Founders Centennial IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with bold floral and citrus notes from a heavy dry-hop charge of Centennial hops, layered with hints of pine resin and grapefruit pith. On the palate, the bitterness is assertive but not harsh, balanced by a firm malt backbone that keeps things from tipping into astringency. The body is medium, with enough weight to carry the hop intensity without feeling heavy. The finish is long and drying, with lingering citrus rind and a clean bitterness that fades slowly.
About the Brewery
Founders Brewing Co. is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was founded in 1997 by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers. They built their reputation on high-gravity, intensely flavored beers, and their lineup has been a fixture in craft beer rankings for years. Beyond their IPAs, they're widely known for KBS, a barrel-aged stout, and All Day IPA, a session beer that became one of the best-selling craft cans in the country.
Food Pairings
The sharp bitterness and citrus character here cut well against fatty, rich foods. Spicy Thai or Indian dishes work because the hop aromatics complement the heat without amplifying it. A sharp aged cheddar or a washed-rind cheese stands up to the bitterness and mirrors the beer's earthy undertones. Grilled chicken with a citrus marinade echoes the hop profile rather than fighting it. Burgers with caramelized onions are a natural match because the malt backbone in the beer bridges the sweetness of the onion against the assertive hop finish.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by its prominent use of American hop varieties — Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Simcoe — which deliver citrus, pine, and tropical fruit aromas that distinguish it sharply from its English counterpart. The English IPA relies on earthy, biscuity hops and a more pronounced malt base, while the American version tilts the balance firmly toward hops. ABVs typically run from 6% to 7.5%, with a medium body and enough malt structure to keep the bitterness from turning harsh. The style gained traction in the American craft beer boom of the 1980s and 1990s and remains the most widely brewed craft style in the country.