Founders Backwoods Bastard - Founders Brewing Company

pmlondrigan

New York

4.25/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm surly bumbed this is gone. Rudy reddish brown and opaque in the glass. Light tanish head which leaves sheets of lacing down the glass. Aroma is slightly one dimisional and whiskey based. Not much wood or oak, just high spirit aroma, vanilla, caramel and brown sugar. My taste buds tingle with tasty brown sugar, sweet vanilla, creme brulee, cheap whiskey, and faint oak notes. This beer reminds me of liquid bread pudding. Somehow it isn't cloying, but there is a lingering flavor. silky. I'd say damn, wish I had more of this. Founders truly knows what they are doing with bal aged beers.

Serving type: growler

04-04-2011 02:19:47 | More by pmlondrigan

cosmicevan

New York

4.75/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Simply could not resist picking up a 16oz growler fill at North Babylon Superstar yesterday at a Cigar City event.

a - Through the glass...deep rich thick mahogany. Deep, ominous. Cracked the growler and emptied into my oversized snifter. Looked even deeper and darker in the glass. No head whatsoever to speak of as in the case with -bal aged brews. The excitement of having this in a fresh growler fill is mounting.

s - Much like the bottled version, spices, and potpourri jump out to me. much more subtle, much more woody and oaky with a sweet bourbon overtone. oozy fresh caramel.

t - OH YEAH. again, this is just like the bottled version and tastes like it smells but the wood is more present. the freshness is really a good thing for this beer.

m/d - if given the chance to get this on tap I would jump at the chance. I really love this beer and have enjoyed many a bottle, but the freshness from the growler/tap pour does wonders for this beer. founders doesn't make a bad beer, but this is one of the highlights of their catalog.

Serving type: growler

03-04-2011 02:15:22 | More by cosmicevan

JizackFH

New York

4.85/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A - This beer pours a slightly hazy dark ruby brown color. It has a small 1/2-finger light tan head on it. The head left some lacing on the glass.

S -Smells of bourbon, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, and booze.

T - The taste is of bourbon with definite vanilla and oak notes. There are good notes of caramel, candied fruits?, and toffee. There is also a kick of bourbon alcohol presence that reminds me of sipping some nice whiskey. This has a very nice deep complex flavor.

M - medium mouthfeel with lower carbonation. This beer is smooth as all hell. It has just a bit of a boozy kick that adds some warmth to it. This goes down very easy.

D - Awesome drinkability. It is sort of a sipper, but I can hardly keep from drinking this quickly. The flavor is great and it is very smooth. I think this is a great beer and will definitely be trying it again. I highly recommend.

Serving type: growler

01-23-2011 12:10:44 | More by JizackFH

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to weeare138 for this growler shared with tenderbranson69, consumed from a duvel tulip.

A dark ruddy brown with translucent clarity and thick beige cap which leaves a film of spotty lace and settles to a ring of fine beads. The smell is loaded with lots of wood and caramel w/ vanilla and bourbon providing a strong ester and slight spice w/ gentle alcohol indicating a high gravity brew awaits. The smell has light maple and nutty toffee accents in the mix. The feel is thick and rich w/ substantial strength apparent w/ mildly sweet texture and semi-high bitterness w/ a lot of astringency. The alcohol has a slight drying effect as it finishes w/ moderate roastiness.

The flavor of the Scotch ale is strong and rich with a toffee quality w/ pine from the hops and lots of vanilla from the barrel. The taste is nutty with earthy flavor and mild woody taste like a vanilla toffee spice with a moderately strong bourbon flavor. There is a bitter presence that dominates w/ a caramel candy and bitter presence w/ more sweetness evident in the taste as it warms. I was overjoyed when Mike offered this growler to me -A wonderful oak and bourbon element presents itself so well w/ lots of roasted and candy-like notes yet strength is high in the flavor and feel. It fits the style well and has exceptional drinkability in my opinion. I was truly grateful for the gift -I almost drank a whole growler save for 2 pints.

Serving type: growler

12-28-2010 15:14:34 | More by Slatetank

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Fresh Growler from Fatheads

A-pours a slightly hazy sunset red color, hues of orange shining through. The head is a light tan color, tight, about one finger with some retention and a little lace.

S-notes of bourbon right up front, light hints of oak and vanilla in the middle, dark fruity sweetness in the back. Plums, figs, and rum soaked raisins.

T-the taste has a lot of great components that work really well together, it isn't huge but it is extremely well done. The bourbon is faint and the oak and vanilla are more pronounced. Hints of chocolate at first, toffee and caramel take over. The vanilla oakiness and hints of bourbon are in the middle with some sweeter dark fruits in the back. Ripe plum is quite nice with notes of slightly rum soaked raisins. The finish actually adds a touch of herbal hoppiness and a hint of bitterness to throw even more complexity but not over-doing anything, it works so well!

M-medium body and extremely smooth; but the carbonation is just a little light. The soft smooth feeling on the palate is enticing, it coats the mouth completely and again very softly. The finish is a little bit thin, not quite enough carbonation taking away slightly from the overall feel of the beer; but the smooth, syrupy, soft texture is quite nice.

D-this is actually insanely drinkable for a 10%+ beer. The alcohol is so well hidden, slightly warm at the very back but not at all detracting from the beer, just letting you knoww this is a beast. The complexity is a beautiful blend or flavors that work well together and transition so nicely. Glad I have a whole growler for the evening!

Serving type: growler

04-21-2010 01:19:07 | More by cpetrone84

johntangus

South Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Delivered from a keg into my Piggly Wiggly growler and then into my Duvel tulip glass. Pouring a dark ruby hue with a very thin dissapating head.

Nice bourbony smell.

While the bourbon is definitely front and center, there are some nice raisiny dark fruit tastes/smells going on.

Not too sweet, the bourbon-oak cuts the malty flavor making a very rich drinking experience. But it's also not too thick or cloying.

This is a pretty drinkable beer for the ABV. The booziness is nicely hidden - while there is a nice bourbon taste, the associated burn isn't present. The light carbonation accentuates the layers of flavors. Letting this beer warm up a bit awakes even more tastes.

I have enjoyed this beer immensely as my Thanksgiving holiday beer.

Serving type: growler

11-29-2009 05:26:27 | More by johntangus

kajerm

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Surprise growler pour at DL day 2007. This is officially the best day ever.

Pours dark reddish-brown. The aroma is woody with a strong malt presence; vanilla and alcohol are also present. Tastes like it smells, malty, complex, and awesomely balanced.

Mouthfeel is thick and creamy. This is an awesome Wee Heavy.

Can't remember who it was who was roaming around with a growler of this, but thank you very, very much.

Serving type: growler

05-01-2007 05:28:06 | More by kajerm

aforbes10

Iowa

4.83/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is just one of 2 beers im reviewing from tastes at Dark Lord day...this one because of how amazingly good it was and because i actually took notes on it. Pours dark, dark brown with reddish hues and a thin wisp of a head. looks exciting. Odor is full of bourbon, oaky and ethanol-laced with chocolate and peat smells too. Taste is absolutely sublime. Bourbon, some vanilla (not too much), oak, cherries, peat, toffee, prunes, other dark dangerous fruits. obvious alcohol warming. i think dirty bastard is definitely a beer that lends itself to barrel aging. what a great beer this is, ill have to head on up to Founders soon. Don't know who brought the growler but thanks!

Serving type: growler

04-30-2007 14:28:27 | More by aforbes10

Alextricity

Michigan

4.05/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at the World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Appearance: Darkness. A few bubbles on top, no lacing, and just a pitch black beer -- about what I expected this beer to look like.

Smell: Huge scotch and oak aromas... maybe some dark sort of chocolate malt notes, but mainly oaky scotch.

Taste: A couple people I was with claimed it tasted like liquid smoke and dumped it out, but I quite enjoyed this one -- it tastes almost exactly like it smells. It drinks almost like straight scotch with some warming on the finish, but there isn't a HUGE alcohol sort of flavor. The finish is also woody with some dark chocolate and malt to round it all out.

Quite good, and I think it's awesome that Founders chose to put some truly great stuff on-tap at the World Expo of Beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-19-2013 17:00:21 | More by Alextricity

dar482

New York

4.69/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75

The beer pours out in this dark murky brown with a small tan head. Deep, deep amber in the light.

Sweet barleywine aroma, vanilla, caramel, oak, smokey, dark brown sugar. Just a lovely deep and sweet aroma.

The flavor is just fantastic. There is deep vanilla, caramel, dark brown sugar, and toffee. There’s also a bourbon soaked raisin flavor. Having had the Dirty Bastard, this turns up the beer to a different level. It rounds out the beer, but also gives it some rich intense qualities. The mouthfeel is actually medium and not too full, which makes it quite drinkable despite the high ABV.

The finish is actually pretty easy and sweet, but the alcohol presence is there. It’s almost like a barrel aged barleywine, but without as just sweetness and fruit qualities.

Just an awesome beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 18:40:57 | More by dar482

Stevedore

Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle dated 10/5/2012, poured into a Bell's snifter and quaffed today, 5/4/2013.

Aroma: I love this. So much going on here- thick toffee, sweet candy, molasses, bourbon, vanilla and oak. I usually compare my BBL scotch ales to the CCB BA Big Sound- the one that got me started on bourbon barrel beers. And this is just as good! Full thick nose that definitely gets my taste buds roaring. (5)

Colour: Pours an opaque dark cola brown, though a bit more reddish than stouts- as you'd expect from a scotch ale. Comes with a <1cm tan head that disappears into a thin collar. There isn't a ton of lacing left. Fairly appetizing, but nothing too special in terms of how it looks. (3.5)

Flavour: Niiice. Lots of sweet molasses, vanilla and oak up front. There's a big toffee presence throughout the entire sip that keeps it sweet and mellow... and follows through at the end with some vanilla and oak complementing it- the molassy sweetness has died off then, but that's replaced by some nice smoky bourbon! Thoroughly enjoyable sweetness that definitely brings the bourbon smoke and flavour. I'd like a little more bourbon, but I'm really just nitpicking here. (4.5)

Mouthfeel: This is also awesome. Thicker medium bodied beer with solid carbonation that delivers a smooth finish that is both drying and refreshing. The body itself is rather resinous and syrupy, coating my palate in the malt sweetness and singing it with the bourbon at the same time. It's simply drinking excellently at 6 months. I'd like a little more carbonationi but then again it is 6 months old and I'm nitpicking. (4.5)

Overall: Excellent. This beer has taken the last 6 months well. Smooth, sweet and brings bourbon heat still. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be picking up a lot of the 2013 vintage and aging some more of it. It's almost up there with Cigar City's BA Big Sound- it's not as complex but its certainly mellow despite packing a good bourbon bite. (4)

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 01:41:04 | More by Stevedore

peensteen

Ontario (Canada)

4.34/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Thanks to Rutager for a long time want.

Deep ruby red wityh a bit of brown, ring of eggshell head with little lace. Smell is a nice mix of bourbon, oak and caramel, vanilla with over ripe fruit and toffee, really well intergrated nose. Taste is malty with lots of oak and vanilla flavours, bourbon, caramel and toffee, mildly sweet, oaky finish, bourbon and fruit aftertaste. Lightly carbonated, medium full body. Great stuff here, really drinkable despie high ABV, something I will be searching out again.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2013 20:39:42 | More by peensteen

jpro

South Carolina

4.23/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle from a 4-pack I picked up a few months ago (bottled on 10-5-12). Poured into a mini schooner.

A: Pours a deep mahogany, with some brighter, red highlights on the edges; about a pinky's worth of almond hued head tops the brew and dies down to nothing fast, leaving no lace - not really a surprise for the style and abv.

S: Bourbon notes are very prevalent and definitely in the forefront; vanilla; oak. I had one of these right after I bought it, and it seemed to be much heavier, bourbon-wise. The aroma seems to be subdued compared to that first one, but is still there, for sure.

T: Nice and oaky; sweet, buttery bourbon; peaty, caramel-toffee malts; some brown sugar notes, as well. A touch of alchohol on the end, but no indication that this is 10%+ beer.

M: Full bodied; low to moderate carbonation; has quite a dense feel; hearty; just the slightest indication of alcohol heat at the finish.

O: I've found that while I'm not the biggest fan of Scotch Ales, I really like barrel-aged versions - mainly because the dry, oakiness of the barrel cuts the malt sweetness. For the huge abv, this is a great bourbon barrel Scotch Ale - the bourbon aroma and flavor is there, but not so huge as to completely take over. Its a great sipper, and the nuances of the barrel, along with the base beer make it enjoyable, especially as you give it time to warm.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 02:34:10 | More by jpro

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

4.21/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

355ml bottle poured into wine glass 27/4/13 cheers Rutager for the bottle

A clear brownish ruby when held to the light with some tiny bubbles moving suspended particles around, thumbs width of tan foam lasts for a couple sips and leaves some random lace where it existed

S a fair amount of barrel with vanilla, wood and a little smoky bourbon, loads of caramel with some fruity, nutty notes I can't quite place, hazelnut and plum? smells quite nice whatever it is, a little teriakyi as it warmed

T even more wood and a little booze I wasn't smelling, not too far from the nose but with a little heat that doesn't do much harm

M medium- full, enough bubbles to give it some life and some tannin from the barrel along with a little heat, woody, nutty, caramel on the finish

O solid beer without doubt, could use a little age but the heats a minor complaint, I'm curious how long this sits in a barrel as its rather strong

another winner from Founders and I don't think I've had a bad beer from them yet or even an average beer for that matter.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 17:39:15 | More by wordemupg

rboinski

California

3.63/5  rDev -16%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

12 oz bottle poured into a FW Teku

Appearance: This beer pours a brown reddish color, it reminds me of bourbon that has been sitting in a barn for decades that someone just happened to find.

Aroma: Smells like sweet bourbon. Very bourbon forward to me.

Taste: This beer is very sweet as is expected for the style, and the bourbon is extremely present. I was expecting a more laid back presentation, and I am not sure I like what I am getting.

Mouthfeel: Much thinner than expected. Would appreciate a more creamy mouthfeel. This strength of alcohol and bourbon notes in combination with the mouthfeel leave more the be desired.

Overall: Not the best beer. I know some people love this, but I just couldn't get into it.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 16:19:29 | More by rboinski

MCain04

Illinois

4.16/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle poured into a FFF Teku

A: Deep red/amber color. Light tan head of 1 finger which dissipates quicky, some lacing.

S: Bourbon is present but not too forward. Some sweet malts are present.

T: Tastes like what it is: a scotch ale aged in barrels with bourbon. Barrel character really shines through and saves it from being Dirty Bastard + bourbon. Vanilla and oak are nice, with a smoothness from the barrel. Bourbon again not heavy but present on the back end. Not too much heat.

M: Smooth, light-to-medium body, moderate-medium carbonation, thin but not bad.

O: A good beer, certainly complemented by the barrel-aging, and very drinkable. Not sure it's worth the trouble to get, but enjoyed. Good, maybe excellent, but not world class.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 02:14:04 | More by MCain04

BrianScottK

New York

4.3/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

It was about a month ago I tried this, so I can't be too explicit, but it certainly left an impression. Caramel and toffee flavors without "unnecessary" over-sweetness of similar brews of this ilk. Smooth and creamy with a nice, tan head.

I definitely want to try this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

04-07-2013 01:32:04 | More by BrianScottK

kevanb

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle poured into a Founders' snifter.

It pours a really nice burgundy color, nice deep brown hues with subtle reds. A bone colored head rises about a finger high but recedes immediately, even with an agressive pour leaving a thin layer of film along the edges and top of the beer. Really amazing nose, lots of thick oak bourbon notes, strong toffees, molasses and caramel aromas come out too with a fine amount of malt, but the bourbon, wood and toffee scents are very dominent. The flavors are superb, rich toffee and bourbon flavors burst forward, a hint of vanilla and molasses make their way but it has a nice subtle grain finish characteristic of the Scottish Ale base. It’s really rich and creamy in the mouth, barely any noticeable carbonation, exceptionally smooth a bit of alcohol burn at the back end.

Verdict: A massive improvement over dirty bastard and one of the better bourbon treated Scottish Ales on the market. Nice complexity, good balance and great barrel character while remaining very quaffable. An excellent beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 02:51:43 | More by kevanb

socon67

New York

4.11/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Dark amber color with a creamy foam. Lacing is nice, and with solid foam retention.

S - Scents of candied cherries, oak, and caramel.

T - Sweet flavor of cherries and some notes of vanilla & butterscotch.There is a warming boozy feel in the finish.

M - Good balance for the complexity of this. A fairly heavy beer, and the potency makes this a beer that would be hard ot pair with food.

O - A great example of this style, and one of the sweeter scotch ales out there. Worth trying like many of the Founders offerings.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2013 11:56:42 | More by socon67

richj1970

Alabama

4.51/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 12 oz bottle into snifter

A: Deep rich brown with small one finger off white head that dissipated quickly. Some minimal lacing but not much.

S: Nose of this one is incredible. Lots of cherry, vanilla, sweet caramel, warm bread, and bourbon. Makes me want to guzzle it down.

T: Lots of flavor with bourbon and vanilla up front. Some cherry, sweet butterscotch, caramels. Some alcohol heat coming up in the back.

M: Full bodied with minimal carbonation. A bit sticky sweet, but pleasant to drink.

O: Very nice brew. I'm going to have to savor the four pack I managed to pick up and go in search of more.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 23:07:55 | More by richj1970

BaltimoreBeerLover

Maryland

4.76/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Haven't had this in a month or two and I don't know when I'll get my hands on this again but this is hands down my favorite beer.

Imagine drinking great bourbon with a lower alcohol percentage plus very pronounced flavors of vanilla and oak.

Mind blowing. One of two beers next to Breakfast Stout that made me say to myself, "Holy shit". 5/5

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2013 04:06:54 | More by BaltimoreBeerLover

CommanderOfAwesome

California

4.65/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

2012 bottle via IP trade. Poured into Snifter.

A: Pours a nice coke like ruby brown color. Thin one finger head that fades quickly.

S: Oak is very pronounced, vanilla, and red creme soda like aroma. Some slight hint of dark cherries on the nose as well.

T: Big bourbon up front, followed by creamy vanilla sweetness. Some brown sugar in there as well. Wow, just a fantastic tasting beer.

M: Rich full bodied with a very slight alcohol warming. Sweet sticky bourbon coats the mouth.

O: What a fantastic brew. I dont think I've had a BA scotch ale before but I shall be seeking out others.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 02:57:50 | More by CommanderOfAwesome

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Bottled 10/2012, served in a weizen glass thanks to boilerfood for this one.

Deep mahagony with some light penetrating and a 1.5 finger soapy khaki head with moderate retention and moderate lacing.

Heavenly aroma, one of my favorites, great caramel and molasses notes flood the nostrils. Tastes sweet caramel at the tip of the palate and complex malts evolve on the middle while drier oaky, tannic woody flavors finish the experience.

A fantastic beer, maybe the best scotch ale I have had so far. This is number 97/100 of my quest to complete the BA hall of fame. Three more to go!

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 15:38:38 | More by williamjbauer

Dagger541

Indiana

4.84/5  rDev +12%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

This beer was first tried by a friend and I on a chilly Sunday afternoon in-between two music event that we were attending. It was an excellent choice all around. It has and great color and smell and was served in a sniffer glass. It is a sipping beer that will warm you right up. If you think of a scotch ale aged in a bourbon barrel you will have an idea about what this beer tastes like. If you enjoy their Dirty Bastard and you are a fan of whiskey this is a great beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2013 16:08:30 | More by Dagger541

Jacurdy60

Alabama

2.39/5  rDev -44.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75

A-Deep ruby read with a bubbly head. Poor retention and little to no lacing at all.

S-Srong, potent scotch whisky and vanilla

T-Followed the nose, mostly. Some banana was in there as well

MF-Too carbonated and crisp, I was expecting something smoother

O-I did not enjoy this beer at all. It might be because I dislike liquor and it strongly resembled a scotch whisky. I guess this kind of beer is not my style, and now I definitely know so.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 02:53:59 | More by Jacurdy60