Having already had, and thoroughly enjoying a Founders Red’s Rye PA, I was looking for another beer out of the Founders lineup, and selected their Dirty Bastard. I chose this beer partly for the packaging (I am far too susceptible to advertising), and partly for the style (I really like the Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy style). Founders has quietly become one of the best brewers in the world, and consistently places a great portion of their lineup among the best beers in the world. Their philosophy involves a concerted effort to not brew beer for the masses. Rather, they focus their efforts on crafting beers for a much smaller group that rewards experimentation, and places a premium on taste. Basically, they have chosen to brew beer with themselves as their target audience. If the folks at Founders like it, they reason that others will too. Clearly they believe that if they brew it, we will come.
Here is what Founders has to say about their Dirty Bastard:
So good it’s almost wrong. Dark ruby in color and brewed with seven varieties of imported malts. Complex in finish, with hints of smoke and peat, paired with a malty richness and a right hook of hop power to give it the bad attitude that a beer named Dirty Bastard has to live up to. Ain’t for the wee lads.I found the Dirty Bastard to have the following characteristics…
- Appearance: Reddish brown with little foam and good lacing.
- Aroma: Sweet malt and fruit (raisins, grapes, plums).
- Taste: Thin but flavorful with a hint of roasted almost burnt malt and a sweet, finish.
- ABV: 8.5%
I thought the Founders Dirty Bastard was a very good beer. Once again, the folks at Founders have produced a top notch beer. If you like Scotch style ale, I would highly recommend you try a Dirty Bastard.
