Founders Azacca IPA
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Tasting Notes
Azacca hops drive a pronounced tropical fruit character here — mango, papaya, and citrus peel come through on the nose with some pine underneath. The flavor follows the aroma closely, with a moderate bitterness that doesn't overwhelm the fruit, and a touch of pale malt sweetness providing ballast. Body is medium, neither thin nor heavy, which keeps the hop profile in focus. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, lingering with citrus rind and a faint resinous quality.
About the Brewery
Founders Brewing is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been operating since 1997. They built their reputation on bold, high-gravity beers — most famously Kentucky Breakfast Stout and CBS — but their hop-forward lineup is equally well regarded. They're considered a foundational brewery in the Midwest craft scene and have maintained wide national distribution. SABMiller acquired a minority stake in 2014, which remains a point of contention among some craft beer followers.
Food Pairings
Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes work well because the tropical fruit in the hops softens the heat without fighting it. Grilled chicken with citrus-forward marinades mirrors the beer's fruit notes and lets the bitterness cut through any char. A sharp aged cheddar or Manchego provides enough salt and fat to round out the dry, resinous finish. Fish tacos with a lime crema are a natural match — the acidity in the food echoes the citrus hop character. Lighter grilled pork dishes also pair cleanly, as the malt backbone handles the sweetness in the meat.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness and aroma, typically built around American or Southern Hemisphere hop varieties that emphasize citrus, pine, and tropical fruit over the earthy, floral tones of English hops. The malt character is present but deliberately restrained, existing mainly to support the hops rather than compete with them. ABVs generally run 6–7.5%, putting this example squarely in the middle of the range. It diverges from its English ancestor by leaning fruity and resinous rather than balanced and bready, and it differs from a Double IPA primarily in intensity and alcohol rather than fundamental character.