Founder's Devil Dancer '14: a completely different beer?

I never understood why this beer isn't just an American barleywine. It fits all the characteristics of an AB, I think having a triple ipa category is reaching.

 

I think you are remembering wrong. Its always been somewhat of a mess in my opinion.

 

Maybe it's different there, but most places I've been, Curmudgeon can be found pretty much year round. That old fart just sits and sits, probably yelling at the kids to turn down their music and pull up their pants.

 

Certainly a reasonable thought. Batch variation is a legit thing IMO, even if the recipes dont change. Brewing is a somewhat complex process with lots of moving parts contributing to the final product. Subtle (and at times not so subtle) differences should, and IMO do, occur with nearly every batch of beer. A brewer can only control so many variables. Now determining to what degree there is a change can be difficult because palate variation likely contributes even more to how you experience each beer as well.

 

Just picked up two. They seem the same to me.

Very mild flavor for a 12% triple ipa... When it comes to this one, I always expect it to be hoppier. Bottled 12 days ago, and still very malty.

 

So I got a 4 pack of this year's version, having never tried it before, and after reading this thread I was a little nervous about actually trying it.... I just drank one, and I'll tell you, I really liked it a lot! The sweetness totally caught me off guard, and the hops really take a back seat on this one. I don't know what it is about it, but I thought it was great!

 

I know @Sixpoint mentioned this in reference to their hi-res when people mentioned the sweetness in that when a beer has a higher abv, the hops tend to not be perceived as much on the pallet and people taste more sweetness.

 

I am drinking one now and this year's DD is solid! Very tasty with a malty start and a bruising hoppy finish! really good for anyone wanting to get extreme...enjoy!

 

3 or 4 years ago I would have replied to this comment by saying you've got a screw loose. Not so much today.

 

I've been drinking/buying Devil Dancer for years, at least 6, if not 8 or more. It has changed a bit over the years, but I've never found it bad. This year has a slight crispness over last year's, but it is only a couple of weeks old and I'd expect this. Devil Dancer ages well, too. When I drink it, I am not looking for Nugget Nector on steroids. This is a different beast. This year has a nice mouthfeel and the warmness one should expect of a beer this strong.

 

Wholesale cost is the same as KBS *cough*

 

I am new to this beer as founders has only been in Florida for about a year but I just picked up a 4 pack at my store (Whole Foods Market in Florida) at 13.99/4pk. I'll double check what we paid for the case, but sounds like a lot of stores are making this up substantially. I'm the buyer for the store and we typically mark up about 20-25% on the case cost, sometimes a lot less. I'm curious what a single bottle is ringing. I will report back.

 

Someone at the distributor messed up. In fact, my distributor messed up and billed it at $52 a case (same price as curmudgeon) but I called my rep up right away and told him his price was wrong and to call me back with the actual cost). It cost the same as KBS. $94 per case.

 

Had it in the taproom yesterday, something did seem different this year, and in a bad way.

 

Tried my first DD last night and enjoyed it. Not as boozy as the DH120 and Hopslam IMO and nice Hop explosion. However, whether I decide to buy it again at that price is still to be determined. A lot of beers I like better at lower prices.

 

Then my store must have it right. We were selling KBS at 14.99/4pk.

 

Agree with OP. too sweet. I think it was under-attenuated. Need some stronger yeast Founders!

 

Drinking my first one now. Was super excited when I saw two 4 packs sitting on the shelve, but I can say I'm glad I didn't buy both. Way too boozy; not a bad beer just not very enjoyable.

 

Large national chains such as whole foods must get case deals based on the size of the entire operation because $15 is less than cost of anywhere I have heard. Although I am surprised Founder's would discount a beer like KBS given the fact that it will sell regardless. Cheers