Founder’s Brewing Co. ‘Sumatra Mountain’ Imperial Coffee Brown Ale

Rating:

14595749_576705942513555_3485613438384894515_n“This bold, imperial brown ale gets its body from a team of malts including Caramel malt for sweetness, flaked barley for dense foam, a bit of Chocolate malt for its deep color and Aromatic and Munich malts to add even more depth. German and Perle hops add a touch of bitterness to balance the malty sweetness. The addition of rich Sumatra coffee takes this perfectly balanced imperial brown ale to a decadent level.”

Served in an English pint. She presents a mahogany complexion with a thumb of cappuccino head forming on top. As it recedes a wavy lace pattern is left clinging to the glass. There’s just something about Founders that excites us and once the olfactory’s get a whiff of this bad boy we know exactly why. Very subtle hints of the KBS creep in here as a decadent blend of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, nutty malts, vanilla, tobacco, toffee and delicate spice combine to create this moreish and seriously captivating aroma. In the mouth it’s medium-full and creamy with a super smooth transition in to the finish. The 9% ABV is incredibly well hidden as a gentle bitterness develops in the swallow. The flavour profile on this drop is simply immense. Upfront we get bold coffee notes that are emphasized by roasted malts and chocolate. Also contributing to the deliciousness are hints of vanilla, burnt toffee and Asian spices that flow across the mid. A mild bitterness is picked up here as a subtle alcohol warmth ushers in a roasted finish with lingering coffee notes on the back palate. This is one of those beers where we savour every last drop. Superb! She’s so smooth yet packed full of roast, spice and bitter espresso. A layered nose, full in body and finished off with a well drawn out back end. Damn that’s a good drop. Kudos Founders.