Founders All Day IPA

I keep meaning to try more Founder's beers, since I have really enjoyed their varieties in the past.  I finally got the chance to try their All Day IPA:

Vittles:

American IPA

4.7% abv

42 IBU

Score:

Appearance: 8/10

Aroma: 22/25

Taste: 35/40

Mouthfeel: 8/10

Style: 5/5

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall: 85/100

Impression:

The head didn't really pan out all that well, but the aroma brings much of the hoppy-goodness I was hoping for.  I like the citrus/grapefruit and grassy notes, and I was happy they came through on the tongue very strong.  What I like best is the crisp and refreshing feel to the beer -- it doesn't coat your tongue in bitterness like other IPAs tend to do, but you still get a big dose of hops with all of the flavors you'd expect in an American IPA, though the pine notes are rather subdued compared to the grapefruit flavors.  I'd definitely get this one again, especially in the warmer weather.

Cheers!

Founders Centennial IPA

My husband is a fan of American IPAs, especially if they have Centennial hops in them.  So, when I mix myself a 6, I usually try to add a couple beers he'd like as well, and we enjoy them together.  One of the IPAs I picked out for him this time was Founders Centennial IPA:

Vittles:
American IPA
7.2% abv
65 IBUs

Score:
Appearance: 9/10
Aroma: 23/25
Taste: 37/40
Mouthfeel: 8/10
Style: 5/5
Drinkability: 8/10
Overall: 90/100

Impression:
Nice clarity and decent head when poured, but the head fell fairly quickly, leaving decent lacing behind.  The malt is present but subdued in the nose, leaving the grapefruit/citrus and pine characteristics to dominate the forefront.  The malt backbone does a great job of supporting the rich and intense hops flavors without taking too much attention away from the grapefruit/citrus and pine.  There're also some floral, herbal, and spicy notes in the background, too.  The flavors themselves are clean and crisp, surprisingly refreshing considering the fuller-bodied but very smooth mouthfeel.  I've said before that IPAs aren't my favorite style, but I found this one to be particularly enjoyable.

Cheers! 

Founders Dirty Bastard

I got to go to one of my favorite beer stores recently while visiting, so I made myself a mixed 6 of beers I've been wanting to try.  One of the beers I picked was Founders Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale:

Vittles:
Strong Scotch Ale
8.5% abv
50 IBUs

Score:
Appearance: 9/10
Aroma: 24/25
Taste: 38/40
Mouthfeel: 9/10
Style: 5/5
Drinkability: 8/10
Overall: 93/100

Impression:
I love the deep, rich, ruby color, and the light yellow of the head looks and smells like hoppy deliciousness.  The malt backbone is complex and crackery with notes of toasted malt, caramel, molasses, and dark fruits.  There is also a touch of hops character on the back end.  The flavors are about what I expect with a nose like that, and the sweetness of the malt balances nicely with the hop bitterness.  I also taste some estery notes and a little warm vanilla after I swallow the beer.  The mouthfeel is very full-bodied and creamy.  This may be the best wee heavy I've had so far.

Cheers!