Founders Rubaeus 6Pk

Founders Rubaeus 6Pk is a 5.7% ABV raspberry ale from Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, sold as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Earning a 97 on RateBeer, this fruit-forward wheat ale distinguishes itself through the addition of fresh raspberries at five separate stages during the brewing process — a technique that delivers layered berry intensity few competitors match.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.7%  |  Origin: Grand Rapids, Michigan  |  Style: Raspberry Wheat Ale  |  IBUs: 15  |  Brewery: Founders Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Founders Brewing Company was established in 1997 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has grown into one of the most respected craft breweries in the United States. Rubaeus is built on a pale wheat malt base with Crystal hops contributing a subtle bitterness at just 15 IBUs. What defines this beer is the five-stage fresh raspberry addition — fruit is introduced at multiple points throughout the brew, from the kettle through fermentation, creating a depth of raspberry character that goes well beyond a single-addition fruit beer.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh red raspberries dominate immediately, supported by undercurrents of wheat grain and a faint sweetness reminiscent of cane sugar. The nose is bright and inviting without any artificial candy-like quality.

Taste: The entry is juicy and raspberry-forward, with moderate sweetness balanced by a light tartness that keeps the palate engaged. Mid-palate, a malty wheat backbone provides body, while a gentle acidity prevents the fruit from becoming cloying. The overall impression is fresh-squeezed berries layered over soft grain.

Finish: Medium in length with a creamy texture and ample carbonation that lifts the fruit notes. Lingering raspberry tartness fades into a clean, slightly dry close.

How to Drink Rubaeus

Rubaeus is best served chilled at 40–45°F in a tulip glass or wheat beer glass to concentrate its aromatic raspberry notes. It drinks beautifully on its own but also works as a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink ingredient. A Raspberry Shandy pairs Rubaeus with fresh lemonade for a bright summer refresher. A Berry Berliner blends it with a splash of elderflower liqueur to amplify the floral-fruit dimension. A Rubaeus Float — poured over vanilla ice cream — leans into the beer's natural creaminess and sweetness for a dessert serve.

Best For

• Introducing craft beer to someone who prefers fruit-driven flavors over hop bitterness
• Warm-weather cookouts and patio drinking sessions
• Pairing alongside brunch dishes or berry-based desserts
• Building a fruit beer tasting flight with friends

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rubaeus taste like? Rubaeus delivers a pronounced fresh raspberry flavor balanced by moderate sweetness, light tartness, and a creamy wheat malt backbone. It finishes clean with bright berry notes and lively carbonation.

How does Rubaeus compare to Abita Purple Haze? Both are popular fruit-accented wheat ales, but Rubaeus uses fresh raspberries added at five stages of production, resulting in a more intense and layered berry character. Abita Purple Haze incorporates raspberry puree for a lighter, more subtle fruit presence at a comparable ABV.

Is Rubaeus good for beginners? Rubaeus is an excellent entry point into craft beer for drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward flavors, as its low bitterness (15 IBUs) and natural raspberry sweetness make it immediately approachable.

Where is Rubaeus made? Rubaeus is brewed by Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city widely recognized as one of America's top craft beer destinations.

What foods pair well with Rubaeus? Fresh goat cheese salads complement its tartness; dark chocolate desserts contrast its berry sweetness; lemon-dressed grilled chicken echoes its bright acidity; vanilla cheesecake mirrors the creamy texture; and mild brie on crackers provides a neutral backdrop for the raspberry to shine.

What sizes does Rubaeus come in? Rubaeus is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, and Founders has also released it in 15-pack cans and on draft at select locations.

Is Rubaeus worth the price? Rubaeus positions as a mid-range craft beer that delivers a level of fruit intensity — thanks to its five-stage raspberry addition — that typically justifies its price within the fruit ale category.

Why Rubaeus?

The five-stage fresh raspberry addition is not a marketing gimmick — it is the production detail that separates Rubaeus from the crowded field of fruit ales. That layered brewing approach earned it a 97 on RateBeer and an 87 on BeerAdvocate across thousands of reviews, placing it among the most consistently well-regarded raspberry beers available. The pale wheat malt base and restrained 15-IBU hopping let the fruit speak without interference. For anyone seeking a serious raspberry ale built on real ingredients rather than extract shortcuts, Rubaeus remains a benchmark.