BRAND: Newcastle

NAME: Founder's Ale

TYPE OF BEER: English Pale Ale

ALCOHOL CONTENT: 4.8%

IBUs: 20 out of 100

PRICE: $8.99 for a sixer

DESCRIPTION: I've always been a fan of Newcastle's easy-to-drink Brown Ale. I reviewed the brewer's first new beer in years, a Limited-Edition beer called “Summer Ale,” here on MANLAND two Summers ago. The company has expanded its Limited Edition offerings with three new beer releases. Included in that line up is an English-style Pale Ale called Founder's Ale. MANLAND was supplied with two samples of this new brew for our review here today; here's what we thought of this brew ...

POUR/TASTE: Founder's Ale uses “premium malts and Syrian Goldings hops” for its brew recipe. Newcastle calls the beer a “full-bodied, drinkable brew with a dry, hoppy and roasted flavors and a short, clean finish.”

Aroma wise, Founder's Ale is pretty tame. I can smell some of the English-style malts and the classic hop aroma that was present in the brewer's Summer Ale. Founder's reminds me of a thicker, less bitter Summer Ale. It has a nice, medium-body mouth feel, combined with a soft hop bitterness that doesn't abuse your palette. I think Newcastle missed the mark by not calling this beer “Summer Ale” because it is so easy to drink. Of the four Limited-Edition beers offered by the company (Summer, Werewolf, English IPA and Founders), I'd rank this as my second favorite behind the Werewolf beer, which was one of the most unique beers I tasted in 2011.

BUY IT AGAIN? Yes. I'm starting to see the beer offered in six and 12 packs locally. If you normally drink an American-style macro (Coors, Bud, etc), try some Founders Ale. Its not too aggressive flavor wise and at 4.8% you can drink a few without turning stupid. Hats off to “Newkie” for coming up with a few new offerings for us beer lovers.

Special “Thanks” to Samantha Lutz from Formula PR for supplying us with a our sample beers!