Time for a trip into Michigan to sample a brew from Founders Brewing Company! No actual travel was involved, though.

I opted to buy 19.2 oz. pseudo-tallboy can, because that was the only option available as a single. As a side note, I think cans are nowadays unfairly maligned. It's a personal keg, with perfect protection from any light that might skunk the contents. But are the contents worth consuming in the first place? Well, I'm no teetotaler, although I do advise moderation in the consumption of any intoxicant, so let's give it a try!

PINE...

This is the scent that assailed me upon opening this beer. There's a hint of the expected citrus, but evergreen aromas dominate.

BITTER!!!

OK, that's an exaggeration. It's "only" 42 IBU, and I have had far more bitter beers and enjoyed them. I like Arrogant Bastard Ale for example, and it is much more bitter. But this beer also has an unexpectedly sharp pine flavor to accompany the smell, and it's a bit startling.

OK, THIS IS INTERESTING.

After the initial surprise, this beer is interesting. It's not very heavily carbonated, but not really what I would consider watery either. There's a bit of maltiness behind the hops, but I do think the hops are overbearing. Still, this is an IPA, so that is to be expected.

Actually, "IPA" isn't quite the right label. This only 4.7% ABV, making it much weaker than the usual IPA fare. The can clearly says "Session Ale," too. Like the name of the beer, this refers to its lower alcohol volume as being suitable for extended consumption without hitting you too hard with the alcohol. But I still wouldn't call it a weak beer, as though it were merely an over-hopped version of a light beer from a macrobrewery.

All told, while I don't regret trying it, it's not for everybody, and I wouldn't probably seek this out again. I certainly wouldn't object if someone were to offer me one, though.

Image credit: Founders Brewing Company