Founders Sumatra Brown

Discussion in 'Beer Releases' started by WesMantooth, Apr 4, 2016.

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  1. JasonJYoung

    JasonJYoung Initiate (0) Jan 7, 2015 Washington
    Trader

    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.
     
  2. manfromanotherplace

    manfromanotherplace Initiate (0) May 19, 2015 New York

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

    JasonJYoung Initiate (0) Jan 7, 2015 Washington
    Trader

    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.
    -
     
    manfromanotherplace likes this.
  4. manfromanotherplace

    manfromanotherplace Initiate (0) May 19, 2015 New York

    Yeah we couldn't be further away from eachother!anyway, give me a shout and we'll see what happens.
     
  5. ChWRoCk

    ChWRoCk Devotee (325) Dec 9, 2013 Illinois

    One of the boldest coffee tastes I've ever had in a beer. Almost borderline stout imo.
     
    Junior likes this.
  6. HeyItsThatGuy

    HeyItsThatGuy Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2016 Illinois

    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.
     
  7. Shmuffalo

    Shmuffalo Zealot (731) Feb 26, 2012 Pennsylvania

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

    apendecto Initiate (0) Mar 31, 2009 Michigan

    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.
     
  9. SammyJaxxxx

    SammyJaxxxx Initiate (0) Feb 23, 2012 New Jersey

    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.
     
  10. Hoppedelic

    Hoppedelic Savant (1,065) Dec 6, 2010 California
    Trader

    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.
     
  11. MadLatvian

    MadLatvian Initiate (0) Feb 8, 2015 Michigan

    Oh boy, here we go!
     
    Thecalmdrinker and hopnado like this.
  12. johnnybgood1999

    johnnybgood1999 Savant (1,000) Oct 31, 2008 Virginia

    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.
     
    Beersnob724 and philsunset like this.
  13. hopnado

    hopnado Initiate (0) Aug 13, 2014 Michigan

    perfect beer for the coffee lover, built well just not for me.
    bullshit
     
    Thecalmdrinker and Beersnob724 like this.
  14. ClemsonMike

    ClemsonMike Devotee (330) Aug 13, 2010 South Carolina
    Trader

    Best coffee flavor in a beer that I have ever had. Not enough great browns out there - this is one of them.
     
    Beersnob724 likes this.
  15. tillmac62

    tillmac62 Pooh-Bah (2,859) Oct 2, 2013 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    The best and most complex brown I've ever had, rated it 4.44. Will be buying this one again and again.
     
    jrnyc likes this.
  16. darklord2011

    darklord2011 Zealot (638) Nov 18, 2011 Indiana
    Trader

    Super legit beer. Another home run by Founders.
     
  17. Beersnob724

    Beersnob724 Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2016 Ohio

    Delicious, better than FBS.
     
  18. Brent212

    Brent212 Pundit (914) Jan 13, 2014 California
    Trader

    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.
     
  19. LeVin86

    LeVin86 Initiate (0) Mar 7, 2016 New Jersey

    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.
     
  20. deanzaZZR

    deanzaZZR Maven (1,347) Jan 8, 2015 California

    I actually like some beer in my coffee beer. :slight_smile: 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.
     
    walkinginplace likes this.
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