Founders Brewing Co.

Regional Brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States 🇺🇸
Owned by Mahou San Miguel
Associated with 2 Venues

Established in 1997

Contact
235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Description
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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4.2
Appearance - 5 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 17

A dense, laced, off white head on a dark caramel body. A vibrant nose featuring resin, raisins, brown sugar and tropical fruit. the taste profile leads with rich carmel, citrus and tropical hops, rye spice, pepper and roasted malt. The pine resin blends in well in the aftertaste. A peach!

Tried on 23 Sep 2025 at 20:12


4
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 17

Sold off-white head with sustained lacing. Clear amber body. Nose features sharp citrus hops, bourbon and sweet caramel malt. I expected this to be a bit heavy and thick, but it is a fresh and edgy DIPA in the East Coast tradition. Citrus hops with a solid earthy bite, roasted nuts, rich caramel malt, bourbon in balance and hints of vanilla and oak round out a solid profile. This will age well more towards a BW as well.

Tried on 23 Sep 2025 at 20:11


3.6
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 3 | Overall - 15

A solid but understated imperial Brown. A mild and slightly sweet malt nose. The taste includes elements of citrus and earthy hops, softly roasted malt, mild coffee, cream and a slightly vegetal aftertaste. Well balanced, but I could use a little more oomph.

Tried on 23 Sep 2025 at 20:10


3.6
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 3 | Overall - 17

A solid fluffy off-white head on a dark redish body. Lots of sweet caramel malt up front here in the nose and the taste profile. Mild fruity hops, honey, caramel and some bitterness make for a smooth drink.

Tried on 23 Sep 2025 at 20:05


4.2
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 9 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 18

Double Trouble lives up to its name. On the maltier end of the spectrum for IIPAs, featuring roasted malts, a range of fruity hops, a touch of sweetness and an endearing richness. A real treasure.

Tried on 23 Sep 2025 at 20:01


7.1
Appearance - 10 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 6.5

Black with a large foamy brown head that left great lacing. Toasty with coffee, cocoa and hot pepper. Medium finish. Moderately full bodied.

Tried from Draft on 20 Sep 2025 at 22:54


7.6

Tried on 20 Sep 2025 at 15:59


6.6
Appearance - 7 | Aroma - 6.5 | Flavor - 6.5 | Texture - 7 | Overall - 6.5

Tried from Can from Horrocks Farm Market on 19 Sep 2025 at 15:13


7.3
Appearance - 7 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7.5 | Texture - 7 | Overall - 7.5

Tried from Bottle from Horrocks Farm Market on 18 Sep 2025 at 20:56


7.4
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7.5 | Flavor - 7.5 | Texture - 7 | Overall - 7

Bottle. Caramel malt aroma with notes of toffee, sweet corn, vanilla, bourbon and oak. Pours clear copper colored with a thin white head that has no retention and little lacing. Starts with caramel, toffee and vanilla flavors as well as having a medium body and smooth mouthfeel. Finishes smooth and a touch boozy with sweet corn, oak and bourbon flavors. Hides the booze dangerously well for a good malt liquor.

Tried from Bottle from Freedom Liquor on 15 Sep 2025 at 00:56