Backwoods Bastard 2015

Yeah, it's definitely not a fair perception. Especially if that perception is based on some notion that they should be defying the basic economics of beer and pumping out their lowest-margin beers in mass quantities while also not producing lots of *popular* higher-margin beers like All Day.

The reality is that beers like KBS and barrel-aged Backstage releases are *never* going to be released in the quantity that satisfies the "beer nerd" crowd. And categorizing a brewer as uncaring about their customers and only caring about money because they follow a pretty standard brewing business model is simply unfair.

See, my perception is the opposite--yes, local is paramount to a small subset of craft beer fans (who themselves are a small subset of beer fans)--but it seems like big, popular breweries are getting more and more reach as time passes. I love that locally-made IPA as much as the next guy, but I'm not going to stop drinking good beers from (near) national level breweries.

Given Founders' growth and success, I doubt they will be regretting anything about their decision to move away from being a "specialty brewery" anytime soon. Breweries, like restaurants, are inherently low-margin businesses, and one of the best ways to mitigate the risk of those lower margins is to grow larger, where one bad outcome is a smaller impact on the overall business.

 

Well put. I would also add that anyone that thinks that Founders is moving away from being a "specialty brewer" hasn't been to their taproom enough. The amount of one off releases that they have is astounding and they are all are pretty on point.

 

I picked up a 6-pack of Mosaic Promise last Friday that was bottled on 10/12/15. I also agree about the Harvest Ale. Founders cares about Michigan.

 

I could spend the time arguing Mr. Gruff's statements to death but I'll take a different direction. I personally want to see Founders grow even bigger. There are some aspects of the "good old days" that sure I miss but craft can't get big and be the same at the same time. What Founders has done to GR shouldn't be overlooked. They've revitalized downtown and really put us on the map. Without them we wouldn't have had the whole Beer City USA thing which has been great PR and drawn tons of beer tourism. I want Founders to get bigger than AB! I was just in Austin for work and walked into a bar with two Founders taps on - I think that's cool as hell. "My" local brewery is being tapped and enjoyed in Texas. So keep growing Founders - you're making this city a better place. And thanks for expanding the brewery in the downtown footprint. They could have expanded outside of downtown or even another state for tons cheaper but they care about this city and are aware of the economic impact they have on it.

 

Both Backwoods n Harvest Ale just landed in North Jersey today. Picked up some of each. Will pop one later.

 

Thanks, it's going to be at Founders this Friday, 10/23, so we should see it soon after that in SE Michigan retailers. They also confirmed the higher ABV this year too.

 

Check out @foundersbrewing's Tweet: https://twitter.com/foundersbrewing/status/649743651795566592?s=01

Seems like founders has said this was going to be an October/November release. So I guess this really isn't much of a surprise. But the ABV might be...

 

I never go to the beer store on Mondays. The Eagles are playing today so I stopped for beer on for the game on the way home from work. I was super psyched to see backwoods there (the price wasn't even labelled because they literally put it and harvest ale, which I also got, on the shelves right before I got there). Picked up 4 four-packs. Can't wait to drink it. It's one of my favs (hence my avatar lol)

 

And now we know....and knowing is half the battle...

 

I believe this should be dropping in SE VA this week. Definitely looking forward to getting this. Last year I was still finding it on shelves in February but I get the feeling this one might be going faster this year.

 

i was told mi has a haqrd release date of Nov. 1st,

 

I just showed up in Buffalo, NY. I wasn't able to get any last year. I got a tweet saying BB and Harvest Ale just came in so I ran out and bought a case of each. I had planned on cellaring some of the BB but from the sound of it that's not a great idea. I might just hold back a 4pk and drink it when next year's batch comes out.

 

Where in PA did you find it?

 

Picked up 2 - 4 packs last night. Just poured one, amazing brew as always. Loads of flavor that go's on forever, great mouth feel. Better than last years IMO. Stronger as reported here but you can't taste it. Just terrific. Also, maybe I had good luck last year and I was able to pick up a fair amount and it was around for a little while, a month or so at most shops ( I don't count the stores that gouge and have it months later ) Looks like this year it might be harder to come by. My beer guy just text me and unlike last year where they got a small initial allotment but then were able to get a little more later this year what he got the first time is it. This is a pretty big bottle shop that sells a ton of Founders products and they only got 2 cases. If you see some, don't hesitate.

 

Would you please share where in N. Jersey? Thank you...

 

Backwoods is in NoVA, $12.99 at the Old Town Whole Foods. The abv might be up, but it's drinking very smooth. The oak is more balanced and subtle than last year, which is a plus in my book.

 

Picked up a case as well in Buffalo tonight. $80.94 + tax/deposit. This year's vintage is pretty goddam smooth. I still like mine with age but you cannot even tell there was an increase in alcohol. I would go as far as to say that this is the smoothest, least hot and most dangerously drinkable vintage yet.

 

Where in PA

 

So us Michiganders have to wait while others get OUR brew early? For Shame!!!!

 

There are packs of the 2014 still laying on shelves here,the price hike of about $4 per 4 pack saw to that.to be fair though, the 2014 was the best yet,didn't knock me out after 1 bottle.i'll be at the beer store tomorrow grabbing some......