Founders Curmudgeon’s Better Half

From Founders – Curmudgeon’s Better Half is a re-branding of the beer formerly known as Kaiser’s Curmudgeon, which has only been served at Founders’ taproom and in extremely limited draft distribution. Curmudgeon is an old ale brewed with molasses and aged on oak; it becomes Better Half after aging—for 254 days—in bourbon barrels that have more recently been aging Michigan maple syrup. As a result, Curmudgeon’s Better Half is a bit sweeter than her miserly counterpart. Appropriately, the beer label depicts her holding a pitcher of syrup for the Curmudgeon’s breakfast, and is released at the perfect time of year for you to buy one for the Better Half in your life.

Founders Brewing – Founders Curmudgeon’s Better Half – 750 ml. bottle poured into a goblet. 11.9% abv.

Appearance: Pours a deep dark ruby with a 1/8 inch head of white. Leaves spotty lacing.

Aroma: Spicy malt, maple sugar, faint but noticeable alcohol, booze soaked pear.

Taste: Maple sugar, bourbon barrel, dark chocolate, burnt caramel. Dark fruit. Spicy hops. Finishes warm.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied warming.

Overall:  A truly delicious Old Ale/Barleywine.  Very complex, with each tasty component having the ability to shine.  If you have some to cellar away, go for it, but this was ready for prime time when I cracked it.