January 8 marks National English Toffee Day, a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring one of America’s beloved confections. This day celebrates the rich, buttery sweetness of English toffee, a treat that has captivated taste buds for generations with its crunchy texture and caramelized flavors. While toffee itself might conjure images of sticky candies or indulgent desserts like sticky toffee pudding, it’s also a flavor profile that appears in unexpected places—like craft beer. Enter Founders Backwoods Bastard, a bourbon barrel-aged Scotch ale that captures toffee-like notes through its masterful brewing, making it an ideal “beer of the day” to toast this holiday.
The Origins and Joy of National English Toffee Day
National English Toffee Day, observed annually on January 8, shines a spotlight on the American variant of this classic British sweet. English toffee is traditionally made from sugar, butter, and often almonds or other nuts, cooked to a hard crack stage for that signature snap. Though its exact origins are murky, toffee has roots in 19th-century England, evolving into a staple treat in the U.S. where it’s often coated in chocolate for extra decadence. The day encourages indulgence—whether baking homemade batches, sharing store-bought favorites, or incorporating toffee into recipes like puddings and ice creams.
Celebrations are simple yet satisfying: Many mark the occasion by enjoying toffee in its purest form or experimenting with it in baked goods. It’s a reminder of how this humble candy brings warmth and nostalgia, especially during the winter months. For beer enthusiasts, extending the festivities to include brews with complementary flavors adds a modern twist, bridging the gap between confectionery and craft beverages.
Founders Backwoods Bastard: A Barrel-Aged Masterpiece
At the heart of today’s pairing is Founders Backwoods Bastard, a standout offering from Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This beer starts as the brewery’s flagship Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale—a robust, malty brew with an 8.5% ABV and rich sweetness from imported malts—but elevates it through aging in oak bourbon barrels for about a year. The result? A potent 11% ABV elixir with 50 IBUs, blending the warmth of Scotch ale with the nuanced depth of bourbon.
Key ingredients include Nugget and Willamette hops for a subtle earthy spice, alongside Abbey and Crystal malts that contribute to its deep caramel backbone. The barrel-aging process infuses oaky vanilla, whiskey undertones, and a smoky complexity, creating a sip that’s both bold and balanced. Tasters often note aromas of single malt scotch, roasted malts, dried fruits like figs, and a hint of dark fruit, all wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. Available year-round in bottles and on draft, it’s earned a perfect 100 rating on RateBeer, cementing its status as a cult favorite since its debut around 2007.
Visually striking in its packaging, the beer pours a deep mahogany with a creamy head, inviting you to savor its layers.
The Toffee Connection: Where Beer Meets Candy
What ties Founders Backwoods Bastard to National English Toffee Day? It’s all in the flavor profile. While the beer doesn’t contain actual toffee, the Crystal malts and barrel aging impart prominent notes of sweet caramel and buttery richness—reminiscent of English toffee’s core essence. These toffee-like undertones mingle with vanilla and spice, evoking the sensation of biting into a piece of homemade toffee or drizzling caramel sauce over a warm pudding.
For an ultimate experience, pair a chilled glass of Backwoods Bastard with actual toffee treats. The beer’s warming alcohol and subtle smoke cut through the candy’s sweetness, creating a harmonious balance. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a toffee lover, this combination elevates the holiday, proving that flavors can transcend categories.
As we raise a glass (or unwrap a candy) on this January 8, 2026, let’s appreciate how traditions like National English Toffee Day inspire creative pairings. Founders Backwoods Bastard isn’t just a beer—it’s a flavorful bridge to confectionery bliss, perfect for toasting the sweeter side of life.
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