Spotlight
Founders Brewing Company
Just a few miles east of Lake Michigan, owners Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers brew handcrafted beer for the outlaws of radical Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to the website, The Founders Family has a particular goal for their unique beers: “complex, in-your-face ales with huge aromatics, bigger body, and tons of flavor.” Founders takes its beer to the limit; they push the boundaries of the everyday expectations for a cold one and develop distinct tastes for people who crave something different. Chad Atherton, Founders’ regional marketing manager, explains why he loves the Founder’s following: “Craft beer really gives people a chance to share fellowship, and it gives people the ability to pursue new and different things through beer.” Founders Brewing Company is an internationally recognized name that has won 11 medals worldwide and been awarded high praise and top titles from sites like BeerAdvocate.com and Ratebeer.com. They brew for themselves. They brew for us.
Breakfast Stout
The seasonal Breakfast Stout is No. 1 in most hearts at Founders. “It’s kind of one of the beers that we became famous for,” explained Atherton. “It’s a coffee chocolate stout that has flaked oats to give it body with rich, dark European chocolate.” Breakfast stout gets its everlasting deep flavor from the Sumatra and Kona coffees that are added to the beer. “It’s a really nice warming beer for the winter time.” So cozy up by the fire with some friends and grab Breakfast Stout while you can, because it’s only available through December.
ABV: 8.3 percent. IBUs: 60. Availability: October – December
Dark Penance IPA
“Dark penance is an imperial black IPA with a tremendous response,” said Atherton. Dark Penance gets its name from the array of rich flavors that it’s filled with. Its two supporters are Crystal malt and Midnight Wheat malt to an even battle between sweetness and bitterness. Chinook and Centennial hops accents this beer with citrus, floral and pine flavors.
ABV: 8.9 percent. IBUs: 100. Availability: October – December
Big Luscious
Big Luscious is a part of Founders’ new Backstage beer collection, which is a compilation of the most popular beers exclusive to Founders Taproom. However, due to the popularity, they are now distributing them to a larger audience — but only for a limited time. Big Luscious is a “raspberry chocolate stout” that Founder’s is distributing in “very small quantities,” said Atherton. Big Luscious is a dessert beer that is encouraged to be used for celebrations and good times.
ABV: 7.8 percent. Availability: December 2014
Chad Atherton says his “favorite beer is always (his) next one,” so grab a Founders and join the fun. Founders Brewing Co. is internationally recognized and can be found by the bottle or draught around the world. You can find Founders beer at Wellman’s, Trostel’s Dish, Jethro’s, 1908 Draught House, Saint’s Pub & Patio, Centro, Fong’s Pizza, Des Moines Social Club, Hessen Haus, Buzzard Billy’s, Zombie Burger, El Bait Shop, Dahl’s, HyVee, Casey’s and many more. For a full list, visit foundersbrewing.com/find-our-beer.
events
Nov. 27
Stitch and Bitch, 7-9 p.m., 515 Brewing Co., 7700 University Ave., Clive, http://iowacraftbeertent.com/wordpress/event/stitch-and-bitch/?instance_id=414
Nov. 27
Thanksgiving Charity Dinner, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Mickey’s Irish Pub, 50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee, www.mickeyswaukee.com
Nov. 29
Round A Bout live band, 9 p.m., Mickey’s Irish Pub, 50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee, www.mickeyswaukee.com
Dec. 4
Social Run with Fitness Sports and 515 Brewing, 5:30 p.m., Fitness Sports & 515 Brewing Co., 7230 University Ave., Windsor Heights http://iowacraftbeertent.com/wordpress/event/social-run-with-fitness-sports-and-515-brewing/?instance_id=134
Dec. 5
Cityview Des Moines’ Sexiest party, 6 p.m., The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, www.facebook.com/thekegstand
Dec. 6
Gimikk live band, Mickey’s Irish Pub, 50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee, www.mickeyswaukee.com
Dec. 7
Founder’s Beer Brunch, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, www.facebook.com/thekegstand
Dec. 10
Jingle Balls Beer Pairing, 6 p.m., The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, www.facebook.com/thekegstand
Dec. 11-20
10 Days of X-mas Beer Giveaway, The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, www.facebook.com/thekegstand
Dec. 13
HopAPotamus Tapping, 1 p.m., Great River Brewery, 332 East 2nd St., Davenport, http://iowacraftbeertent.com/wordpress/event/hopapotamus-tapping/?instance_id=252
Dec. 13
Chasing Chaos live band, Mickey’s Irish Pub, 50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee, www.mickeyswaukee.com
Dec. 17
Make Your Own Menorah Party, 5-8 p.m., The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, www.facebook.com/thekegstand
Dec. 20
Green Flash Tap Takeover w/ West Coast IPA Firkin and Delbrucci (American Hopped Sour), 6 p.m., The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, www.facebook.com/thekegstand
Dec. 20
Damon Dotson, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Mickey’s Irish Pub, 50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee, www.mickeyswaukee.com
Dec. 31
Bash to the Future, 8 p.m., Des Moines Social Club, 900 Mulberry St., Des Moines, http://desmoinessocialclub.org
Stout
A beer style that was traditionally coined for the heaviest of dark beers (7-8 percent). Like regular beer, stouts are made with water, hops, and yeast; however, stouts add roasted malt or barley to give it a distinct and unique flavor.
