Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale

2006 bottle - thanks to TBC. 6/24/08 - my 1 yr RateBeer anniversary the bourbon barrel aging really comes through on the aroma... lots of bourbon and sweet sugary malts with some vanilla as well. pours a dirty brown with little to no head.... lots of floaties too. wonderful on the palate - very even and smooth... medium to full body. caramel, bourbon, vanilla and maple syrup dominate the mouth. excellent strong finish... the bourbon barrel aging is most noticeable on the finish and there is a bit of alcohol presence as well.... it goes down extremely smooth and lingers for a bit. very glad I got to have an ’06 bottle and would love to compare it to a newer batch.

Via trade with Scubarex. Many thanks. 12oz bottle pours a dense, translucent, amber brown with a thin beige head and slightly visible carbonation noticeable around the edge of the glass. Aroma is sweet and malty with strong vanilla, oak and whiskey smells. Flavor is similar with raisins, caramel chews, vanilla, oaky bourbon, wood, cherries, light tobacco, chocolate and quite earthy. Thick, chewy, sticky and creamy on the palate with some lasting bitterness and a touch of lasting sweetness like butterscotch. Got much better when it warmed up and was surprisingly drinkable for such a big beer.

Ruddy mahogany pour; mostly still body leaving no foam. Sweet, robust aroma; silky chocolate, raisins, dates, roasted peanuts. A burly, damp cavendish tobacco darkness and a spicy, velvety touch of nutty bourbon in a slow, heavy pressure of erudite sweetness; hints of toasted coconut and spirited heat in the back. Layered carefully and composed; delightful to inhale.

Flavor is full and simple; chocolate mousse, figs, and molasses; growing more complex and forceable as it dresses itself in a fanciful, rich spirit imitation. Earthy and rustic, while sophisticatedly clean. Syrupy, almost, in caramelly, nutty, dark bourbon impartation; the rich wooden character and anise-like darkness of the spirit flavor is extremely cordial and charming. What a nice surprise.

Palate is full and round; oily, barely carbonated; like velvet. Filtration seems to strip it down just a touch in a clean, roasty, sweet finish. Almost too polished at this point, where a lingering, dirty, earthy bittersweetness would seem most fitting. Excepting that complaint and the sometimes loud contribution of the bourbon barrel, pleasant as it is, the warm settled malt character of this one is striking enough to overcome. Thanks Chris!

12 oz bottle. Pours dark red amber with a small, quickly-dissipating off-white head and lots of sediment. Aroma is muted, all I can detect is a bit of Bourbon or Scotch aroma. Flavor is sweet with flavors of Bourbon, honey, fresh bread, and a fair bit of alcohol. Finish is slightly bitter with some alcohol. I really enjoyed this one.

Dirty river water and an attempt at a foam head that never came to fruition. Aroma is dark fruit, honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Flavor is also sweet with distinguishable notes of raisin, cherry skin, and vanilla. The lack of carbonation had a negative impact on this beer. Still glad I had a chance to try it.

12oz bottle, pours a clear brown/amber with a small head that dissipates fully. Great aroma of sweet malt, figs, caramel, brown sugar, alcohol, and bourbon. Don’t think this is the bourbon barrel version, but still smells of bourbon nonetheless. Taste of caramel, sugar, dark fruit, bourbon, and oak. Alcohol is not overpowering for nearly 10%. Nice barley wine type flavor, but is even better than most barley wines I’ve had. Smooth mouthfeel with light carbonation. Overall a great beer!

2006 Bottle. Dark brown pour. Thin off-white head quickly diminishes into a halo of lace. Oak, toffee, vanilla, and bourbon on the nose. Very smooth on the palate. Malt, vanilla, and bourbon flavors. Nicely complex, very drinkable at 9.3%. Medium-full mouthfeel. Slightly astringent finish with some alcohol presence. I’ve often overlooked this beer in the past. Try it, you’ll love it.

Pours a dark brown with small tan head. Aroma of malts, vanilla, and dried fruit. Flavor was malt driven with a smooth sweetness that was countered by a nice dry hop finish. A complex blend of flavor ranges from vanilla, plum, toffee and a slight alcohol warming that come together beautifully to make a fine brew. Very drinkable and very enjoyable. If you like barleywines, you have to have this ale.