Founders Frootwood Barrel Aged Cherry Ale
Founders Frootwood — a cherry ale aged in oak barrels that previously held both bourbon and maple syrup. Frootwood was the first release in Founders' Barrel-Aged Series, and this is the large-format 750mL bottle.
- Format: 750mL single bottle
- Style: Barrel-aged cherry ale
- ABV: 8.0%
- Aging: Oak barrels that held bourbon, then maple syrup
- Brewery: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Series: Barrel-Aged Series — debut release, January 2017
From the Brewer
Founders describes the idea behind its first Barrel-Aged Series beer: "We took a crisp, light-bodied cherry ale and hid it away in oak barrels that have held both bourbon and maple syrup. After a lengthy stint, it emerged a changed beer, blanketed in notes of warm vanilla and earthy sweetness. The wood proves itself the star of this beer, adding depth and taming the tart cherry while the maple imposes a velvety texture that lingers for not a moment too long."
Tasting Notes
Tart cherry up front, softened by the barrel into warm vanilla and earthy sweetness, with a velvety maple texture through the finish. At 8.0% it drinks like a bridge between fruit beer and barrel-aged strong ale — very much at home in our fruit beer selection.
The Barrel-Aged Series
Frootwood opened the series that went on to define Founders' barrel program. Complete the set with Founders KBS Espresso and Founders KBS Maple Mackinac Fudge Stout, or browse the full craft beer collection.
FAQ
What barrels was Frootwood aged in? Oak barrels that first held bourbon and then maple syrup, which contribute vanilla, wood and a maple richness.
Can it be cellared? Yes — as a barrel-aged ale it can be enjoyed now or kept in a cool, dark place, where the cherry and maple notes will soften and meld.
How strong is it? 8.0% ABV, in a 750mL bottle made for sharing.
Founders Frootwood Barrel Aged Cherry Ale is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.