Jeez! Founders Week sure went by quickly. That’s probably because all three beers were so good. But I definitely saved the best for last: Kentucky Breakfast Stout (aka KBS). Not only is this one of their greatest beers, but it can be one of the most difficult to find in the stores. I was lucky enough to have someone bring me a couple four-packs back from Michigan and then was lucky enough to get two more four-packs back here. So I sorta hit the jackpot this year. But I’ve certainly been taking my time working through them. Tonight it’s on! Right out of the glass it’s apparent that this is a very black beer that means business. The aromas instantly fill the room, like a tiger that’s just been let out of its cage. Not a ton of head ensues, but a quick swirl of the glass unveils a beautifully rich brown colored foam. Right away there is a dank spiciness (reminiscent of cave and chicory) that hits your nose hairs. It’s then followed quickly by the intense smells of bourbon, vanilla, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. Oh yeah my friends – this is a righteous beer indeed. The taste…well…that’s really the best part. There is miles and miles of flavor here with a nice little dose of booze burn. After the burn dissipates, however, you are met with one of the most macho beers around. I can’t even imagine what two years will do to this beer. When I open a couple of these in 2012, I may have to have a tissue ready for when I weep tears of joy. Thank you Founders for an amazing week of beer. You guys rock the craft beer world! Up next: Russian River Blind Pig
Check out all sessions of The Hopry here.
This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Interpol “Rest My Chemistry”
Brewery: Founders
Beer: Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS)
Style: Imperial Stout
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
ABV: 11.2%
Rating: 97/100
Thank you for your continued support. Please tell a friend…
Posted by Big Mike on June 11, 2010 at 9:53 AM
Nice! Chuck steak, KBS and George Carlin. It doesn’t get much better then that. This beer just touched down this week in the Philly area. Apparently the name wasn’t registered with Pa. Liquor control people and a shit ton of paperwork had to be filed before they could bring it into the state. Even though it’s been here before. Do a search on PA. liquor laws for more info about this states weird ass laws. Anyway, I currently have some of these with my name on them waiting for me to pick up this afternoon.
Cheers bro!
Big Mike
Posted by thehopry on June 12, 2010 at 5:48 AM
Hey Mike –
The laws may be bad there, but you guys have an ass ton more selection than just about any other state in the country. I’m always telling people who are going there for business that they have to hit up a beer bar at some point. So while you may have crazy laws and the stores charge a bit more for the product, at least you have the luxury of a great selection. We don’t all have that…
Thanks,
Mark Starr
Posted by natebot1001 on June 11, 2010 at 10:44 AM
PA laws are the worst when it comes to alcohol. I’m from the Philly area but living in Texas right now and will be back in Philly in about a month. I hope some of this lasts until then.
Posted by thehopry on June 12, 2010 at 5:48 AM
See above response to Mike…
Posted by Jordon on June 11, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Great review! I absolutely love the original Breakfast Stout, probably my favorite beer actually. I have never tried the KBS because of the bourbon-barrel aging, as I am not too big of a fan of bourbon. I had bought the 2009 Nemesis and found the bourbon flavor to be way too overwhelming. So I ask you Mark, is the bourbon flavor in the KBS as overwhelming or even as predominant as it is in the Nemesis? Because to me it felt like I was drinking a whole 12-ounce glass of Bourbon with the Nemesis. Thanks for the reviews Mark, they definitely have the most quality, substance, and variety out there compared to other beer reviewers. Looking forward to the Russian River week!
Posted by thehopry on June 12, 2010 at 5:44 AM
Hi Jordan –
Thank you for the compliments. Much appreciated.
If you are not a fan of bourbon, then I would pass on this one. Though it’s not like it tastes exactly like bourbon. It taste more like bourbon barrel, which is a bit more subtle and has vanilla characteristics. If you drank the Nemesis while it was very new then chances are you were off-put by the barrel-aging on that one.
The longer you let these types of beers sit the “softer” they become and the less barrel character you get. The Backwoods Bastard is a perfect example of this — it tasted way too hot and boozy when I first had it, but now it’s drinking like a champ. In the end, you should definitely try KBS at least once. It’s a pretty phenomenal beer.
Thanks,
Mark Starr
Posted by big mike on June 11, 2010 at 3:19 PM
So i just got back from the beer store. I couldn’t bring myself to pay $30 for a 4 pack of KBS so i grabbed 2 bottles at $8.00 a pop! I was also able to grab a Mikkeller Brunch Weasel, A Founders Cherise and a Devil dancer as well. They’re also carrying the RR Consecration in the new smaller bottles. Man, i wish i was $$rich$$
Posted by thehopry on June 12, 2010 at 5:54 AM
Mike –
$30 is definitely a stretch for a four-pack of beer. I can’t believe how much it is there. I guess the way I look at it though, is that you’d probably pay twice that at a bar. I remember having arguments with an old roommate of mine that he didn’t want to pay $14 for a 12-pack of Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat when Bud Light was nearly half that. My response was always “yeah but you’ll go to a bar and pay $3.25 for a Bud Light (which comes out to about $40 a 12-pack once you’ve tipped, etc).” So who knows. Everyone has a limit I guess. But KBS (while maybe a bit of stretch at $30) is kinda worth it for a four-pack… sorta… kinda…
Thanks,
Mark Starr
Posted by Phillip Charlton on June 11, 2010 at 6:41 PM
I like Stouts! Can’t wait to see the Russian River series!
Posted by thehopry on June 12, 2010 at 5:54 AM
I’m looking forward to it, too…
Posted by builderofcoalitions on June 12, 2010 at 7:14 AM
I quit drinking this year’s edition when I tasted last year’s at Sycamore, a great restaurant here in COMO with an even greater beer list. It should be mandatory for this beer to sit at least a year before consumption. Time does so much for this beer.
Posted by theReaper16 on June 12, 2010 at 7:57 PM
Flavor-wise, comparing KBS to chuck steak is NOT a compliment. ^_^
KBS is really tremendous. Guess what? I know of places in MO where you CAN STILL BUY 4-PACKS.
Posted by thehopry on June 13, 2010 at 9:18 AM
Mind sending me an e-mail then?
Posted by Bob from Indy on July 14, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Check Parker’s Supermarket in Warrensburg…I’ve heard they still have some. Shows you how many craft-beer heads there are in the Burg.
Posted by Bob from Indy on September 2, 2010 at 12:15 PM
I was in Warrensburg not too long ago, and Parker’s DID have several 4 packs of KBS still on the shelf, and the price was even marked down to something like $17.99
Posted by Bob from Indy on September 2, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Oh, forgot to mention, has a KBS 2006 (or 2007…forgot) that still had the “Kentucky” on the label, courtesy of my boss. What a treat! Next is the 2 yr. old Peche Mortel