Founders Big Al

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Imperial pint, at the brewpub in Downtown Alexandria, on a quiet Thursday lunchtime.

My second of two quick tastes of what Founders has to offer, to the cool historic town of Alexandria. Labeled an "Imperial Pale Ale" vice the more traditional "India Pale Ale".

One of the cooler things that the brewpub does (that I would like to see more often) is state right on the "On Tap" board when the beer was brewed, and when it was first tapped. This was advertised as dating back some 5 months ago, though was toild that the board was incorrect, and that it was much fresher than that. Either way, this was yet another pint of beer that really tasted nice and fresh to me.

Much like the Pale Ale, this definately had some serious "West Coast" leanings to it -- especially in the hop bill. More Centennial (hops)? Yes please, thank you.

But as I've said before, and will continue to maintain, a really good IPA needs more than just an ass-ton of hops. If the malt bill isn't sturdy enough to back it up, you end up with little more than thin hop-tea. Not a problem here -- plenty of girth in the malt bill here, IMO.

All-in-all, that's two-for-two, as far as the Founders beers I've ordered and enjoyed. Obviosuly can't vouce for the rest of the beer menu, but if their Pale and IPA are any indication, me'thinks Alexandria has herself quite a nice little brewpub Downtown.

Recommended.
//TB

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

Cloudy orange color with zippy citrus orange zest and a sweet, hoppy aroma. Taste is slightly bitter with sweet malts and bitter hops. A nice IIPA but could use some more bittering hops.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 7

Poured a deep amber color with a small off white head and left nice lacing on the glass. Sweet aroma of pine, and various other citrus hops. Taste was mildly bitter and majorly fruity, dominant malt sweetness.