About
Our beers are crafted for a chosen few, a small cadre of renegades and rebels who enjoy a beer that pushes the limits of what is commonly accepted as taste. In short, we make beer for people like us.

Our taproom experience was born in 1997 in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, when our Co-Founders decided to start a brewery and realized immediately that the only way they could earn some cash (the brewery was losing money during those first years) was through bartending. With its super-casual vibe, gritty feel and amazing beer, the taproom quickly became a haven for many misfits, artists, musicians and more in Grand Rapids, outgrowing its tiny space quickly. The good news was, so did the brewery. Our entire operation moved to its current downtown Grand Rapids location 10 years ago to accommodate this growth and has since maintained the relaxed atmosphere and “all are welcome” approach to those who walk through the door. What’s next for our taproom? A second one, of course! We’re headed to Motown and hope to bring our Founders feel to the heart of the Cass Corridor in downtown Detroit.
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Silphium (4337) reviewed
American Black Ale from Founders Brewing Co.
23 years ago
7.1/10 — Appearance 8 Aroma 6 Flavor 7 Texture 8 Overall 7.5
It is very tempting to rate this as a porter, but I resist. Pours dark ruby, with a thin head and burnt aroma. The flavor proved interesting, as I noted dark fruit and smoked notes along with bitterness. It is thinner-bodied than most porters, and the flavor is distinctly different. An interesting style.
Tried on 26 May 2003 at 10:09
Silphium (4337) reviewed
Weizenbier from Founders Brewing Co.
23 years ago
6.8/10 — Appearance 6 Aroma 6 Flavor 7 Texture 8 Overall 7
Tasty, but not remarkable. Pours cloudy yellow-orange. Banana esters dominated the palate, which is unlike most American wheats I have tried. Otherwise, nothing too noteworthy, except for the fact that this is another solid offering from Founders.
Tried from Can on 25 May 2003 at 15:31
Silphium (4337) reviewed
Oatmeal Stout from Founders Brewing Co.
23 years ago
6.6/10 — Appearance 8 Aroma 6 Flavor 7 Texture 6 Overall 6.5
Re-rate, on tap at Founders. Previous sample was slightly off. This time the beer is fresh, but I'm not too impressed; the body is smooth with roast flavors and a slight sweetness. Curiously, there is a grapefruity hops characteristic I didn't notice previously. Light in flavor and light in impact.
Tried from Draft on 24 May 2003 at 14:33
Silphium (4337) reviewed
Pale Ale from Founders Brewing Co.
23 years ago
7.2/10 — Appearance 8 Aroma 7 Flavor 7 Texture 8 Overall 7
I made a deal with light-colored beers: when the thermometer hits 90, I’ll reluctantly put aside my decadent stouts and give the light beers some playing time. In that case, Founders Pale Ale will be one of my regulars. A crisp, refreshing APA that is perfectly balanced and easy to drink. This reminds me of Bells Oberon for some reason, even though it’s not a wheat. A solid summer beer, in my opinion, perfect for sipping while swatting mosquitoes and sweating in the heat and humidity.
Tried on 16 Mar 2003 at 23:01
Silphium (4337) reviewed
Imperial Stout from Founders Brewing Co.
23 years ago
8.1/10 — Appearance 10 Aroma 8 Flavor 8 Texture 8 Overall 7.5
Wow...I rated this beer seven years ago today, and I happen to have a bottle in my tulip snifter that begs for a re-rate. So, here it is. Charcoal black pour, thick dissipating to medium clumping, ochre to light brown head. Rich nose of chocolate, coffee, dark fruits (red grape, plum) and hints of smoke. Soft, silky body with roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, oatmeal, and vinous characters, with a biting woody acidity in the finish. Very good but not upper echelon material.

Previous rating. 6 February 2003: This is a warming, rich, chocolatey beverage that begs to replace your fireplace. The Imperial Stouts are a diverse bunch...this one is definitely not the syrupy beast that is Bell’s Expedition Stout, but holds its own against the likes of Victory Storm King stout. 8-5-8-4-16 (4.1).
Tried from Bottle on 06 Feb 2003 at 18:19
Oakes (34715) reviewed
Imperial Stout from Founders Brewing Co.
24 years ago
5.4/10 — Appearance 6 Aroma 5 Flavor 6 Texture 4 Overall 5.5
There are two ways to look at the aroma - either it's richly roasted, or it tastes like smoked cheddar & baltic salami. simplistic, malty, very straightforward example.
Tried on 21 Feb 2002 at 23:28