I felt it necessary to come back and revisit this brew after enjoying Curmudgeon’s Better Half. I found two bottles of the Founders Curmudgeon hanging out in the back of my beer closet with bottle dates of April 2012. Just to recap really quick for those that didn’t see the video at the time, we thought it was a nice beer with plenty of dark fruits and rich malts.

Upon cracking the bottle (before I even poured it out) a pleasant, sweet malty aroma fills the air. In the glass, there was a nice medium to dark hazy amber colored body, topped with a one finger head even after giving it a vigorous pour. Back to the aroma, along with the sweet malt are hints of molasses and mild oak up-front. This is followed by plenty of dark fruits; raisins, plums, and black cherries.

On the palate, the flavors mimic the nose well starting this time with the dark fruits. Lots of raisin and date come first along with a hearty dark roasted malt backbone. More of the molasses and even vanilla notes are midway, which I suspect is coming from the oak. The back end is a bit dry and woody, while having the signature malt come full circle.

Overall, this is a really solid beer. It’s easy to tell that it is the backbone and foundation of Curmudgeon’s Better Half, both beers of which I highly recommend trying. Curmudgeon Old Ale should be easier to find, but both warrant a taste.

Rating

91
out of 100