. Full-bodied with medium carbonation. Very heavy.
O - A fantastic ale, well-worth trying out. This would be perfect as a bonfire-with-friends-beer. Go out and try it!
Dec 30, 2021
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by md3kcn from North Carolina
Purchased as a single bottle from Ingles for $1.50. Poured into a tulip glass.
L - Pours a pitch black, but copper when held to the light. One-finger tan head with fantastic lacing.
S - Brown sugar, oak smoke, and Cohiba Red Dots. A broad sense of earthiness, but I can't be really specific.
T - Deep dark caramels, brown bread, and molasses. Darkened toast comes through the most, though. Bitter, but not overbearingly so; it goes well with this brew. Ethanol comes through towards the end of the glass.
F - Warms your body like nothing else! Smooth. Full-bodied with medium carbonation. Very heavy.
O - A fantastic ale, well-worth trying out. This would be perfect as a bonfire-with-friends-beer. Go out and try it!
Dec 30, 2021
4.74 by SimpleBeer on Dec 22, 2021
4 by SiepJones from Pennsylvania on Dec 20, 2021
4.05/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Reef from South Carolina
12 oz bottle dated 12/2/20
Cloudy copper-brown with golden highlights. Two fingers variegated tan head. Spotty lacing with a full ring and large continents on the surface.
Malty molasses, tobacco, brown sugar, oak, berry aromas.
Char and peat in the taste, along with black bread, oak, toffee, floral hops, light mineral flavors.
Good carbonation, noticeable alcohol heat, bitter aftertaste, medium bodied.
Good depth of flavors which richer with warming. This bottle is a year old and shows no ill effects.
Dec 19, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Reef from South Carolina
12 oz bottle dated 12/2/20
Cloudy copper-brown with golden highlights. Two fingers variegated tan head. Spotty lacing with a full ring and large continents on the surface.
Malty molasses, tobacco, brown sugar, oak, berry aromas.
Char and peat in the taste, along with black bread, oak, toffee, floral hops, light mineral flavors.
Good carbonation, noticeable alcohol heat, bitter aftertaste, medium bodied.
Good depth of flavors which richer with warming. This bottle is a year old and shows no ill effects.
Dec 19, 2021
4.26/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by DoctorZombies from Florida
Bottled 11/23/21. Poured at 57°. Deep amber/ruby brown body with excellent clarity; three fingers of khaki mixed bubbles foam; looong cap retention; heavy minus lacing and heavy ring; medium legs on swirl. Caramel malt and floral hops nose; light smokiness as beer warms. Bitter hops on entry, with caramel sweetness right behind; mild nuttiness; dry finish. Silky plus feel; medium plus body; moderate minus carbonation; no warmth from 8.5% abv. Overall, a beautiful beer and outstanding; easy drinking and smooth; I do like the Backwoods better, as Dirty is lighter in comparison; nevertheless, an enjoyable beer.
Dec 17, 2021
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by DoctorZombies from Florida
Bottled 11/23/21. Poured at 57°. Deep amber/ruby brown body with excellent clarity; three fingers of khaki mixed bubbles foam; looong cap retention; heavy minus lacing and heavy ring; medium legs on swirl. Caramel malt and floral hops nose; light smokiness as beer warms. Bitter hops on entry, with caramel sweetness right behind; mild nuttiness; dry finish. Silky plus feel; medium plus body; moderate minus carbonation; no warmth from 8.5% abv. Overall, a beautiful beer and outstanding; easy drinking and smooth; I do like the Backwoods better, as Dirty is lighter in comparison; nevertheless, an enjoyable beer.
Dec 17, 2021
4.04 by irishevans from California on Dec 02, 2021
4.27/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by Kiiz
L: Darkish amber, off white 2 inch head, mild lacing.
S: yep
An old fashion with a hint of Abbey ale. I feel like a shmuck for looking down on this beer.
F: carbonation medium-heavy yadda yadda the flavor kills tho
O: great try it
Nov 30, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by Kiiz
L: Darkish amber, off white 2 inch head, mild lacing.
S: yep
An old fashion with a hint of Abbey ale. I feel like a shmuck for looking down on this beer.
F: carbonation medium-heavy yadda yadda the flavor kills tho
O: great try it
Nov 30, 2021
4 by n_william from Illinois on Nov 28, 2021
3.58/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Brook82 from Ohio
Good look ale, bronze/ golden color. Frothy head and left ample lacing in a pint glass. Taste followed aroma, a bit tart that lingered around in the aftertaste. Overall enjoyable and good representation of the beer type.
Nov 18, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Brook82 from Ohio
Good look ale, bronze/ golden color. Frothy head and left ample lacing in a pint glass. Taste followed aroma, a bit tart that lingered around in the aftertaste. Overall enjoyable and good representation of the beer type.
Nov 18, 2021
4.27 by JustinTheJuice from Wisconsin on Oct 31, 2021
4.14 by Meddwol from Michigan on Oct 24, 2021
4.18/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
10/17/21 From bottle from 4 pack.... Gift from DW for 51st birthday. Stone, mahogany, maple, smoke, leather, salty, malty, The depths of flavors is amazing. Certainly sweet, but the hop end balances things out. Boozy. I picture really enjoying this fireside at the end of a good day of skiing!
Oct 17, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
10/17/21 From bottle from 4 pack.... Gift from DW for 51st birthday. Stone, mahogany, maple, smoke, leather, salty, malty, The depths of flavors is amazing. Certainly sweet, but the hop end balances things out. Boozy. I picture really enjoying this fireside at the end of a good day of skiing!
Oct 17, 2021
4.38 by selekt0r on Oct 15, 2021
5 by Dalkri from Massachusetts on Oct 15, 2021
4.79 by Hogsbreath on Oct 08, 2021
4.27/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Lockhart
Dark and beautiful makes me feel like a bastard
Oct 05, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Lockhart
Dark and beautiful makes me feel like a bastard
Oct 05, 2021
3.97 by TP2MSU from Michigan on Oct 02, 2021
4.43 by markallmon from Tennessee on Aug 24, 2021
4.16 by Nyarko-San from Pennsylvania on Aug 16, 2021
3.1 by azwdz on Jul 22, 2021
4.2 by shreead from Pennsylvania on Jul 20, 2021
4.5 by NickMunford from Wyoming on Jul 18, 2021
3.4/5 rDev -16%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by BroBobby70 from Texas
12 oz. Bottle poured into pint glass.
Look: 3-finger head, light tan, good lacing. Color like that of a cola.
Smell: Bready with a little sweetness.
Taste: Bitter, rough finish. Very malty.
Feel: Medium carbonation, stays on tongue after swallowing.
Overall: It is a good beer. Style is not my style, but it works for the style.
Jul 12, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by BroBobby70 from Texas
12 oz. Bottle poured into pint glass.
Look: 3-finger head, light tan, good lacing. Color like that of a cola.
Smell: Bready with a little sweetness.
Taste: Bitter, rough finish. Very malty.
Feel: Medium carbonation, stays on tongue after swallowing.
Overall: It is a good beer. Style is not my style, but it works for the style.
Jul 12, 2021
4.29/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by SushiSakeBeer from Oregon
Another solid Founder's accomplishment
Jul 02, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by SushiSakeBeer from Oregon
Another solid Founder's accomplishment
Jul 02, 2021
3.85 by BrendanStoehr96 from Wisconsin on Jun 29, 2021
4.69 by Ro-pat-9807 from Tennessee on Jun 27, 2021
3.02/5 rDev -25.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by Chris232 from Illinois
Probably just not my style of beer
Jun 26, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by Chris232 from Illinois
Probably just not my style of beer
Jun 26, 2021
Dirty Bastard from Founders Brewing Company
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
8140 ratings