Brew Review: Founders All Day IPA Session Ale

Posted on the 05 September 2013 by Blake

Today you get to hear one of many brew reviews to come at TSC. This weeks brew features a session IPA from Founders, a brewery located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founders Brewing Company was started back in 1997. The Founders Family, a group of passionate beer enthusiasts, has grown around this simple philosophy: “We don’t brew beer for the masses. Instead, our beers are crafted for a chosen few, a small cadre of renegades and rebels who enjoy a beer that pushes the limits of what is commonly accepted as taste.” I have tried several Founders beers in the past, so I thought I’d give this one a chance, which ended up being a excellent decision. It’s the perfect reward for an honest day’s work and the ultimate companion to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

Founders All Day IPA Session Ale

Availability: All Year Long

Serving Type: Bottle

ABV: 4.70%

Appearance: Partly hazy with a golden hue that has a thin white head that fades to leave a light halo and thin clouds.

Smell: Strong hop nose, a powerful but pleasant IPA aroma. Aromas of hops, generic pine and citrus, light malts, pretty standard.

Taste: Taste follows, the big hop character of the nose. It’s light weight, but full flavored. Quality hops are there, as well as a pinch of grapefruit. Lovely bitterness mid-tongue.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, dry, light-bodied. Spot on carbonation. Dry, happy mouth feel, in a lighter weight, fresh, light, sessionable IPA.

Drinkability: A low (by IPA standards) ABV makes All Day particularly drinkable. A great default choice if you just want a no-fuss but enjoyable IPA.

Overall thoughts:  This is the standard by which “session IPAs” should be judged. I’ve had others and they really aren’t close. This beer makes me think a bit. Which I like. It’s perfect if you don’t like overly bitter. Glad these are popping up in Alabama now. Would definitely buy a 6er of it again. I could see myself quaffing these down this all summer if I had the chance.

Freshness Rating: 7.5/10

Until next time. Roll IPA!