Founders Breakfast Stout
I feel like its been too long since Ive had a Founders. Oh wait, now that I check, I actually drank and reviewed their Porter eleven days ago. Well, too long in my book! At any rate, this one has been long overdue. Founders was my first craft love, and its a shame its taken me so long to have their famous Breakfast Stout. It's all good now, though; I just cracked a bottle, and I'm pumped. A: Extraordinarily syrupy, pouring almost exactly like black coffee. The head is dark reddish-brown thin and barely there, with some sexy lacing. Looks thick and bold. S: Wow; smells like coffee, too. Roasted malts are huge, throwing bitter, smoky tones straight to your sinuses. Dark chocolate is big as well, sending the nose to a striking alcohol finish. This just screams aggressive, forward, and complex. T: That roasted malt flavor its remarkable. The smoky and bitter tones blend perfectly with the chocolate, giving it a very coffee-like feel. Ah, and the great hop quality I have always appreciated from the boys in Grand Rapids earthy, yet enjoyably bitter. A vanilla and hazelnut presence ups the sweetness factor a touch, just as a bit of alcohol swoops in with even more intricacy. The finish is dry and oaky, but not so much that its unsatisfying. M: A good feel smoothly drinkable. Not as velvety smooth as the pour implied, but still good for the style. O: Now for the moment of truth: was Founders Breakfast Stout everything I thought it would be? Well, it wasn't a life-changing experience, but it was definitely a good drink I especially enjoyed the mellow hop notes mixing with the bitter roasts. Nice and complex, with even better balance as it warms. Still not my favorite Founders offering, but a superb example of what an American Double Stout can be with careful attention. Can't wait to try CBS and KBS!