Founders Dirty Bastard - Founders Brewing Company

optimistictour

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Dirty Bastard is (at least in my part of the country) one of the most widely available scotch ales, even sold in the local gas station (one of a whopping two entries from Founders) yet still one of the better examples I've had.

Poured into my pint glass it's a coffee brown with a dense head that dissipates quickly, lacing all over. Through a light source its color is revealed to be an extremely dark shade of red. It looks strong but not crushingly heavy.

The smell is where this variety can often make or break a session. Thankfully Dirty Bastard tosses up the requisite whiskey tones cloaked in carmels and coffees and all manner of indulgent flavor, practically begging me to take a sip already. This one truly shines in the olfactory department.

The taste thankfully reflects the fine balance between a scotchy up-front personality and a mellowed out bitter finish.

It's hearty but never too thick on the tongue. It's solid and distinctive yet lacks any stickiness or sugary feeling. You'll taste it for a while after a sip but never feel like you need your teeth brushed between bottles.

Speaking of between bottles this stuff is also immensely drinkable. You could easily put away 4 to 6 of these before realizing - surprise! - Founders isn't kidding with that 8.5 abv listed. It's not the smoothest in its class but it's up there. I've had dozens of these over the years and uninitiated friends always sing its praises, which is measure enough for me that it's quite drinkable.

Basically this is a class act and your entry into the realm of scotch ales if you're interested.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 06:19:35 | More by optimistictour

jarrett123

New York

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-20-2013 04:16:21 | More by jarrett123

Bauzen

New York

4.33/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Dark fruits, caramel, brown sugar, earthy molasses, but a super-clean finish. My only gripe is an apparent lack of carbonation. I drank two bottles and both were very flat. The bubbles appear to stick around in the center of the glass instead of floating up. It's actually quite bizarre.

It's another outstanding offering from Founders. A great beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 04:04:48 | More by Bauzen

thampel09

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-20-2013 03:56:54 | More by thampel09

kevindp9

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-20-2013 02:54:23 | More by kevindp9

vcoggins

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-20-2013 00:30:00 | More by vcoggins

jbeervt

Vermont

3/5  rDev -26.1%

05-19-2013 16:53:32 | More by jbeervt

JandJMD

Maryland

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-19-2013 02:49:35 | More by JandJMD

clay23

New York

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-19-2013 01:30:34 | More by clay23

NJB145

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-19-2013 01:18:24 | More by NJB145

Photekut

Azerbaijan

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-18-2013 22:30:58 | More by Photekut

J_Dub

Texas

4.64/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A-Deep reddish copper pour. A nice amount of head with really good lacing as well

S-I smell malt right away. Dark fruit and molasses as well. You can almost smell a certain sweetness in it. Wonderful smell

T-Like the nose, I was assaulted with malt at first. However, after a few sips I really started to note a lot more flavors. Dark fruits, brown sugar, some hops at the end. Very "earthy". There was a lot of bitterness at first but as I had a few sips the bitterness faded. Absolutely fantastic.

M-Not too much carbonation. Feels as if it going to be syrupy on your tongue but surprisingly clean finish.

I'm happy to finally have Founder's in Texas. I actually confused this brew with backwoods bastard and was a little disappointed at first when I realized my mistake. However, this beer does not disappoint. It was fairly harsh at first but I think that was just because it was my first beer of the day. This beer is just wonderful. Beautiful pour and aroma. The taste is similar to the aroma but even more complex. I can't really compare this to other Scotch ales as I haven't had many but Dirty Bastard is good no matter the category. Buy it and don't look back.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2013 20:42:08 | More by J_Dub

Fargrow

North Dakota

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%

05-18-2013 19:23:43 | More by Fargrow

drgonzo2k2

California

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

05-18-2013 14:58:53 | More by drgonzo2k2

Metalaero

New York

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-18-2013 03:15:31 | More by Metalaero

Honus1

Ohio

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-18-2013 02:54:01 | More by Honus1

thaghost

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-17-2013 17:34:15 | More by thaghost

barefoot71

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-17-2013 15:44:09 | More by barefoot71

dan027

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

05-17-2013 02:52:24 | More by dan027

jordanmckell

Texas

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-17-2013 02:24:22 | More by jordanmckell

somethingcreative

Indiana

3/5  rDev -26.1%

05-17-2013 00:59:04 | More by somethingcreative

greggy1972

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-16-2013 23:17:38 | More by greggy1972

tviz33

New York

4.21/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle served in a Duvel tulip

A- Pours a dark brown with some orange hues with a short tan head.

S- Wow... molasses. And some caramel and dark fruits.

T- The taste follows the nose and some roasty flavors poke through. This is solid. Very balanced and extremely enjoyable.

M- Solid medium body with light carbonation. This still has a really good mouthfeel for some reason.

O- It's just a good brew overall. The only way to really get a good feel for it is to get one for yourself. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2013 23:15:23 | More by tviz33

iHeartMNBeer

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%

05-16-2013 20:45:45 | More by iHeartMNBeer

canders0927

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-16-2013 18:43:29 | More by canders0927