Founders Brewing Co.

Founders Brewing Co. is a renowned craft brewery based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, known for its innovative and diverse range of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers, often collaborating with other notable breweries like Bell's Brewery and New Belgium Brewing Company. The company was founded by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, who were inspired by the likes of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Anheuser-Busch. With a strong focus on quality and community, Founders Brewing Co. has become a staple in the American craft beer scene, alongside other prominent breweries like Stone Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing Company. The brewery's success has also been influenced by its proximity to other notable Michigan breweries, such as Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and Short's Brewing Co..

● History

The history of Founders Brewing Co. dates back to 1997, when Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers first opened the doors to their Grand Rapids, Michigan brewery, drawing inspiration from European beer traditions and the likes of Samuel Adams and Dogfish Head Brewery. Initially, the brewery faced financial difficulties, but with the help of investors like Rockford Brewing Company and the support of the local Grand Rapids community, Founders Brewing Co. was able to stay afloat and eventually thrive, much like other successful craft breweries like Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Oskar Blues Brewery. In 2019, the company was acquired by Mahou San Miguel, a Spanish brewery, in a deal that also involved Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Duvel Moortgat. This acquisition has allowed Founders Brewing Co. to expand its reach and collaborate with other international breweries, such as Carlsberg Group and Heineken International.

● Brewery

The Founders Brewing Co. brewery is located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and features a state-of-the-art brewhouse equipped with German-made brewing equipment from companies like Krones and BrauKon. The brewery also boasts a large cellar for aging beer, where barrel-aged beers like KBS and Backwoods Bastard are carefully crafted, using techniques inspired by Bourbon whiskey producers like Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. With a production capacity of over 900,000 barrels per year, Founders Brewing Co. is one of the largest craft breweries in the United States, rivaling other major players like Boston Beer Company and Yuengling. The brewery's operations are also influenced by its relationships with other local Michigan businesses, such as Meijer and Gordon Food Service.

● Beers

Founders Brewing Co. is known for its diverse range of beer styles, including All Day IPA, Centennial IPA, and Breakfast Stout, which have gained recognition from beer critics and beer enthusiasts alike, including those from Beer Advocate and RateBeer. The brewery's seasonal beer releases, such as Sumatra Mountain Brown and Rubaeus, are highly anticipated events in the craft beer community, with many beer fans eagerly awaiting the release of new beers from Founders Brewing Co., much like the annual release of Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company. The company has also collaborated with other notable breweries, such as Bell's Brewery and New Belgium Brewing Company, to create unique and innovative beers, like Mango Magnifico and Lips of Faith.

● Awards and Recognition

Founders Brewing Co. has received numerous awards and accolades for its beers, including several Great American Beer Festival medals and World Beer Cup awards, recognizing the brewery's commitment to quality and innovation, alongside other award-winning breweries like Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Oskar Blues Brewery. The company has also been recognized for its contributions to the craft beer industry, including being named one of the Top 50 Breweries in the United States by Brewers Association and Beer Marketer's Insights. Additionally, Founders Brewing Co. has been featured in various beer publications, such as Beer Advocate and Draft Magazine, and has been named one of the Best Breweries in the World by RateBeer.

● Distribution and Availability

Founders Brewing Co. beers are widely available in the United States, with distribution in over 40 states, including California, New York, and Florida, through partnerships with distributors like Southern Wine & Spirits and Breakthru Beverage. The company also exports its beers to several countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, working with importers like Lion Nathan and Carlsberg UK. Founders Brewing Co. beers can be found in many retail stores, restaurants, and bars, including Total Wine & More, Whole Foods Market, and The Pub. The brewery's products are also available online through e-commerce platforms like Drizly and Uber Eats.

● Tours and Events

Founders Brewing Co. offers guided brewery tours and tastings at its Grand Rapids, Michigan facility, providing visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and the opportunity to sample some of the company's renowned beers, including KBS and Backwoods Bastard. The brewery also hosts various events throughout the year, such as beer festivals, live music performances, and food pairings, often in collaboration with other local Michigan businesses, like The Intersection and Founders Fest. Visitors can also explore the brewery's taproom, which features a wide selection of beers and pub fare, including pizza and burgers, made with ingredients from local Michigan suppliers like Gordon Food Service and Meijer. Category:American breweries