Founders Hand of Doom
Imperial IPA, 10.4% ABV
Hand of Doom is an imperial IPA from Founders that is aged in bourbon barrels. In fact, it is Founders Double Trouble aged in bourbon barrels. And, regardless of how pedestrian the above picture may make it look, this beer is every bit as menacing as the name suggests.
From the taps of the Beer School Bar at Sheffield’s, this beer poured copper in color with just a bit of fluffy, white head.
A quick whiff reveals a mix of piney and citrusy hops blended with strong scents of caramel, oak and vanilla.
At first sip there are loads of citrusy, grapefruit hops up front followed by a ton of oak, vanilla and bourbon. This beer finishes with a bitter bite to it, which actually goes over pretty well after that rush of booze and sweetness.
This beer is not for the faint of heart and is definitely one that should be sipped on.
After sampling a number of Founders barrel aged beers including the Canadian Breakfast Stout and Newaygo County Cherry I am pretty much convinced that there is no beer they can’t barrel age and have it turn out awesome.
Update: Founders updated this beer to be named simply “Doom” on eventual releases as part of their Backstage Series of beers.