Some beers earn their place as yearly rituals, and Backwoods Bastard is one of those bottles that never seems to lose its appeal. It is familiar without being boring, comforting without feeling tired, and it consistently delivers far more than its price tag would suggest. Year after year, it remains one of those beers that reminds you just how good a well executed bourbon barrel aged ale can be.
Backwoods Bastard 2025
Founders Brewing Co. Backwoods Bastard 2025 pours a deep brown with a thick head of off white foam. The bubbles eventually settle, leaving wispy lacing painted along the walls of the snifter. It looks inviting and sturdy in the glass.
The aroma is absolutely lovely, with roasted malt leading the way. Sweet toffee follows close behind, joined by warm bourbon, soft vanilla, and a gentle touch of oak. This is one of those beers that rewards taking a moment to sit and sniff before the first sip.
Roasty malt is abundant from the start, filling the mouth with rich toffee and creamy caramel. As each sip fades, sweet bourbon steps forward along with subtle vanilla and oak. There is just a hint of peppery warmth that briefly shows itself before being smoothed over by more warm malt sweetness.
You Beautiful Bastard
Backwoods Bastard continues to be a standout not just because of how good it tastes, but because of how accessible it remains. The availability and price point are hard to beat for a beer of this quality, making it an easy go to for both casual enjoyment and quiet appreciation. It is a longtime favorite for good reason, and the 2025 release does nothing to change that.