Founders Porter is an American Porter brewed by Founders Brewing Co. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the Porter was served in a nonic pint glass from a 12 oz. bottle.
Packaging art for the Founders Porter by Founders Brewing Co.
What You Need to Know
This Robust Porter is one of the original four beers Founders ever brewed (more on that below). This dark beer has a lovely roast character that’s complemented with a floral hopping and balanced by sweet notes of dark chocolate and caramel. The beer has won numerous awards and in 2013, it was rated the third best American Porter on RateBeer. I probably don’t have to tell you it’s good. But just the same, here’s the review.
Appearance
The Porter pours a very dark brown and doesn’t show any light through the glass. The ale is topped by an inch-thick cap of dense, tan-colored foam that shows excellent retention. The head’s slow reduction leaves behind a nice lattice of sticky residue on the sides of the glass.
Check Out the Latest News Article
Aroma
The aroma is strong as it is delightful. A scent of coffee roast dominates and is joined by a hints of sweet chocolate and carmael.
Flavor
The palate is led by a taste of dark brown bread that transitions to an intense coffee roast flavor. It’s not quite burnt but the roast flavor is strong. A mild floral hopping follows and then the bitterness melts away with a lingering semisweet taste of dark chocolate. The sweetness of caramel asserts itself more prominently through the middle and finish as the beer warms.
Label art for the Founders Porter by Founders Brewing Co.
Mouthfeel
The feel is smooth with a body that’s medium-full and moderate carbonation. The ale finishes dryly with a mild astringency.
How The Founders Porter Was Nearly Lost
The Founders Porter is one of the four original recipes that Founders Brewing Co. first brewed with they opened their doors in 1997. The beer was initially released during the colder months of the year and 2001 its recipe was tweaked to become the brew we enjoy today. But those early beers nearly bankrupt the brewery and Founders shifted their production to take on more innovative and extreme beers. To make way for those higher-volume beers, the Founders Porter was no longer in production from 2005 to 2007. Thankfully, Founders didn’t go bankrupt and in 2007 their new-found success allowed them to move into a larger space. The added production capacity meant they could bring the Founders Porter back. But this time, this dark beer would now be made available year round.
Overall
The Founders Porter scores high marks all around. Strong head retention lends to a lovely appearance. The aroma is strong, persistent, and oh so enticing. The palate is superb with its balanced blend of roast, bready malt, and sweet chocolate. Its luscious feel only amplifies the tasting. Overall, the Founders Porter is nothing short of fantastic and is definitely deserving of its numerous accolades. It’s very much worth trying.
Find this , get it cold, and expect an experience you will wish had found much earlier! Even without a complimentary Fuente Madura it is also good with food! This is everything people who know their beer says of it. Remember, beer has as been around and drank either warm or cool saloon style, so drink good and cold , it’s champagne of this genre beer!!