May 16, 2017

Founders Doom

Doom is a big barrel aged brew that was first released by Founders in 2013 as part of their Backstage Series. What caused them to re-introduce it four years later, I’m not aware, nor do I care. This foreboding named brew packs a punch at 12.4% ABV, but there is nothing to fear about Founders Doom. This bourbon barrel-aged imperial IPA is about as mellow as an imperial IPA aged in bourbon barrels can get. The third release of 2017 in Founders Brewing’s Barrel-Aged Series is incredibly smooth and well balanced with a good depth of flavor.

Doom’s IPA flavors aren’t as pungent as they would be prior to barrel aging, but there’s still plenty to enjoy as lightly fruity citrus notes and pine mingle with bourbony flavors, wood, soft vanilla and honey. The array for flavors are well balanced and work evenly/cohesively with one another. The overall character of this big IPA comes across as a hoppy American barleywine as a result of the barrel influence — a comparison that I particularly enjoy. A hint of caramel and grain help give off this impression after the beer has warmed in the glass a bit.

Doom isn’t a fearful beer, but I would imagine you’d certainly feel doomed the next morning after tackling a couple of these big brews. It’s that potency, however,
that will allow cellaring fans the opportunity to set this one aside for a bit. I believe Doom will develop nicely after a couple of years in a dark basement. I’m hoping I’ve got the patience to do just that.

This is a review of a promotional sample.