Founders Double Trouble - Founders Brewing Company

CrellMoset

Virginia

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle at the Sexual Chocolate release at Foothills Brewing Company, Winston Salem, NC. Poured into a sampling glass.

Appearance: Pours a very light, yellow body, almost green in places given the way the light hits it, slightly hazy though with plenty of clarity as well. Though there's no much of a head, there's a nice foamy white collar, thick, bubbly, and plenty of flecks of bubbly, erratic lace. A decent looking brew.

Aroma: This was the most prominent thing about this beer. The light citrus on this one is absolutely through the roof, pungent and intense, with tons of orange rind, grapefruit zest, rich, with flourishes of basil, mint, and tropical fruit, pineappley and strawberry-esque. The balancing sweetness is simple, fine, with no signs of roast - just a nice underlying sweetness to keep things in check. Just great.

Taste: A bit of a step down. The bitterness here takes over ever so slightly - it's moderate to high, leaning towards high. The sweetness is honey-simple, pale, but most of the accompanying hop notes are familiar from the aroma - leafy, slight hints of pine, strawberries, citrus. It's well-rounded, but a little too bitter. Tone down the bitterness to let the hop flavors shine through and this would be a world-class taste.

Mouthfeel: Incredibly even, full, and smooth, well-carbonated to the point of creamy plus a slight prickle. Very well made, and toning down the effervescence every so slightly would make it a solid 5.0.

Drinkability: A very, very solid example of my favorite style, this one's more to the light end - lighter citrus, lighter leafy notes, very simply sweet - and that's A-OK with me. The 9.4% is hidden amongst the hoppy goodness, and - if the bitterness were toned down a little and the carbonation toned down ever so slightly, this one would be nearing a perfect 5.0. A lot of promise here, but even with those minor flaws, this one's a great, great beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2009 05:19:58 | More by CrellMoset

taylorhamrick

South Carolina

3.7/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

This pours out a very pale color, like straw. There's a thin head with loose bubbles and decent lacing. The smell is really great. There's an amazing fruitiness in the hops. A bit different than the over-the-top citrusy kind of stuff. The hops are just pungent and wonderful, like fresh hops. After the head fades a bit, you get a bit more of the alcohol smell. The taste is far less hoppy. You get this resinous, sticky feel, with a kind of piny taste, and there's quite an alcohol taste. There's kind of a fake fruity taste in there, like candy fruit flavors without the sweetness. Very dry. The mouthfeel is actually very nice. It kind of warms you inside, and is quite smooth. The carbonation is not too sharp. The drinkability is about average. There's very little to pull you away, but this one catches you quick enough to prevent the desire for a second.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2009 04:53:33 | More by taylorhamrick

david131

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- A very light orange/ dark yellow, slightly hazy with a thin white head and a massive amount of lacing. I've seen regular IPAs with more meat on their bones.

S- Some candy banana aroma, pineapple, mango, and a bit of alcohol. Pretty aromatic. Smells pretty good, but just doesn't quite have that magic I look for. Very sweet smelling.

T- Very sweet and unique. The fruitiness is great. The alcohol is barely noticeable. Very enjoyable.

M- Smooth without a harsh bite. The carbonation keeps it just alive.

D- A very different take on the style. I did enjoy this, but it is a little on the sweet side.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2009 04:47:10 | More by david131

Yetiman420

Ohio

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

I've had this in a bottle and on tap and am reviewing the tap experience (I think it's better).

Presented in a standard pint glass and too cold. Beer had a much-appreciated cloudy appearance.

Wonderfully stinky hop aroma. Citrus and pine all the way through. Sweet hop flavor and clean, dry, bitter finish.

Very nice. A model DIPA in my book.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2009 01:23:29 | More by Yetiman420

HeyItsChili

South Carolina

4/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured from a bottle into a pint glass. Pours clear blond with a foamy white head that dissipates into a viscous, globby film.

S - Sweet, bitter, almost piny hops. Slightly flowery.

T - While powerfully bitter, a strong citrus and sugar counter provides some contrast.

M - Slightly thinner medium bodied yet a little viscous.

Notes - I don't rate the drinkability as high because Double IPAs aren't my favorite style, the bitterness lingers in my mouth and blows up my tastebuds for a while. Otherwise good.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2009 03:10:32 | More by HeyItsChili

bound4er

Wisconsin

4.1/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A. Slightly turbid, light orange to amber color. Pure white head of about 1/2 a finger. Spotty lacing.

S. Less of a hop aroma than I was expecting - pine and lemon with one prevalent during one sniff and the other coming to the forefront on the next sniff. Some maltiness in the form of biscuits too.

T. Hops take center stage - I don't detect any balancing malts. Finishes quite bitter but very refreshing and long.

M. Medium bodied with good carbonation.

D. I like hops so I find this very drinkable. The alcohol is well hidden too. Throwing back two or three would not be a problem. Those looking for more than just hops may want to venture elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Comparisons to HopSlam are inevitable - this beer doesn't hold a candle to HopSlam. It is still a darn good beer that I would love to drink from time-to-time.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2009 02:13:36 | More by bound4er

dondeez21

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass.
A: Cloudy ,orange, very thin white head with nice lacing.
S: Hops! This beer is very hoppy. And you can smell it from a distance
T: Hoppy. I am not sure exactly but it is either Simcoe or Chinook hops that really take the show. This beer is over 9% and the first few sips this is noticeable. After that you cant taste much of the alcohol.
M: This beer is a nice med bodied IIPA. It is a bit heavier than some other beers of the same style but nothing to strong.
D: This beer packs a punch. It will knock your taste buds around and the alcohol percentage is high so you can find yourself feeling different after just a few.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2009 01:27:43 | More by dondeez21

brewcrew76

Wisconsin

4.43/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Hazy golden, orange with a very thin off white head and little wisps of lace everywhere.

S - Citrus hops with a hint of pine, orange and grapefruit zest and a sweet malty backbone.

T - Citrus and piney hops, the pine is more noticeable than the aroma. Resiny hops, fresh cut grass, bitter but with a decent balance of sweet caramel malts.

M - Medium bodied and smooth with dry lingering hop finish.

D - Reminds me a lot of my attempt at a Blind Pig clone. Very easy to drink, especially for 9.4%abv which is well hidden.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2009 01:19:41 | More by brewcrew76

BeerTruth

Connecticut

4.08/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Got TWO of these as extras from the generous MasterSkit, thank you sir!

12 oz. stubby bottle poured into a nonic.

Pours a cloudy straw yellow hue with a bright white creamy head that slowly falls to a nice layer of foam. A good amount of thin lacing holds on the sides of the glass. Smell is heavy on the citrus; fresh grapefruit, orange peel, and lemongrass. Underneath that is more hops, sticky pine with a very small amount of pale malts. I can tell this will be a hop bomb...Taste starts off with those big citrus hops but with a good amount of bitter flavor mixed in as well. Midway a touch of caramel malt and a hefty dose of spruce and earth. For some reason the aftertaste is pretty weak which is odd for such a hop monster. Body is a bit thin for the style with a gritty feel and a medium carbonation. A pretty good DIPA for sure, one I would gladly enjoy again and again. Thanks again Alex!

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2009 00:56:59 | More by BeerTruth

cvstrickland

North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The squat 12-ouncer sports a freaky two-faced guy on the label and a twist-off top on the bottle. Poured into a large tulip glass, Double Trouble is bright golden in color with a thick cap of fine-grained white foam. The head retains stubbornly and deposits fine filmy lacing onto the glass.

The smell is a pungent perfume of tangy citrus and sticky green herbs topped off with a wallop of resinous pine. Malty toffee and caramel languish underneath, barely holding on, beaten into near-submission by the fragrant hoppiness.

The flavor profile is a fine fruity palette of hop flavors stacked atop a soft grainy note of mild caramel. Cooling alcohol and notes of bitter pink grapefruit are sprinkled with sweet Key Lime, introducing a potent bitterness that dominates the finish and lasts well into the aftertaste. Semisweet toasted caramel and crisp, piney citrus oil slicken the drink, the masquerading hop notes adding just a touch of drying without any unpleasant mouth-pucker.

The drink is heavy-medium in body with good carbonation and fine drinkability for style.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2009 04:41:32 | More by cvstrickland

ClockworkOrange

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Been waiting for this one to make it to PA. Picked up a single at The Beer Stop for $3.50. Poured into my nonic pint glass a hazy golden yellow with a green hue. The head is a solid two fingers deep and off-white in color. Smells of grass, stinky citrus and piney hops with very little malt presence. Did they dry hop this with skunk weed? Upon my first sip, a huge flood of bitterness attacks my taste buds. Notes of white grapefruit, lemon peel, and pine needles, more bitterness, and an almost non-existent malt backbone. Finish is dry and a little boozy. Medium in both body and carbonation. I'd drink it again.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2009 04:10:33 | More by ClockworkOrange

sholland119

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A-A hazy gold with a little bit of head and some stickiness. Some fine bubbled carbonation.

S-Lemony hops with a little bit of pine in the background. Malt? We don't need no stinkin' malt.

T-Unbalanced does not begin to describe the flavor here. Lemon hops turning in to grapefruit and piney bitterness in the finish. No malt of any kind to be tasted either.

M-Crisp and dry with lots of oily, almost charcoaly bitterness.

D-Well, much as I love hops, the lack of any kind of malt presence makes this beer a bit fatiguing. One is tasty...and enough.

HV

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2009 01:10:28 | More by sholland119

gibby

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle. 1/19/09 stamped on case so its nice and super fresh. So happy the beer yard got this in..I was in the process of trading for it.

Pours very bright yellow, very similar to harvest ale. Minimal head that went away quick. I could smell the hops from about a foot away. When I finally brought the glass close to my nose I got alot of lemon, a little pine and more citrus smells. Hops are very prevelant but do not dominate at all. Very easy drinker for having almost 10% abv. I could put a few of these down but I would certainyl be rocked. Feeling buzzed already from just one. Excellent example of a double ipa. Founders impresses me more and more with every beer I try. I think this will be in my fridge from now on. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2009 02:47:41 | More by gibby

mechamifune

North Carolina

4.58/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Wow, was absolutely blown away by this beer. Wonderful appearance (wonderful color and not nearly as cloudy or heavy as most other doubles) and pleasant smell upon pouring.

The taste, though, it what really got me. Wonderful hoppy complexion without going overboard, and, for me, by far the most drinkable of any double I have had.

Of the roughly 20 double/imperial IPA's i've had I would not hesitate to say this is the most enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2009 01:56:10 | More by mechamifune

MasterSki

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up some of these on a recent shopping trip. Served in my Kuhnhenn tulip.

A - One finger of yellow-tinged cream foam that dissolves slowly and leaves tons of lacing. Largely opaque peach color with a few tiny bubbles lazily rising to the top of the glass.

S - Pine and citrus hoppiness - lots of lemon zest and grapefruit. There's a good amount of malt backbone as well that prevents the smell from becoming unbalanced. The smell isn't huge, but it's quite enjoyable.

T - Hoppy. Bitter. We're not in Devil Dancer territory, but this is one of the more potent DIPAs I've tried. There's a fair it of citrus and malt sweetness that shows up mid-palate, but never at the expense of the hoppy bitterness. The aftertaste is also unsurprisingly bitter. This should satisfy all be the most hardcore hop-heads.

M - There's quite a bit of carbonation tingle. The beer itself has a good medium body and leaves the expected resinous after-feel. The carbonation makes it a little gritty and dry and less smooth than I prefer.

D - The ABV is very well hidden, but the carbonation gets to me a little. Also, the pervasive bitterness is a little exhausting. I'd be up for two bottles, but that's about it.

Another winner from Founders. These guys can do no wrong.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2009 01:37:20 | More by MasterSki

jeremyd365

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Oh yes! Poured a dark orange thickness and just smelled of pure, floral hops. A solid off white head of which some stuck around awhile. The taste was amazing--a powerful hop sweet/bitter combo that finished as strong as it started. It was thick and almost chewable.. mmmm! Darn decently drinkable for being as thick and strong as it was too. Founders done good again!

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2009 02:54:11 | More by jeremyd365

GbVDave

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a 20oz imperial pint.

A: Pours a hazy, pale, golden-straw color with a bright-white cap of foam that recedes quickly but leaves a healthy amount of lacey ropes and tendrils on the glass.

S: Excellent aromas of pine, grapefruit rind, floral hops, toasty malt, aspirin, apricot, alcohol, and spicy citrus.

T: Flavors of pine and grapefruit loom large here. Along for the ride are cut grass, spicy alcohol, floral/earthy hops, mineral grains, and moist earth.

M: Bitter and prickly. Alcohol flavors take on a peppery edge as well. Dry and spicy hops meld well with the juicy citrus and sticky pineyness.

D: Drinks a lot better and smoother than the 9.4% abv would suggest. Another delicious winner from Founders!

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2009 01:14:52 | More by GbVDave

dukedevil0

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Picked up a single bottle from Archer Liquors in Chicago, IL.

A: Pours a hazy unfiltered pale yellow-amber color with white head that leaves good lacing.

S: hops, citrus and pine

T: tastes very piney with bits of citrus and hops; almost bitter grapefruit and pine or something...not very sweet; the more i drink it the more i like it, but it's still not "wow"ing me.

M: Definitely coats the palate which you would expect. above average carbonation

D: high drinkability because the alcohol doesn't stick out. the flavor doesn't keep me coming back for more though. it's a solid brew but nothing i that makes me want to buy another over other DIPAs

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2009 00:07:02 | More by dukedevil0

SupaCelt

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer is an absolute pleasure to drink. It flows forth with a lovely and light faded out orange colour and striking clarity. A modest head rises up for a brief moment before crashing down in paradise. A frothy ring is left in the wake of the plummeting head and scattered patches of spitty lace cling to the vessel as sip after sip passes my lips. The smell carries piny hop essences and that pissy green amarillo hop skunkiness that makes my mouth water. The taste is excellent. Wonderful hop showcase on the palate with a very good balance. The malt presence is well titrated to float the flavour and bitterness of the nuggets. The finish is dry but not parching and flavours linger on the tongue for further examination rather than being swept away in a drought. Just delightful. The drinkability is top notch as this beer is a bold and hefty punch that goes down with ease. I was excited to see this in the cooler and my excitement proved to be justified as I was rewarded with a great brew.

Update May 5, 2009:
I am officially obssessed with this beer at present. I find myself at the brewery on a regular basis ordering several pints and then obtaining growlers for the road, pulling four packs from the coolers of any store I find it lingering about within, having invasive thoughts about it at inappropriate times, etc. I can't put my finger on what exactly it is. Honestly, I have had better tasting brews. Better smelling brews. And to tell you the truth, I think the name is kind of cheesy too. But it just feels good. It works. I love it. It is futile to resist.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2009 21:55:22 | More by SupaCelt

webmanspidey

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the Founders brewery. Has all the typical characteristics of the style.. orange-ish color, grapefruit-ish hoppy aroma and flavor, strong alcohol backbone. Was balanced appropriately as some beers of the style can be too overwhelming in terms of bitterness or strength. Really enjoyed this one and picked up a few to come back to later.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2009 05:06:47 | More by webmanspidey

wugambino

North Carolina

4.75/5  rDev +12%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours out a healthy white head with good lacing on the glass and a golden color.
And smells like heaven - so much good hop aroma I can't wait to get some of this.

Taste is solidly grounded in some bitter hops; citrus and some earthy bite. Finishes with a puckery hop blast.

This is a great DIPA; not for those afraid of bitterness, but a reward for hop lovers. Founders does it again - I am a bigger fan of these guys every time I have a new one.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2009 01:26:55 | More by wugambino

hooliganlife

Missouri

4.47/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

poured from a bottle obtained in a trade. pours light copper with light head. the smell is mind blowing. HUGE citrus notes. lots of grapefruit. this reminds me of a west coast DIPA, but from MI. giant hop bitterness up front with light malty finish. alcohol is very present as this sucker is 9.4%. it is noticeable from start to finish. hop flavors are citrus, very grapefruit with a bit of pine. if it had a smidge less alcohol, it would be a perfect score. mouthfeel is perfect in this one. founders tends to release some over carbonated beers here and then and this one is perfect. i would love to drink these more often if i could. search this out!

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2009 00:28:45 | More by hooliganlife

jpiper

Ohio

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Clear pale orange... almost glowing. Small white head.

There we go. Nice citrus, but still a bit sweet. Pine again. Nothing off or compromised about this.

It's all about the hops here, like a West Coast DIPA. Citrus,
pine, and some bitterness. Some sweet malt, but not too sweet. Pretty well balanced.

Clean and light. Pretty dry, which is nice.

Refreshing. Clean. Nicely hides ABV without being too sweet.
Not too bitter either.

Nice to have a something approaching a West Coast DIPA in the midwest.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2009 19:30:27 | More by jpiper

tmoneyba

Ohio

4.43/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Draft at Dilly Deli.

A - Poured a clear copper color with an average frothy off-white head that mostly lasted with good lacing.

S- Moderate to heavy sour citrus aroma.

T - Medium to heavy bittersweet flavor with a medium to heavy bittersweet finish of moderate to long duration.

M - Medium body with a slick texture and flat carbonation.

D - This beer is better than my expectations.

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2009 19:13:37 | More by tmoneyba

rudylaw

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A beautiful, straw colored beer that has a nice, 1.5 finger, off-white head. Beautiful looking IPA.

It smells extremely hoppy. Very grassy and floral and it tastes the same. There's the ever-present citrus notes (grapefruit and orange rind) and there's a nice malt backbone here that balances out the massive hop character upfront and at the finish.

This beer is fantastic. A perfect companion to chilly, late-winter nights when you're all stouted out.

It looks like Chicago go a ton of this, so I'll be grabbing another 4-pack before it disappears.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2009 13:43:59 | More by rudylaw