Started 20 years ago by two brewing mates, Founders has become one of the bigger craft brewers in the USA. They produce big flavoured beers that create cult followings. Their hoppy beers are good, but their dark malty stuff is unrivalled. They are my favourite brewer. Full stop.

Bottle. Close to black with an ever so slight brown tinge and thick cappuccino coloured head that sticks to the glass. Aromas of earth, black rye bread malt, grapefruit, pine and a hint of wood. Honey and thick, rich burnt toffee malts lead into a strong bitterness that begins with lemon and orange, but works into a grapefruit and resinous finish. Drunk past it’s used by date unfortunately (the pitfalls of buyin special release American beers in Australia), which may have diminished some of the hop freshness, but still a delicious beer.

Appearance 4/5

Aroma 8/10

Flavour 9/10

Palate 4/5

Overall 15/2