Beer: Centennial IPA

Brewery: Founders

Country of Origin: United States of America (Michigan)

Abv: 7.2%

Beer Style: India Pale Ale

Serving Method: Bottle poured into shaker pint glass.

Background: I have not had too many Founders Beers save for their Imperial Stout, Breakfast Stout, and their Porter. This is the first time I’ve had their Centennial IPA. I have to say that this is a great example of the style without being an overpowering hop bomb!

Taste & Aroma: The aroma of oak, pineapple, light lemon and pine is present to me in the nose. This is a bright and lively opening to a rich and flavorful ale. A sharp burst of light fruitiness followed by a spicy toasted bite, and then a lingering hoppy finish that serves as a back-beat and is soothing. Some citrus is in between the bite in the middle and the finish at the end of this smooth beer that defies expectations for the IPA style.

Pending Analysis: This is an IPA that defies the style of IPAs. This is especially an IPA that is a ‘big beer.’ Yet it is not a hop bomb like many Stone Beers and other West Coast India Pale Ales. I’m eager to try this beer from a tap. Frankly, this is a beer that I wish I would have tried earlier. Great job, Founders!