Founders Sumatra Brown

Finally able to try from a trade tonight. First off, I have worked in coffee industry for some years and cupped/tested many Sumatra (a.k.a Indonesia) coffees over the years. Secondly, Founders Breakfast and many other dark beers are my personal favorites. That being said, I'm no expert in coffee or beer by any means. BUT.........

This Founders Sumatra Brown Ale is probably the smoothest, most decadent brown ale I've tried in a long time! The only other brown ale that compares in my opinion is the Surly Coffee Bender, which is simply a little more carbonated. Love Dog Fish Head's Indian Brown Ale, but this is better.

Most Sumatra coffees are naturally processed while in the raw form, producing an earthy, dirty flavor profile. Thus, I was a little skeptical this Founders Sumatra Brown Ale was really a Sumatra after tasting it. Honestly, the Breakfast Stout by Founders (personal favorite as well) has more bitter characteristics than this Sumatra does. Totally different beers indeed, but I prefer the Sumatra Brown ALe.

To be perfectly honest, this brown ale is a stunner on many levels. I'll gladly trade some Pacific Northwest Whales for this beer, barrel-aged or not. Period, end of statement!!!!!!! Hit me up anytime.

 

I have plenty!i'd happily trade with you man!

 

Ha, when I get back home to Seattle at end of week, I will hit you up. Thanks @manfromanotherplace. But damn, you're in New York........? Oh well.
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Yeah we couldn't be further away from eachother!anyway, give me a shout and we'll see what happens.

 

One of the boldest coffee tastes I've ever had in a beer. Almost borderline stout imo.

 

Indeed a very tasty and well made Brown. My favorites though are still the Puffing Billy from Around The Bend Brewing and the Oak-aged Snow Wizard from Saugatuck.

 

Thought this was an outstanding Brown Ale. The coffee aroma lends sort of a sweet flavor to the beer.

 

Amen. Get 'em Lotus!

This beer is great. Breakfast Stout is great. I think they are in the same ball park but I'm not complaining.

 

I'm in the minority here in that I thought it was ok. I will try it again though. Could have been a bad day.

 

I drank one last night and could taste diacetyl starting to rear it's ugly head. It's not at drain pour level yet but I would drink these now, cellar at your own risk.

 

Oh boy, here we go!

 

This is a great beer. I prefer it over breakfast stout. The coffee in this beer just smacks you in the face and I love it. Breakfast stout has been weak on the coffee for a while to me.

 

perfect beer for the coffee lover, built well just not for me.

bullshit

 

Best coffee flavor in a beer that I have ever had. Not enough great browns out there - this is one of them.

 

The best and most complex brown I've ever had, rated it 4.44. Will be buying this one again and again.

 

Super legit beer. Another home run by Founders.

 

Delicious, better than FBS.

 

damn good coffee flavor, but I prefer FBS just because I like stouts more than browns, and this one still tastes like a brown, despite being a very "stouty" one.

 

I had a sample pour of this, and while it was delicious, I came away thinking I wouldn't be able to finish a full bottle by myself.

 

I actually like some beer in my coffee beer. I had one bottle and man is this brown ale coffee forward. Science requires research so I am duty bound to try another bottle, possibly tonight.