[Press Release:]
This year’s fourth Barrel-Aged Series offering is the brewery’s first-ever malt liquor
(Grand Rapids, MI) – Founders Brewing Co. announced today that they will launch DKML, an imperial malt liquor aged in bourbon barrels, as the next installment in the Barrel-Aged Series. DKML is perfectly timed for the midway mark of the brewery’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2017. This new release is Founders’ take on what could be the first malt liquor worthy of a glass. Celebrated as share-worthy, DMKL is a highly experimental release that has been in the works for several years after multiple trail batches.
DKML is an imperial malt liquor brewed with corn and lager yeast cultivated by Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel as part of their partnership with Founders. It shows a smooth sweetness with vanilla tones and light fruitiness thanks to its time spent aging in bourbon barrels. It was finished with a healthy dose of dry-hopping to achieve the desired flavor profile.
“I’m always looking for new ways to rethink what we have to offer,” said Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki. “With DKML I wanted to do something totally original, and I don’t know anyone in the craft beer world who is barrel-aging malt liquor. After some early trials, we ended up with Mahou’s lager yeast to brew a really amazing malt liquor, and then we did what we do best – barrel-aged it. The bourbon barrel smoothed it out while giving it that ‘kick’ you would expect from an imperial malt liquor.”
DKML is the fourth annual release in the brewery’s 2017 Barrel-Aged Series, preceded by Frootwood, KBS and Doom. In addition to Backwoods Bastard, there is one remaining beer yet to be announced in the series this year.
DKML will be available in the taproom beginning on July 1, 2017 with the remaining 46-state distribution area receiving it later in July. DKML will have a suggested retail price of $14.99/4-pack 12oz bottles and $11.99/750mL bottle.
Founders will announce the remaining undisclosed release in the Barrel-Aged Series later this year.
About Founders Brewing Co.
Established in 1997 by two craft beer enthusiasts—Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens—with day jobs and a dream, Founders Brewing Co. brews complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Founders ranks among the top 20 largest craft breweries in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival, and RateBeer and BeerAdvocate users often rate its beers among the best in the world. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild. For more information, visit foundersbrewing.com or follow Founders on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About the Barrel-Aged Series
Crafting legendary barrel-aged beers is an exercise in patience. We start by brewing complex, world-class beer worthy of time in a barrel. Then, our experience and years spent mastering our craft means we know exactly when it’s been aged to perfection. After one sip, you’ll know – it was worth the wait.