Founders is quickly becoming one of my favorite breweries for several reasons. First on that list is that we share the same philosophy – ordinary beers are to be avoided. You can taste this point of view in just about every beer Founders brews, as each is bold, memorable and delicious.
Founders takes this philosophy to the next level with Nemesis, a Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged Wheat Wine. Let that sink in for a moment: Maple. Bourbon. Oak. Wheat. Wine. That’s an unusual combination and Founders embraces it. After all, the label proclaims, “every batch diabolically brewed to decimate ordinary-average-run-of-the-mill tasting beer.” And they succeed here. Boy do they succeed!
The pour is a radiant golden amber, with a short tan head that dissipates quickly. There’s a bit of haze in there, but you can see through to the other side if you really try. Pulling the glass to your nose reveals some familiar and wonderful aromas, typical of a bourbon-aged brew from Founders, but with a couple of twists. There are dark dried fruits and the promise of boozy delight, but there’s also a hint of cherry and a general sweetness there as well, probably due to the wheat.
The first sip attacks your palate with many sensations at once in the way a really special brew does. This beer begins and ends with a heavy bourbon flavor. In between, it treats you to a sweet and hearty wheat base, a touch of maple and a smoky bubblegum flavor that’s spot on. The finish is a bit peppery, as the bourbon content in this brew makes itself known. If you love whiskey, this is the brew for you. If you don’t, then save then these for someone who does – because it’s the bourbon that’s calling the tune here.
I’ve been told that Nemesis is a tough beer to get a hold of and I can see why. It’s pretty special. I was lucky enough to get a couple of 12oz bottles from one of the only cases to trickle into New Jersey. It’s good to know good people in good places. If you happen upon a bottle, snatch it up and you will not be disappointed. This is certainly not your ordinary-average-run-of-the-mill tasting beer and it’s certainly not one to miss, especially if you like your beers big and barreled like I do.
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
It is great, but it’s tough to justify the price tag. In fact, I tend to favor the Backwoods Bastard. 2 dollars a bottle cheaper, and all the flavor. Side by side, they’re nearly indistinguishable.
I love Backwoods Bastard as well, but I haven’t had the opportunity to try them side by side. That would be a pretty good evening!
The thing that struck me about Nemesis was the brazen booziness of it -it really tasted like I had tipped a shot of Elijah Craig into the glass. I don’t recall quite the same kick in Backwoods Bastard, but it’s been a while since I had one.
At any rate, Founders knows how to age stuff in barrels. Every barreled I’ve tried from then has been a delight.