Founders Brewing Company- Dry Hopped Pale Ale: What is in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet?

Anyone who has any homebrewing experience can probably tell you what dry hopping is. However, if you’re a casual beer drinker you might not know or even care for that matter. Dry hopping is simply adding hops to a beer during the fermentation stage, instead of during to boil stage, where hops are traditionally added. This allows the flavors of the oils and resins to really soak into the brew. Personally I love dry hopping and my last IPA was actually a Dry Hopped Double IPA. I enjoy the crisp bite of the hops and strong aromas associated with them; let’s hope that Founders Dry Hopped Pale Ale is a prime example of this brewing technique in action.

Founders Pale Ale has a very traditional honey colored medium body with a sweet floral scent. It has a really nice pure, white foam that was still hanging around 10 minutes after the pour. It features a slight hazy build and an above average carbonation level. I think must people will also be very surprised by how sweet this brew smells. There is definitely some citrus mixed in with the aroma as well.

The flavor of Founder’s Dry Hopped Pale Ale is a big let down in my eyes (or I guess mouth). The hops presence is miniscule at best. I was shocked to see that this beer has only 35 IBU’s. I am not saying a pale ale has to be hoppy to be enjoyable, but when you mention hops right on the package you create a certain expectation in people’s minds. The flavor is not bad, it is actually more on the sweet side, very malty with some citrus and a tiny, tiny hop finish. This would be a great beer for your girlfriend to introduce her to hops if she insists on only drinking wheat beers, for us hop heads this is a big let down.

Founders has quickly become one of my favorite breweries over the last couple of years. Their Centennial IPA and Red Rye are amazing. At the end of the day everyone is allowed to make a mistake. I wouldn’t really call Founders Pale Ale a mistake; it’s more of a misrepresentation, kind of like when a movie puts all the good scenes in the previews (I’m looking at you Adventureland). Founders has a decent brew here, it just doesn’t deliver the experience I was expecting and for that I have to give it an honest assessment…

ABV: 5.4%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy a six pack

Founders Brewing Company- Founders Pale Ale: Just Right For Those Hot Summer Days

It’s getting to that part of the year where the weather can be downright shitty.  I guess its all perspective but I am no fan of those hot 90 degree days where the humidity is above 80%.  It’s sticky, and one becomes more prone to the effects of the dreaded swamp-ass.  I am one of these unfortunate suckers that have to walk around in this kind of heat wearing a monkey suit (business attire).  It’s days like today where I just want nothing more to be sitting around the house in some shorts and a tank top absorbing the technology known as Air Conditioning.  So what does one drink when they want to escape the heat and humidity?  For me, this evening’s choice was a Founders Brewing Company dry hopped Pale Ale.  Will this prove to be the cure for my sweltering summer blues?  

Founders Brewing Company classifies this brew as a Pale Ale and their website describes Founders Pale Ale as, "A testament to Cascade hops in a bottle. This medium-bodied pale ale has a distinctive floral hop aroma and refreshing citrus flavor. You’ll notice a slight malty sweetness with a balanced hop finish. Perfect to enjoy anytime, anywhere."

                                                                                                                       Founders Pale Ale pours an unfiltered & speckled golden color with a minimal ¼” cream colored head and smells of orange zest, slightly grassy & hoppy with a just over sessionable 5.4% ABV.

                                                                                                                       Founders Brewing Company continues to consistently produce great craft beers.  I can now officially check another beer off my Founders list.  Founders Pale Ale is a spot on perfect beer for those hot summer days when you need a brew that is refreshing and not going to weigh you down.  FPA has a light body and has a great flavor that doesn’t over load your taste buds.  The flavor is extremely uniform start to finish, citrusy with some nice hop compliments.  Founders Pale Ale was just what I needed to finish this uncomfortably hot day…too bad I don’t have any more as tomorrow will be even worse.

ABV: 5.4%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack