Founders American Black Ale

Date: 08/26/2006
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, Fest of 26

black, whispy beige head, rich chocolate aroma and flavor, very dry, light bitter finish

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 11/20
Rating: 3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **/4

Sampled at Dutch 70’s "Tasting in the Woods; Part Deux." Bottle courtesy of Artusory. Pours slightly hazy dark brown with a foamy beige head. Has a pleasant, ashy aroma with some mocha as well. Flavor has notes of caramel, light chocolate and roastiness. Not that sweet, seems like a good amount of the bitterness came from the roasted malts rather than hops. Medium to light bodied with subtle carbonation. Very drinkable.

TITW-II. Dark brown body with a hugh creamy tan head. The aroma is light, chocoate, molases and a touch of oxidation. The flavor is chocolate, oxidation, caramel, ash and roast. Medium/light body with a soft and slippery texture and a slightly bitter end. This has held up quite nicely.

TITW Part Deux - 12oz bottle courtesy of artusory. Thanks, Ryan! Dark brown color; fluffy off-white head, good retention and lacing. Maple syrup and roasted malts in the aroma. Slightly oxidized; medium mouthfeel: bitter / milk chocolate, slight citrus hops, hints of coffee and vanilla. Medium, bitter chocolate and coffee finish.

Enjoyed a sample of this one at Tasting in the Woods, Part Deux. Pours to a slightly hazy deep brown to black color, with a tall, thick, and rocky tan head, and a good bit of carbonation. The nose on this beer is very nice, with some good dark malt, and chocolate aromas, paired with hints of dark roast. The plate is firm, with good dark malt flavor, light roast, and a refreshing sourness. This beer finishes with more dark malt, and roast up front, then finishes sour and refreshing. Not sure if the sourness was intentional, or is due to age on this beer, but it made it very interesting and flavorful beer.