Hello everyone.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the Founders Imperial Stout produced by the Founders Brewing Company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Anyone who knows me realizes that I love Founders products.  They always churn out a solid brew regardless of style.

Let’s jump to the website, foundersbrewing.com, for some information on the Imperial Stout.

Brewed with ten varieties of malted barley, this stout is smooth as silk, yet complex and rich in body. Serve this guy at cellar temperature. Put another log on the fire, sit back, and enjoy the friendship of this ultimate winter warmer.

I think it’s time to drink.

This Stout has an ABV of 10.5% and it comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

This beer looked great right off the bat.  It poured pitch black with absolutely no highlights showing at all.  The head was creamy, smooth, soft and mocha in color.  It wasn’t overly large from a very gentle pour, however the retention time and the lacing were as solid as a rock.  The alcohol feet were very apparent when tilted from side to side and I could easily generate a bit of foam by agitating the liquid.

The nose had an expectant deep, dark, roasted malt component.  Hints of chocolate and licorice.  Some dark fruit (prunes), a very slight coffee note and a very faint alcohol tone.  Considering the fact that this brew had 90 IBU’s, the hops seemed quite relaxed, although earthy in distinction.  The malts were quite rich and bold however.  A very nice smelling beer to say the least.

The bittersweet chocolate jumped out first with the initial intake.  Some roasted coffee aspects, licorice and savors of alcohol were all easily discerned.  The dark fruits however, were quite a bit more restrained.  The hops emerged as more of the “grassy” type.  They really seemed to harmonize well with the heavily roasted facets of this beer.  It really tasted balanced.  It does have a “big” flavor, but at no time did it feel overwhelming or obtrusive.  A spectacular tasting beer right here in my opinion.

The mouthfeel was easily full bodied.  It was thick, smooth, slick and chewy.  The carbonation was really nice and an excellent amount of warmth and flavor were left to ponder between sips.

Well… this is a delicious beer.  There’s no mistaking that.  It’s one of my favorite Stouts.  It’s definitely worth a try if you can get it in your area.  Especially if you appreciate a big, rich and bold Imperial Stout.  It’s well represented in all categories.  It looks great, smells great and tastes great.  The drinkability is a bit better than most of this style also, so watch out because this thing does have a 10.5% ABV.  It will get on top of you in a hurry if you are not careful.  That’s about all that needs to be said really.  Founders Imperial Stout…..  one that will continue to be a staple in my beer cellar for years to come.

Thanks for reading and commenting folks.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.35 out of 5
Grade:  A