Founders Brewing Co. 10th Annual Black Party - 4/16/2011

What a day for Founders!

I was informed that there was a line for a majority of the day, the brewery hitting capacity and maintaining it into the night. At points, the line was wrapping around the building, down the side of the newly-constructed expansion. The night was riddled with fantastic music and plenty of beer - some of which hasn't seen the taproom in quite some time, as well as some first runs!

The music was split by Founders-based band Oracle (including headbrewer Jeremy Kosmicki and Brewer D.W. Deschaine) performing the entirety of The Black Crowe's "Southern Harmony and Musical Companion", and West MI Funk-blues-jam trio Four Finger Five, a WYCE Jammie winner, who rocked the taproom all the way to the end of the night.

I didn't get to the black party until a little after midnight, but I was quickly filled in on the events of the day. Any special event at Founders is riddled by little beery surprises, most of which happen during the day (unfortunately for me). Usually firkins make their way to the taproom, boasting cellar-temp aged goodness - a 2009 and 2010 KBS - while the 2011 remained on tap. Also, the celebrated Breakfast Stout made its way back into the taproom for a short time, as well as it's delicious Maple Barrel Aged variant, Canadian Breakfast Stout.

This year's black party also brought back a rarity on the Founders taplist - the Black IPA. Not only did this seldom-seen brew return, but also three variants as well - Diablo Del Noche, Syrup Del Noche, and Bourbon Del Noche. Diablo was aged on top of fresh chile peppers, the Syrup was aged in maple syrup barrels, while the bourbon spent some time in Kentucky bourbon barrels. The syrup was my favorite! Perfectly complemented their Black IPA, brought out the sweet notes right in the middle. All variants were first run beers.

Founders Rye Stout found its way back on tap, having been off for a few weeks. Made it's debut about two months ago and was received very well. Another first run beer presented was Dirty Darkness, a variant on the classic Dirty Bastard, a Founders mainstay. This variant tilted the bastard more towards the dark end of things, supporting that malt sweetness with more pronounced roast, chocolate and coffee notes. (I may have had a few of this one..)

Other beers that were on tap for the day: Porter, Frangelic Stout, Oatmeal Stout, and Imperial Stout.


It was a wonderful night full of surprises! Even though I got there late, I could tell everyone had enjoyed a truly fantastic day. Everyone I caught up with had been there a majority of the day, cheeks warm and smiling big. Everyone had nothing but good things to say about the day, and my night was absolutely wonderful!

Thanks to Founders for hosting this wonderful annual event, it was a day to be remembered!

Cheers All!
The dude Imbibes.
-Ben Darcie

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Founders Brewing Company
235 Grandville Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4037
616.776.1195