If you’re a fan of craft beer, chances are you’ve come across Founder’s (Grand Rapids, Michigan) All Day IPA. It’s become a bit of a staple in the world of session IPAs, and for good reason. Let’s crack open a can and get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this beer shine—and where it might not hit every note perfectly.
First Impressions: Easygoing and Crisp
Right out of the gate, All Day IPA pours a golden, slightly hazy hue with a decent frothy white head that sticks around just long enough to give a good first impression. It’s not a beer that’s trying to look overly fancy, but it’s got that approachable, backyard BBQ vibe.
On the nose, you’re greeted with a wave of fresh pine and citrus. There’s a little floral hit in there too, almost like you’ve stuck your nose into a bouquet of hops, with some light malt sweetness balancing things out. It’s refreshing but doesn’t scream “hop bomb,” which is ideal for a session beer.
Tasting Notes: Bright, Light, and Hoppy
When you take that first sip, it’s clear that Founder’s designed this to be an all-day sipper. The flavor profile is bright and hoppy without being overwhelming. You get a nice dose of grapefruit and pine upfront, which is typical of the classic American IPA style, but it’s not overly bitter. The bitterness is moderate, sitting comfortably around 42 IBUs, which keeps things drinkable without fatigue setting in. There’s also a subtle malt backbone that offers a hint of caramel, preventing the hops from totally stealing the show.
The mouthfeel is light and crisp, with a slightly dry finish that makes you want to go back for another sip (or several). The ABV (4.7%) is low enough that you really can drink this one all day, and it won’t knock you out. In fact, that’s part of the appeal—Founders managed to pack plenty of flavor into a low-alcohol package.
The Positives: A Session IPA Done Right
One of the biggest wins for All Day IPA is its balance. For an IPA with a sessionable ABV, it doesn’t taste watered down or lacking in flavor, which can be a challenge in this style. The hop character is lively but not overpowering, and the malt adds just enough sweetness to keep it from being one-dimensional. It’s perfect for those occasions when you want to enjoy several beers without feeling like you’ve been hit with a hop hammer. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of foods—anything from spicy tacos to a classic burger.
The Critiques: A Little Repetitive?
While Founder’s All Day IPA is undoubtedly an easy drinker, it doesn’t exactly evolve as you go. After the first few sips, the flavor profile doesn’t really change much, which can make it feel a bit repetitive if you’re drinking several over the course of a day. Some beer lovers might find it lacking in complexity, especially if you’re into the more intense flavors of double or hazy IPAs.
Additionally, if you’re looking for that full-on hop explosion, All Day IPA might not scratch that itch. The hops are there, but they’re toned down compared to more aggressive IPAs. For some, that’s a plus, but for hop heads who crave bitterness, it could be seen as a drawback.
Final Rating
- Appearance: 8/10 – Nice golden color with a decent head retention. Classic IPA look.
- Aroma: 8/10 – Fresh pine and citrus, with a light malt sweetness. It’s inviting and not overpowering.
- Taste: 7.5/10 – Bright, hoppy, and balanced. Some may find it a bit too straightforward, though.
- Mouthfeel: 8/10 – Crisp, light, and perfect for a session beer.
- Overall: 8/10 – A go-to session IPA that delivers on flavor without being overwhelming.
Conclusion: A Reliable Crowd-Pleaser
Founder’s All Day IPA does exactly what it sets out to do: provide a flavorful, hoppy beer that you can enjoy in quantity without losing your balance. It’s a beer that fits just about any casual occasion, from lazy days at the lake to game nights with friends. It might not be the most complex IPA you’ll ever try, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, you just want something easy, tasty, and refreshing—and All Day IPA nails that perfectly,
If you’ve had an All Day IPA, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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