Beer of the Week

I know that it's been a while since this blog has been a regular feature, so it's about time to get it back in motion.

Normally I'd save the BOTW for a weekend, but I figure it's been so long you can't complain.

Our feature this week comes from the well known Western Michigan powerhouse, Founders. Founders has been brewing since 1990, but has really become a craft brew staple over the last 5 years or so; with the dry-hopped citrus winner Centennial IPA, and the oil slick Breakfast Stout, it's easy to see why.

I was reintroduced to their Red's Rye at a local beer festival in St. Paul. As far as stand out ales, this brew jumped to mind with other quality entries like Lagunita's Lil' Sumpin' Sumpin' and Grand Teton's IPA.

Red's Rye P.A., as the bottle says, pours a rich amber color with some hints of red. The beer has a nice head with some significant lacing. There's a huge hop scent, with noticeable grapefruit and some spiciness. The mouthfeel is full and smooth, and the hops are balanced by a really nice sweet malt finish. The hops and the rye balance each other very nicely as they are washed down by the hops.

This is, without a doubt, one of the better IPAs in the country, and perhaps the very best brewed in the Midwest. If you're in Grand Rapids, stop by their beautiful tap room. If you're not, stop by your local liquor store and pick this one up.

Welcome back to Beer on the Brain.

Links of Interest:
Founders Brewing