Sunday 26 January 2014

TASTING NOTES: Founders Backwoods Bastard


From the creators of the industry and tasting standard IPA, Centennial, comes Backwoods Bastard.

A big, ballsy Scotch ale, with a 10.2% abv to match.

It pours with a reassuringly deep, rich amber, come mahogany hue with shades of maroon teasing where the brew meets the glass. Short a dense nicotine stained off-white head. Two or three millimetres with faint lacing clinging to the side of the glass.



Whether this is a Scotch ale or not is up for debate. The nose has all the characteristics of a malty traditional English barleywine. Prunes, dates and a waft of stinky cheese. Sticky toffee pudding, wave of thick esters and touch of plastic and resin. Slightly soapy.

An instant of dry dark cocoa powder, making up the initial fleeting seconds on the palate. Sweet, syrupy, molasses and honey - all backed up with heaps of dark Belgian-esque dried fruit, seeped in brandy. Esters and acetone. A touch of floury powder on the finish along with a a touch of booze - although very slight.

A lovely wintry, full-flavoured big ale. Served off room temperature as it warms the flavours and aromas develop further. A tasty drop.