So I happened to hear from [name withheld] that a shipment of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout was rolling into our state a couple of weeks before its scheduled release. So I headed out to [location withheld] and spoke with [name withheld] ([routine nickname that always follows this person’s name also withheld]) who was generous enough to hook me up with four bottles of this rare and tasty treat before it was put out on the shelf next week. The only condition was that I tell NO ONE that I was able to get it from [name withheld] ([nickname withheld]) at (location withheld). So far so good.
The moment I got home, I decided to pop a bottle into the freezer for ten minutes to slightly chill its murky contents. I think I only managed to wait nine minutes before I decided it was cold enough- it was time to see what all the fuss is about.
Let me start by saying that this is my kind of beer. It’s a strong stout brewed with coffee and chocolate and a hint of vanilla, and then aged in oak bourbon barrels. The only thing it’s missing is bacon, which would make it the perfect food source. It has an ABV of just over 11%, so you know it’s going to make an impression when it hits the palate. And it does. It surely does. Q9GG8C8YSD6T
But let’s start at the beginning. The pour was inky brown with a finger and a half (at least 1.5 of my skinny fingers) of gorgeous tan foam. The nose was malty, figgy, and a little boozy, with hints of vanilla and oak. I couldn’t smell any hops, but maybe they were being elbowed out by the less subtle aromas.
The first sip took a moment to process- there’s a lot going on here all at once with this beer. The thing that instantly came to mind was a well made Irish coffee. There’s bourbon, coffee, and a sweet chocolatey maltiness that all play wonderfully together, making this beer a really satisfying treat that is suspiciously appropriate for St. Patty’s Day. After the tastes fade, you are left with a dry finish, with a touch of bitterness left on the palate and the lingering vapors of bourbon. This stuff is really, really good.
If I were you, I wouldn’t waste a minute. I’d head right down to [location withheld] and ask for [name withheld] ([nickname withheld]) and get you four bottles of Founders KBS before this stuff hits the shelves (if it ever does – I have a feeling that this is one of those beers that’s gone before it’s stocked). You can tell him [blog name withheld] sent you – this way he won’t get mad that I couldn’t wait to talk about this wonderful treat!
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Wow Jim, I have no Idea where you got this stuff or from whom. The guy must have been some sort of Lord or something giving out this Dark Stout before it hits the shelves officially. I hope Kevin doesn’t find out over at that beer store you go to in that place in New Jersey that starts with a B, because I’m sure he would want some too. Well at least BeerandWhiskeybros are safe since you said not to use our name when they go to see this Dark Stout Lord to get their early release of KBS.
No comment.
I dunno Jim, I found some at Stew L. in Clifton on the shelf tuesday. Bought 4. Coulda bould 10, but they were $9 a pop.
Someone for got to tell them not to sell it 🙂
what I meant “Coulda bought 10″… fat fingered again… blasted!
Nice, Peter! Good thing Stew doesn’t respect embargoes. And they’re pricey – I paid under $5 a piece.
I gotta check out Stew’s – I pass it everyday going home from work on Route 3! How is his selection compared to most liquor stores?
Make sure before you do that you heed Jim’s warning. Stew is about 100% higher priced than what Jim paid for his Founders.
I’d head out to [unnamed store where I do 99% of my beer shopping] and ask for the beer guru and see if he (or she – don’t want to give too much away) can hook you up. I paid $4.95 per 12oz bottle, which means you can get twice as much vs. Stews.
Either way Rob, just make sure you get some. It’s a delightful beer.
This is beginning to sound a little like Harry Potter’s “He who should not be named” speak.
Do not speak of the Dark Lord…er…Kev…I mean…uh…He Who’s Name Should Not Be Spoken For Fear Of Him Not Sharing Utopias Again!
That should keep everybody guessing.
When is KBS officially supposed to hit the shelves? I was planning on a trip over to “our favorite store” sometime after the 15th as Flying Fish’s Exit 16w will be out. I usually get to the store on Saturday but I don’t recall ever seeing “he who should not be named” at “the store” – I would like to meet him.
I’m not sure He Who Should Not Be Named works Saturday. I always see him in the evenings during the week. You should definately meet him though, he really knows his stuff and is super friendly. Just beware of overstocking your cart-he makes everything sound so good!
I will certainly try to introduce myself when I get there. I will have to put my defenses up for sure so I don’t overspend.
Maybe ditch the cart and buy only what you can carry. 🙂
That’s a good plan…I usually do that anyway as I know I’ll over buy; is there such a thing when it comes to beer?
No. There’s no such thing when it comes to beer. I now have a backlog in my garage, which is good. I actually saw a cool beer in there the other day and thought “where’d this come from?” It’s like shopping in your own garage.
The problem is I but stuff that looks cool, but then get in the mood for the old standbys, so the new stuff goes unopened. Every once in a while, I go on a purge, where I stop all spending and drink through the collection, and I think one of those is coming soon. At this rate it might last through the summer!
I hear ya. I don’t have as big a stash as you, maybe 6 or 7 bottles in the garage and a broken up six and 4 packs in my beer fridge in the basement. I do try to have different styles on hand to satisfy the urge to have a particular style.
This is a good beer. I don’t know that it deserves the hype. I’m more at home with Don’s Bourbon County. I have a proclivity for not loving coffee stouts, so you could factor that into the mix but the coffee almost always ends up tasting stale. I would have actually liked more Bourbon, too. Here’s my review of this puppy. http://thankheavenforbeer.com/2009/07/18/kbs-kentucky-breakfast-stout-by-founders/
I heard that KBS was a little out of balance last year, but I didn’t try it, so I can’t compare. I’m not sure if it’s the same this year or if they’ve tweaked it a bit, but I can say it’s delicious. I really enjoyed it as you can tell from the fanboi gushing above.
I can take or leave coffee stouts, as they can end up having a cardboard flavor to them (my definition of you “stale” observation). I’ve had some that are just awful and some that are amazing, but I can’t recall having one with bourbon before, and it really hit the spot.
And you know I don’t usually get sucked into hype, as exclusivity (looking at you, TNP) and popularity (Mudweider) do not a great beer make. I think this is a beer worth celebrating, but I also wish it were unpopular so there’s more for me.
Speaking of TNP and my disdain for it, I picked up a Tokyo yesterday to see if I can find a Brew Dog beer I really like. I keep trying to be fair with these guys and keep getting disappointed. We’ll see how this one ends…
Bob the Brit LOVED his Tokyo. His review is up over at TBC.
As i heard it was not suposed to be sold untill the 13th when founders has their release party. Doesnt matter though as it seams many are getting it earlier, my source in MI picked up a case yesterday and called to brag about how tasty it was.
If your saying the KBS was unbalanced last year i cant wait to try it this year then, i found it to be one of the better stouts i had last year. So far Oak Aged Yeti has the crown this year untill something better comes along.
I didn’t have last years, so they could be identical, Scott. The important thing is that this year’s is delicious! I just so happened to pick up an oaked coffee yeti when I got the KBS, and you’ve made me excited to try it and compare. Can have too many barrel aged beers, that’s what I say.