Founders » Dissenter (Imperial India Pale Lager)
ABV: 8.7% | IBUs: 70 | Rating: 9.2
I found myself lucky enough to enjoy Founders' latest Backstage Series on draft and bottles within a weeks time. At first, I thought an IPL was a bit lackluster for the series, compared to some of the jaw dropping creativity in previous editions, but then seeing the word 'Imperial' and that Founders' hadn't released a lager in twelve years... I trust those Michigan folks with what they're doing. And rightfully so.
A highly alluring plume of huge aromatic hops is apparent event from a distance, emitting from a translucent golden body and fluffy, fading, lacy head.
Grapefruit, pith, and grass notes are abound in the nose with a touch of resin.
For the bottle, the flavor is tight and bitter, even venturing into mildly astringent with it's dry finish. The body is light and quite lager-like, sporting a mild mouthcoat for such robust hop-forwardness.
Ongoing swarms of yellow grapefruit and tons of rind flavors delightfully pummel the palate with the very slightest flip of sweetness on the finish, that's just faintly apparent in the nose as well, reminiscent of mild honey.
On draft, the nose is a blend of juicy citrus and herbal notes in the nose followed up all smooth, hoppy, and spicy. Prickly carbonation kicks off each sip, then settling in, and drying in the far finish.
An excellent, well-balanced and unique hop experience that's not too punch-in-the-face. Worth checking out on draft and bottles.
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