After exploring the power of Barleywine beer and Pirika beer from the Japanese brewery Kiuchi, today PerfectDraft takes you to Michigan, USA, to discover one of America’s most iconic craft breweries and its exceptional Imperial Brown Ale: Underground Mountain Brown.
A Craft beer success story
Now ranked among the largest breweries in the United States, Founders Brewing Company has experienced a long and challenging journey. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the brewery was originally called Canal Street Brewing, a tribute to the historic concentration of breweries once located on that street in the 19th century.
Founded in 1997 by Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens, the brewery initially struggled. Their early pale ale featured a historic illustration of former brewers with the word “Founders” printed above it. Customers assumed this was the brewery’s name — and eventually, the founders embraced it.
To launch the project, the two entrepreneurs quit their jobs, secured substantial loans and committed fully to their vision. However, early batches failed to gain traction, and debts mounted. Faced with potential failure, they decided to brew bold, complex beers that they personally loved to drink. That pivotal decision changed everything. Customers responded enthusiastically to these flavour-forward beers, and Founders quickly rose to prominence.
Today, the brewery is internationally recognised for iconic beers such as KBS, CBS, Centennial IPA, Dirty Bastard and Breakfast Stout — all celebrated for their intensity, balance and innovation.
Imperial Brown Ale: Origins of the Style
The term “brown ale” first appeared in London in the late 17th century. Early versions were lightly hopped and brewed with dark malts, resulting in variable alcohol levels. During the 18th century, lighter and more affordable malts became common, leading to a decline in traditional brown ales.
The style re-emerged at the end of the 19th century with beers such as Manns Brown Ale, and later gained international fame thanks to Newcastle Brown Ale. Over time, two distinct British styles developed:
- Southern (London) Brown Ale – Dark, sweet, low in alcohol, with caramel notes.
- Northern Brown Ale – Drier, slightly stronger, with nutty and toffee-like flavours.
In the United States, the style evolved further. In 1986, Pete’s Wicked Ale helped define American Brown Ale as a distinct category. American versions are typically stronger, hoppier and more robust than their English counterparts, often showcasing pronounced malt character alongside bold bitterness.
Underground Mountain Brown
Underground Mountain Brown is Founders’ barrel-aged Imperial Brown Ale and a true showcase of craftsmanship. Brewed with Sumatran coffee and aged in oak barrels that previously contained bourbon, the beer then rests for a full year to develop exceptional depth and complexity.
In the glass, it displays a deep dark brown colour crowned with a thick, creamy beige head. The aroma reveals intense notes of freshly brewed coffee, hazelnut and subtle red fruit. Barrel ageing introduces layers of oak, bourbon and vanilla.
On the palate, the texture is smooth and creamy with low carbonation. Flavours unfold in waves: coconut, marzipan, brown sugar, molasses and toffee, followed by roasted coffee, dark and milk chocolate, bourbon warmth and toasted oak. The finish is long, refined and balanced by controlled bitterness.
This Imperial Brown Ale pairs beautifully with ribs, smoked pork, grilled vegetables, tiramisu or chocolate cheesecake. For optimal tasting, serve at around 12°C in a wide-rimmed balloon glass.
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