Rubaeus is one of the most widely distributed fruited sour-adjacent ales in the US, built around real raspberries added at five separate stages of brewing. It sits closer to a fruit ale than a fully kettle-soured beer, but its bright tartness and easy drinkability have made it a fixture on shelves for well over a decade.
Founders Rubaeus at a glance
| Style | Fruit ale (raspberry) |
| ABV | 5.7% |
| Calories | Around 165 per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA |
| Ingredients | Pale wheat malt, Crystal hops, raspberries added at multiple brewing stages |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, contains wheat and barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack of 12oz bottles |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Rubaeus leans toward fruit-forward sweetness with just enough acidity to keep it from feeling like a soda.
The full review
It pours a hazy, deep red with a medium-sized off-white head. Raspberries dominate both the aroma and taste, layered over a malty sweetness balanced by light acidic notes that keep it from tasting like raspberry syrup.
The finish is rather dry for a fruit-forward beer this sweet-leaning, with a crisp mouthfeel and a creaminess that helps carry the fresh raspberry character all the way through. It reads as fruity and refreshing rather than intensely sour.
As an entry point into fruited sour beer, Rubaeus is one of the friendliest and most widely available options, making it a reasonable starting place for someone who wants to try the category without committing to a puckering, funky lambic.
One of the friendliest, most widely available on-ramps into fruited sour beer.
- Very widely distributed and easy to find
- Approachable, fruit-forward flavour good for sour beer beginners
- Real raspberries used across multiple brewing stages
- Milder tartness than most beers on this list
- Sweetness may feel one-note for drinkers wanting a fuller sour experience
- Less complex than barrel-aged or wild-fermented options
Who it is for
Beginners looking for an easy, widely available first step into fruited sour beer, and anyone who prefers fruit-forward sweetness over intense tartness.
Founders Rubaeus FAQs
What does Founders Rubaeus taste like?
Bright, fresh raspberry flavour balanced by malty sweetness and light acidity, with a dry finish and creamy mouthfeel.
How strong is Founders Rubaeus?
5.7% ABV.
Is Rubaeus a true sour beer?
It is better described as a fruit ale, with raspberries added at multiple stages rather than the beer being kettle-soured or wild fermented like most other beers on this list.
Is Founders Rubaeus gluten free?
No, it is brewed with wheat and barley malt.
How is Rubaeus different from a kettle sour?
It relies on raspberry acidity and malt balance rather than lactobacillus souring, giving it a sweeter, less tart profile than a true kettle sour.
Where is Founders Rubaeus brewed?
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, at Founders Brewing Company.
Where to find it
Widely available at grocery stores, liquor stores and craft beer retailers across the US.
The verdict
Founders Rubaeus is an easy, widely available fruit ale that makes a friendly first step into the sour and fruited beer world. A reliable four out of five.
