Founders Harvest Ale - Founders Brewing Company

Kendo

New York

4.23/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Poured from the bottle into a pint glass. Body is clear golden with a small whitish head. No real lace other than some splotches on the side of the glass.

S: Big on the hops - grapefruit, pineapple juice and a hint of cat pee.

T: Light bready malt foundation is followed by juicy, bitter hops: mainly citrus (grapefruit and grapefruit pith), but with a hint of pine resin. Finishes with lingering hop bitterness that's a combination of grapefruit and lemon. Still, despite the strong fresh hop taste, there's some balance overall.

M: Slightly creamy in feel, body is medium in heft.

O: Once you get past the cat pee part of the nose, this is good stuff. Goes down pretty easy but with plenty of juicy, resiny hop flavor and bitterness for the hophead.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 01:03:52 | More by Kendo

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

thanks to egrace84 for giving me this bottle. Thanks elliot!

poured into founders tulip.

vintage 2012.

Appearance: golden to straw yellow bodied beer with 2 fingers of white head. Drops down to a clump head and thin cap. Spotted lace all over the glass.

Smell: hint of pine and alot of citrus notes. Pineapples and tropical fruits.

Taste: moderate bitterness. citrusy hops notes. hints of pine and grapefruits. tropical fruits and grassy notes. lingering mild bitterness mostly of pine, grapefruit, grassy notes. The hops are fresh and juicy in this beer! Little bit of resinous hop notes from this beer also.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer with moderate carbonation.

Overall: Its a really good wet hop beer. I am really glad to have this beer as a local beer. Great price point and really nice hop profile! Can go wrong with picking this 4pk especially if your a hophead.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2012 05:46:29 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT

Pinknuggets

Vermont

4.58/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle into long trail pint glass

A: very light golden color that is surprisingly light for an IPA see a small white head that despates quickly doesn't look right to me

S: what a fruit and hop symphony of an aroma lots of citrus and melon but the smells is so well balanced

T: very light but super tastey way better then they appeared packs a punch lots of fresh hoppy flavor that's fades into a fresh bitterness that is easy on the pallet

M:smooth as hell, light for an ipa but incredibly drinkable

O: wow I love this stuff did not see that coming tastes fresh and crisp but still a hop forward well balanced ipa seems true to style. Bravo founders yet another one I will get again

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2012 04:34:50 | More by Pinknuggets

boilermakerbrew

Indiana

4.08/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- Pours a deep golden color. Small, one finger head that retains some down to a lingering froth on the top, but laces very well. Clarity is high, with only the color of the brew impeding light through it.

S- Big hops pine scents right off the bat. Not a whole lot else mixed in with the hops. Almost all pine scent with some mixed in floral and other plant-like scents.

T- Just like the scent, except a little subdued. Hops are the dominant flavor profile, but they are not as strong as in the scent. Very light malt base underneath the hops adds a little balance, but hops are the emphasis. Hops aren't overpowering, and let you taste the rest of the beer.

M- Very light, high carbonation levels. Might be a touch watery. Easy to drink for a hop heavy beer. Light in the stomach.

Overall, not mind blowing, but better than the 3 Floyds Broo Doo, which is the only other wet hop ale I've had. Decent balance of hops bitterness and underlying malt, but it could be better.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2012 02:16:28 | More by boilermakerbrew

Gatch

Massachusetts

4.6/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottled 10/4/12.

A: Beautiful, clear, golden-yellow with a huge, foamy, frothy, white head. Hangs around for a while and leaves behind plenty of lacing and retention.

S: What is there to say? Massive, fresh hops. All the great qualities of West Coast cones. Huge, juicy fruit, pine, cedar, citrus, resin, sap, damp forest (huh?)...all with a touch of malt at the back.

T: Crazy amount of bitter, dry, refreshing, bursting-with-juice hop flavor. This is one of the more "wet" feeling and tasting fresh hop beers I've tried. The name really fits. It tastes like they picked the hops a few hours ago and somehow brewed it a few minutes ago. Even with it tasting like chewing on a fresh-picked hop cone, some malt comes through in the finish to almost balance this baby out, especially as it warms. Seriously.

M: Mouth becomes covered in sticky, resiny hop oils. The epitome of wet hop. Almost skunky or marijuana-like feel and finish. And the hop-heavy finish lingers for a long time.

O: Surprisingly fresh after about a month and not what I expected from a brewer in the Midwest. But these days, fresh hop harvests can be shipped overnight so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. This can compete with all of the great West Coast fresh hop beers that I've tried. Phenomenal.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2012 01:50:22 | More by Gatch

nUgZ

North Carolina

4.35/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap and poured into a pint glass.

A: Hazy orange color with a 1/2 finger head. Decent lacing.

S: Pretty strong fresh hop smell. Not overpowering however. Very inviting.

T: Floral hops followed by a little malt flavor. Very well balanced.

M: Medium bodied with good carbonation.

O: I was very pleased with this offering. It's just how I like my IPA's...hoppy with not too much malt. The smell and the flavor match very closely. This was my first beer from Founder's, but I'm excited to try some others.

Serving type: on-tap

11-07-2012 02:09:16 | More by nUgZ

HarrySTruman

Michigan

4.63/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours amber, kind of clear, had a half finger head. Lacing is strong, stayed on the glass for a while.

Citrus and floral smells. Resin and citurs tastes. Very delicious flavor, unique in the IPA world. drinks smooth. Really a great all around beer that I wish was available year round and in 6 packs.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2012 01:19:20 | More by HarrySTruman

dasenebler

Maine

4/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 4

Founders Harvest Ale
11/6/12
12oz. packaged 10/4/12

Pours a chill-hazed pale orange. Small head, not much retention. Decent lacing. (3.5)

Aroma is pungent and hoppy, yet soft. A bit muddled, perhaps not as fresh as it was intended to be drunk. Grass, earth, citrus, touch of tropical fruit and also some dankness. (4)

Flavor is really hoppy. Rindy citrus interacts with plenty of bitterness. Orangey and piney, along with some juicy fruitiness. This is a well-executed beer for showcasing fresh hops. Malts are pale, light and simply supporting here, which helps create a dry and refreshing IPA. Mouthfeel is resinous and slick, but darn-near flat. Halfway through the drink there's hardly any carb left. (4.5, 2)

I'm really digging this beer, but why is it so under-carbonated? Drinkability and flavor are excellent, though the aroma and overall hop character would come through much more if there were some decent carbonation. More bubbles would make this beer an absolute knock-out IPA. (4)

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 22:51:10 | More by dasenebler

axeman9182

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Cloverleaf Tavern for their Founders tap takeover event, and served in a tall, thin glass.

Founders Harvest Ale pours surprisingly light. It's goldenrod in color and crystal clear, topped by a finger and a half or so of white foam. Head retention is pretty good, and does a nice job of coating the glass with lacing. The nose is wonderfully floral, with a strong grapefruit aroma supported by a secondary pineapple note. The flavor does allow the malt bill a little room to feature as well. Bready and more caramel flavors are both appreciable. The bitter bite is attention grabbing, but not palate scorching. As with the aroma, the finish features a strong grapefruit presence, offset by a subtle tropical fruit, pineapple flavor. The body isn't quite bone dry, but it's damn close. The carbonation falls just short of being lively enough to make the mouthfeel great. Founders Harvest Ale is a delightful IPA, better than Centennial in my opinion, and it's a shame it only comes around once a year.

Serving type: on-tap

11-06-2012 21:27:01 | More by axeman9182

davey101

Connecticut

4.28/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottled 10/04/12. 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass.

A - Pours a bright amber body. Really strong orange color.One finger white head forms but dissipates quickly. Decent lacing and retention.

S - Tropical forward with notes of papaya, mango, and orange juice. Fresh floral and grassy notes. Doesn't smell bitter or over the top. Subtle bready malts on the finish.

T - Orange and mango juice, resin, floral hops and a light caramel cracker finish. Tasty and extremely balanced. Mouth feel is medium bodied with the perfect level of carbonation. Somewhere in between slick and syrupy. Bitterness and alcohol are quite low.

O - A very delicious and well balanced wet hop ale. I could drink this all day (and presumably pass out). Get it while its nice and fresh!

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 06:02:43 | More by davey101

metter98

New York

4.13/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: The beer is crystal clear yellow in color and has a moderate amount of carbonation. It poured with a finger high bright white head that has excellent retention properties and hardly died down.
S: There are moderate aromas of citrus hops in the nose-grapefruit seems to stand out in particular.
T: The taste is very similar to the smell and has lots of grapefruit flavored along with a moderate amount of bitterness, the latter of which lingers through the finish.
M: It feels a bit shy of medium-bodied and rather crisp on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. The finish is very dry.
O: This beer is very drinkable while still delivering lots of hop flavors.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 01:14:05 | More by metter98

kbnooshay

New York

4.6/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I haven't reviewed a beer in a long time so please pardon my rust. I AM VERY EXCITE FOR THIS ONE! Poured a hazy amber/orange color with a 2 finger width foamy white head. The lacing stuck around for awhile. I pop the cap and pour. WOAH! Floral and citrusy hop flavors dominate. Taste is full of resiny hop juiciness.Very floral and citric with a nice tropical fruit touch at the end.Medium bodied beer with a nice crispy feel from the carbonation. Delicious and super drinkable despite the decent amount of bitterness. Fruity hop juice heaven.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 04:40:19 | More by kbnooshay

buddha5050

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a tulip glass

A: A three finger tight white head, Hazy orange color, nice lacing , good carbonation

S: Hops, citrus, malt, passion fruit, pineapple

T: Very nice taste, hoppy but not overpowering enough to let you know it's there, citrus, tropical fruits, nice wet hopped beer. Nicely balanced.

M: Med/light body in the mouth, carbonation enough to cleanse the palet after every drink

O: This is a winner, all I can say!!! does not dissapoint!

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 04:00:07 | More by buddha5050

sukwonee

Washington

4.73/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle 10/4/2012, consumed on 11/3/2012

Purchased from Halftime

A: Hazy orange with 2 finger head. Lots of lacing.

S: Grapefruit, orange, sweet malt, passion fruit, pineapple very nice.

T: WOW. It's simply awesome. I think this is the best IPA from Founders by a large margin. I am not sure if this beer would have been slightly less malty if it were fresher, but sweet malt was definitely detected. Pineapple, passion fruit, orange, mango. Not very bitter. Although I keep mentioning that I detect sweetness, it's not an overly sweet beer.

M: Low to medium carbonation.

O: WOW again. This beer really surprised me. This kind of reminds me of Zombie Dust (sweeter ZD, I would say). Very well balanced as well. highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 02:27:34 | More by sukwonee

TheBigLebrewski

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle from the 2012 season.

Head dissipates very quickly, but lacing hangs around longer than average. Tightly bubbled ring floats, with active bubbling throughout the beer. The color is very yellow, with the minimal insinuation of gold. Gets a lowish rating on appearance in part because the color is unappetizing - so just below average in looks overall.

Smell is very subtle, but what comes through is refreshing, albeit simple: wet, green, fresh, hops.

Taste is far-and-away the beer's strong point. Exactly what you want out of a harvest ale. The wet-hop presence is substantial, but not over-powering. In this regard, this isn't the biggest and baddest harvest ale, but it very well may be my favorite in flavor.

Mouthfeel lends further evidence to the brewing process with some puckering from the wet hops and a viscosity that comes in a bit thicker than average. Carbonation's effect on the mouthfeel is very good; rarely does it take this appreciable a backseat to flavor while maintaining the necessary effervescence.

Make sure you drink a bit of this one each year; It very much fulfills the qualities of a harvest ale. High overall rating despite some low non-mouth-related numbers... because this one proves appearance doesn't always have much to do with it.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 20:56:14 | More by TheBigLebrewski

Mojo

Alabama

4.53/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This offering pours up a hazy gold with a thin white head and a small amount of lacing. The smell is a fairly strong floral aroma, very pleasant. Taste is a hint of sweet oranges upfront giving way to grapefruit and citrusy hops. Mouthfeel is quite nice with a decent amount of carbonation. Yet another excellent offering from Founders.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 05:08:03 | More by Mojo

uconnroller

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Founders Harvest ale, simply incredible.
Pours a light golden straw color with a slight white head retention.
Smell of floral and citrus hops.
Taste of strong citrus hops up front with an underlying light malt presence just enough to balance the brew and make it easy to drink. Has a medium body with a nice strong crisp carbonation.
Very refreshing, fresh hop taste, all in all the epitome of a harvest ale.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 03:38:47 | More by uconnroller

CHADMC3

Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a pale straw colored golden body beneath the one inch white head that leaves a thin ring around the glass.

Big resiny pine hops aromas as well as straw and grass with hints of floral and faint citrus.

Very tasty pine hop and grass flavors with a touch of malt and grain. Only a hint of sweetness buried in the palate but very clean hop notes.

Generous carbonation and a bigger body for an IPA yet crisp and refreshing with a resiny finish.

A very nice autumnal IPA with grain, straw and pine. All around tasty.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 02:11:54 | More by CHADMC3

MacQ32

South Carolina

4.45/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a really nice clear, light golden color with a wee bit of a copper tint. Nice finger of white frothy heady, superior lacing, decent retention. Really great looking brew.

S - Lots of floral hops, slightly grassy and citrusy as well. Somewhat earthy, nice mild caramel aromas as well. Smells crisp, pineapple and mango type citrus aroma. Doesn't smell like a palate wrecker but several enticing aromas going on in here.

T - A nice floral hop kick initially, but not overpowering. "Wet hopped" is fitting because it does not have the standard dry lingering effect per the usual(which I quite like). Resinous floral hops some grapefruit/pineapple flavors. Really nice floral spiced/citrus burst up front, sweet caramel settles and the bitter aftertaste is very mild and doesn't hang around for long.

M - Light bodied, super refreshing and drinkable. Appropriate carbonation, absolutely fantastic.

O - I would consider this the perfect "light" IPA. Super refreshing, easy to drink, fantastic flavor profile.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 01:03:25 | More by MacQ32

DAllspaw

Indiana

4.38/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

pours a beautiful gold,slight whit head. Aroma is tropical with more caramel pineapple than others, really nice but not as piney or grassy in the smell.

This really takes off on the first sip, juicy piney and an incredible coating that leaves you wanting more. this is where the beer shines, a little underwhelmed when I smelled, but then I took a sip.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 00:56:46 | More by DAllspaw

threeviews

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Unquestionably, this is one of my favorite (single and sessionable) IPA's on the market...Lagunitas Daytime and Stone IPA are my secondary and tertiary choices...

A- Pours a beautiful, crystal clear golden (obviously filtered) with about a single-finger worth or fluffy white head.

S- Aroma for days! Huge floral notes along with tropical citrus...flowers, grapefruit, orange, mango, pineapple and peach all come to mind...amazing!

T- Considerable malt backbone is detected before the onslaught of a huge wave of citrus-rind bitterness...not overly astringent, but unmistakably an West Coast American IPA...absolutely brilliant!

M- Moderate carbonation does the trick as the hop oils simply coat the tongue and get you ready for the next sip.

O- This, Double Trouble and KBS are my top three brews that Founders offers...unfortunately all three are limited releases forcing me hunt and ration for these exceptional brews. Wow...only if one of these were year-round offerings. Founders never disappoints.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 00:26:44 | More by threeviews

justintcoons

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass. 2012.

Appearance
Gold with a short head. Moderate carbonation and excellent clarity.

Nose
Pineapple, papaya, mango, candied orange, tangerine, lemon and caramel.

Taste
Pineapple, pine sap and pine needles. Tangerine, lemon juice, papaya, candy-coated navel orange and grapefruit pith. There's a light caramel maltiness in the background along with some candy sugar. Some bitter rinds and resinous florals on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium bodied, crisp, juicy and bitter.

Overall
Tasty tropical fruits and resinous pine. Lots of pine! A great Fresh Hop Ale all around.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 14:38:47 | More by justintcoons

gabedivision

New York

4.13/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

poured from a 12 oz bottle to a tulip glass.

A- crystal clear, golden orange, very apple juice looking, 1 finger white fluffy head that soon thins to a line around the glass.

S- Big floral hops at first, followed by a spicy citrys hops, juicy mango and peaches, and a slight bud resin on the end.

T- Sweet, tangy and bitter. Sweetness from the sugary malts mixed with a barrage of hops, mango, peach, grapefruit, just a hop assult on your tongue. The finish is a nice asprin/grapefruit peel bitter.

M-Light bodied, this sucker wreaks of drinkability, couldnt belive it was 6.5%, very light and refreshing, medium carbonation, drinks sweet finishes dry and bitter.

O- Another great beer out of Michigan. This is a great IPA, awesome hop burst for any hop head to enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 01:55:56 | More by gabedivision

rodlavers

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottled 10/04/2012, poured into a perfect pint glass. About a finger of white head disappears within a couple of minutes, leaves some lacing on the glass, not much. Color is a nice blend of light golden orange, some haze to it, but relatively clear; holds light well. Aroma at first introduces mild grapefruit and floral notes, but balances out with more a more mellow earthiness to it. I also get a bit of malt character. Taste is superb. It's like a much more hoppy All Day IPA, with added ABV. Mild hop flavors, sweetness, and well, no dry finish. Small amount of malt in the finish as well. Mouthfeel is very pleasant, even refreshing, with balanced carbonation and smoothness. Overall I really like this, but what Founders don't I enjoy. I guess this in the bottom half of Founders for me, but still great. I had it on tap at a tasting back in March or so and thought it was just OK. This is much better. I tend to enjoy Founders more in a bottle. I'll look for more of this, only grabbed two bottles last time. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 01:26:06 | More by rodlavers

Founders_Fanatic

Michigan

4.23/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Very pale straw yellow, bubbles slowly surfacing, one finger width of head. I would like to see more head on this beer.

S: Floral hops, grapefruit citrus, pine, bitter

T: Sour grapefruit citrus, malts, pine, pleasant bitterness. This is good.

M: Smooth malted body, spicy carbonation, lingering dry bitter aftertaste. Great IPA feel.

Conclusion: I will buy again. This is an American IPA, no doubt about it. Good earthy IPA. I would thy this with some ginger bread cookies.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 01:16:22 | More by Founders_Fanatic