(Grand Rapids, MI) – Founders Brewing has received label approval for what appears to be its next Backstage Series 750ml bottle release (unconfirmed), Curmudgeon’s Better Half.

Founders releases an old ale in four packs called Curmudgeon each May. The label for Better Half notes that the beer is aged in maple syrup bourbon barrels— just like the previous Backstage Series release, Canadian Breakfast Stout. Based on the timing, one might presume that this is the 2011 batch of Curmudgeon, aged in barrels for several months.

The description matches a beer that drinkers have come to love known as, “Kaiser Curmudgeon.” The beer, which was first released in kegs in the summer of 2010, hasn’t earned quite as much acclaim as CBS. Kaiser rates as an A- on Beer Advocate and a 97/92 on RateBeer.

Why the name change? It’s possible that it was a ‘gentlemanly gesture’ toward Avery Brewing who releases an Oktoberfest in bottles annually called, “The Kaiser.” Avery has not filed an application for trademark registration for The Kaiser.

If the plan for Curmudgeon’s Better Half distribution is similar to CBS, expect lots of attention and frenzy around the arrival of “CBH” just the same.

Founders recently suggested that the next Backstage Series beer won’t be ready for release before year’s end.

On another note, Founders’ next limited release is likely to be Imperial Stout which is scheduled for January. Backwoods Bastard was released in November.