Founders Backwoods Bastard - Original Release 2007

This brew was one I have been holding onto in my cellar for awhile and I decided to bring it up and crack it open. A bottle of Founders Backwoods Bastard from the original bottled release back in November 2007. This oak bourbon barrel aged brew clocks in at 8.7% ABV per the bottle. It is a yearly release in 4 packs that you should be able to find around November each year. Founders is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The brew pops open with a nice hiss and pours a deep garnet hue with a quarter inch of off white bubbles on top of the brew. Still a good deal of active carbonation as well. Aromas start off with rich caramel and spice alongside some wonderful oaky bourbon and vanilla aromas. Mild smokiness in the background cavorting with dark fruits. Really nice overall!

First sip brings a rush of dense malts upfront, slightly sweet with deep caramel and spices running wild. Dark fruit works in as the bourbon takes hold with a nice vanilla profile as well. Mellow smokiness on the way down along with toffee and more dark fruits. Finishes smooth with just a touch of heat. Spicy bourbon aftertaste is wonderful.

Mouthfeel is smooth and medium bodied with plenty of tight bubbles rushing across the palate. This has smoothed out quite nicely and I wish I was hanging onto a couple more of these, as it aged well. A tasty seasonal from Founders that is well worth seeking out!

Overall I gave this aged brew a rating of Great.

Check out the full line-up from Founders Brewing by surfing over to http://www.foundersbrewing.com/