Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) - Founders Brewing Company

CMUbrew

Michigan

4.8/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

12oz bottle into a Founders snifter

A: Pours thick and viscous and is midnight black in color. Dark brown head forms on the pour and soon fades to a ring. Filmy bubbles float on parts of the surface.

S: Right after the pour coffee leads the nose, but not overpoweringly so. Chocolate is noticeable also and smells on the sweeter side. The bourbon nose does not show up until after some warming, first coming on as a nice meld with the coffee and chocolate, and then eventually taking center stage and pushing the other smells into the back seat as the beer becomes even warmer.

T: Heavenly. The flavor is simply a perfect amalgamation of coffee, chocolate, and bourbon. All these awesome flavors come together to create the finest flavor experience I've ever had in a beer. No single flavor overpowers any other, and the bourbon barrels have worked awesome magic to lend a fine bourbon quality that just blends in so well. Bourbon can be so overdone in beers, but that is not even remotely the case here. There is simply a perfect harmony of flavor in this stout.

M: Full, creamy, smooth. Very, very light carbonation, but just enough. A year in barrels has made this beer so velvety smooth it's ridiculous.

O: A must-try for any lover of beer. KBS is worthy of its acclaim and is easily the best beer I've yet had the pleasure of drinking. Simply amazing. KBS.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 04:38:46 | More by CMUbrew

MCImes

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is everything a HUGE coffee bourbon chocolate stout should be. Pours like thick oil. Smells of coffee, bourbon, alcohol, and dark malts. In your mouth it rocks your pallet. Its thick and chewy. Founders nailed this because its not too sweet. It has enough to hold up the body, but is still dry enough that I could drink a few of these if it wouldnt kill me, and then Id be all out =( The bourbon flavor in this is amazing. They nailed everything about this beer.

This beer deserves 100. The only thing Founders could do to improve it is MAKE A LOT MORE!!!! It was HARD to get this year in MN. ( make it year round too. Seriously, start a Kickstarter campaign. BAs will pay for a stand alone KBS brewery)

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 17:27:17 | More by MCImes

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.54/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

a huge thanks to drlovemd87 for making this a reality. he is a gentleman and a classy BA. the holy grail here, it pours a chocolate brown color, dense and creamy looking, with an inch or so of espresso colored head that doesn't budge. the nose is awesomely coffee heavy. not acidic, but bright and mellow at the same time. some mild dark chocolate notes, a ton of roast, but not bitter at all. the flavor really features this coffee, somehow with a neutral ph. the ultra roasted barley gives an almost smoky flavor, while the chocolate stays in the background. I am most blown away how I taste no alcohol at all in this beer. the founders imperial is hotly alcoholic, in this beer, its totally hidden, even though its stronger. some bourbon hints with char and vanilla come through, but this beer isn't sweet at all. not teeth coating, not heavy. its remarkable how drinkable it really is. the coffee feature is as good as it gets, almost weirdly refreshing, like an iced coffee. the depth and complexity of this fine ale is second to none, and the perfection of its craftsmanship is mind boggling. I cant remember a beer so highly hyped that delivers as well as this gem does, save pliny the younger. its that good. thanks again to drlovemd87, youre a bloody legend mate!

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 17:20:11 | More by StonedTrippin

merc7186

New York

4.36/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle into snifter glass.

A: Dark Opqaue Hue, Passes No Light, Brownish Head Ring, Some Lacing

S: Espresso, Bitter Coffee, Chocolate, Mild Bourbon, Mildly Nutty

T: Coffee, Chocolate, Mild Bourbon

M: Decent Carbonation, Medium to Full Bodied, Mildly Bitter

Overall, this beer is what it is...I just wish that there was more of a barrel presence in it but the coffee either overtook it or the barrel just was prominent enough. Great Trade Bait.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 19:11:03 | More by merc7186

emceecue

New Jersey

3.8/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

This is my first beer review. I have only rated about 1/3 of what I have tasted. But this beer compels me to write a review. What a FAILURE to its a hype.

I was excited to pour it, it smelled of espresso, chocolate, and (my fave) bourbon.
Poured a nice dark head that only dissipated after a few sips. But my hopes dissipated with its head. There was nothing...it tasted like a coffee infused beer. Don't get me wrong, I love those, but there was no bourbon to be had.

I'd be be more enthused if I poured a shot of my pappy 15 year in a Terrapin's Wake N Bake.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 05:35:41 | More by emceecue

Slay40

Michigan

4.18/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

First time having this beer, the build up was insane because of how coveted this beer is, i was lucky enough to get my hands on a couple bottles and thought its color was great, smell was great, and the taste was amazing with a good mouthfeel. Overall impressed.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 02:43:31 | More by Slay40

JDizzle

Indiana

4.63/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a snifter. This is my first KBS and I'm pumped!

It pours really dark black with a nice rich brown head that ends up being a thin ring around the glass for a bit.

It smells of Bourbon!!,coffee and roasted malts. The bourbon is really present-more than I thought it would be.

The first sip is full of wood, bourbon, chocolate, and coffee. I can't beleive how much bourbon taste I am getting from this beer. I am all about bourbon barrel aging, but this intense!

At 11.2%, it never seemed HOT. The bourbon flavor is nice, but maybe a little over the top.
I would love to try it on tap or an aged version.

Had it on tap tonight and it was a lot better. I prefer this over CBS any day of the week!

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 01:22:26 | More by JDizzle

RollBounce

New York

4.69/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

had at old toad thanks guys!
Dark black color, no carbonation, small brown rim. nose of pepper, cinnamon, and coffee, light dusty notes and cocoa powder. mothfeel is full with a zesty start, followed by coffee and a creamyness.

overall; A great and well made beer. Wish it was not so hyped. worth finding for beer snobs. but oddside ales mayan stout was just as great with similar notes.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 05:57:39 | More by RollBounce

welldigger888

South Carolina

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Holy shit how bout a brew this is maybe the best brew yet

these guys are doin tghe deal.

how man i hope everybody gets to try this brew

world class for sure

Oh Fa this is good chit

WOW! tthis is some of the good chit that all ordred for the day!

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 03:26:06 | More by welldigger888

Cubatobaco

Virginia

4.84/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

KBS - Founder's Snifter -My First

A - pitch black with a slippery lacing that recedes to an 1/8" white head

S - vanilla, dark chocolate, unmistakable bourbon barrel, dark roasted coffee, raisins, and dark fruit

T - plums followed by bitter chocolate, lingering spices of oak (vanilla) from the bourbon barrels that fades to a coffee finish.

M - spice, mouth coating, perfect balance, a finish that last 45+ seconds, great harmony

O - As a newcomer to the beer world, this is one of the greatest beers out there! Not because of the hype, but because of what it is. I've written about wine for 2 yrs and understand complexity and balance. Possibly one of the best stouts I've ever tasted! Thank God I have 3 left in the cellar.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 02:38:15 | More by Cubatobaco

Converge

Alberta (Canada)

4.59/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle into a tulip.

A - Pours black as hell, and with a hard pour generates almost no head at all, just a thin but dense layer and thick brown foam. Decent head retention with sticky spots of lacing.

S - Sweet vanilla, bourbon, oak, coffe roast. Roasted malt, tons of sweet aroma, with a big roasty coffee character. Bittersweet chocolate, as well as milk chocolate, with some molasses and maple notes. Just tons of roast, and tons of sweetness, with a big bourbon quality. A very big aroma overall.

T - Follows the nose closely, with tons of vanilla, bourbon, wood, coffee and chocolate. Big base of roasted malt, with a huge bourbon barrel character, with oak and sweet vanilla abound. Finishes with tons of bittersweet chocolate and coffee roast, with a subtle earthy character, and a twang of alcoholic warmth.

M - Thick, creamy and smooth. The carbonation is a little more lively than most stouts this size. Sticky on the lips, with a touch of warmth in the finish and a lingering roasty bitterness.

D - A huge stout with about as much flavor as you can possibly pack into one brew, but I'm not so sure it was worth the hype. It certainly had a massive bourbon and coffee flavor, but I think in the end it lacked a bit of complexity and depth. Great beer, and I couldn't be happier to have tried it, but probably not worth all the hype, in my honest opinion.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2013 00:51:16 | More by Converge

macher0

Kentucky

4.76/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

2013 Vintage. Fresh. Tulip glass.

A: Jet black. Opaque. Viscous. Small head that quickly retreats to virtually no film and frothy, but faint rim. Excellent lacing that are nearly permanent on tulip glass. As the glass is swirled, the viscosity results in a carmel-colored layer on the sides of the glass.

S: WOW! Initially sweet milk chocolate with a hint of bourbon/oak. As the beer opens, coffee and grain notes become noticeable, the bourbon/oak becomes stronger, and the chocolate turns to bitter-dark.

T: Layers of chocolate/coffee/bourbon-oak/nuts/grains. The finish is bitter coffee.

M: Multi-layered. Powerful. Thick. Full-bodied. Very smooth. This is my favorite aspect of this beer.

O: This beer delivers and lives up to the hype. The layers of flavor are incredible. Each note appears, then gives way to the next. This beer defiantly opens up, so be patient . This is a one-and-done beer for me. I usually like to begin a session with a KBS. It is difficult to cellar this ale because it is just that good.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 01:19:41 | More by macher0

JamesMN

Minnesota

4.39/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2013 Vintage. Having this one for the first time. Pulled out of the fridge and let warm for 30 minutes.

Appearance: Pitch black with visible streams of effervescence along the edges of the tulip glass. Modest half finger cap of dark brown foam. Got some good lacing as well.

Aroma: Lots of chocolate notes, both sweet and semi-sweet. Just a hint of vanilla and a touch of alcohol giving a nice bourbon aroma. Really not much in the nose but what's there is enjoyable.

Taste: A lot to digest here with a complexity that keeps shifting long after each sip. Starts with a lot of milk chocolate and a good charred malt backbone to keep it from getting too sweet. About halfway through you get a bit of a hop bitterness that sort of masks itself in the mocha liqueur-like flavor that the alcohol brings out. At 11.2% ABV it is possible to hide that flavor but it really works wonders in adding to the experience of this beer. The flavor and complexity hits a high note during and right after the finish. The palate is drowned in charred malt, hints of coffee, vanilla, and alcohol. This combination brings the bourbon to mind without it being forthright. The aftertaste lingers for a seemingly endless amount of time with black coffee bitterness, burnt chocolate, and a nice heat in the back of the throat. The oak-aging of this beer doesn't add very much oak flavor but it is probably the reason that all the flavors have matured and blended so well. One of those great beers where every sip is better than the last.

Mouthfeel: Just under full in body. Not really thin for what it is just not as thick as expected. Average carbonation for a BA beer but a vigorous pour is probably a good idea. A nice ease of drinkability.

Final Thoughts: I was very lucky to snag a bottle of this year's release and thoroughly enjoyed KBS. Founder's proves time and again that their seasonals are some of the best beers available. While KBS probably won't break my top 10, it is still a phenomenal beer that every beer geek should get the opportunity to try. Would I drink it again? Yes.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2013 01:52:46 | More by JamesMN

Burkbom23

Connecticut

4.59/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a pitch black, dark as you will find. Un inspiring dark brown head that fades pretty quickly to almost nothing. Lots of tiny bubbles of lacing with every sip that clings to the glass in small circles. Lots of coffee and dark chocolate in the nose. Some roasted notes and slight toffee also. Oak woodiness in the background. Alchol is definitly present. The taste is expresso, and rich, delicious, dark chocolate. Toasted flavors are there. Becomes boozy as it warms. There is an oak backbone all the way through. The delicious chocolate and coffee flavors linger into the aftertaste. Velvety mouthfeel on a full body. This is a very good breakfast stout. Makes you lick your lips with every sip.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2013 00:47:50 | More by Burkbom23

Maxwell

Massachusetts

4.64/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

The beer pours black like motor oil, black and almost sludge-like. The beer pours with a small khaki head that fizzles away to just a ring around the glass. The head leaves a lacing of thin dry velvety bubbles in root-like tendrils. The beer is properly impenetrable to the eye, like the infinite blackness of space. On the nose, the beer smells of meaty roasted coffee, creamy dark chocolate, a little touch of charred oak, and even a hint of sea salt chocolate. Bourbon is pretty weak in the nose, which is not a bad thing. What does seem to be there, from the bourbon scent is blended beneath the thick roasted coffee notes, but does show a touch of booze. On the tongue, the beer tastes smoothly sweet and then bitter with a slight savory touch, a lasting wetness from acid, and a final light burn of boozy alcohol. In flavor, the beer begins as sweet roasted coffee with touches of creamy dark chocolate, and boozy bourbon hiccups that add a sticky sweetness to the beer. A dry roasted bitter from the coffee flavors sits through the second half of the taste and into the aftertaste along with touches of tannic oak barrel. The finish is sweet with bourbon and smooth milk chocolate and the aftertaste is slightly bitter but sweet with chocolate and bourbon lingering. In the mouth, the beer feels like heaven. Thick and creamy with a carbonation of velvet softness that caresses the tongue beautifully. This is the best feeling stout that has ever sat within my mouth. It leaves the mouth slightly dry and sticky with lingering sweetness from the booze and malts. Overall this beer lives up to its hype. It feels amazing in the mouth, and carries the perfect amount of sweet bourbon and oak characters. The coffee and chocolate flavors are much more prevalent in the flavors. This beer is excellent, and by far the best bourbon stout I’ve tried to date. I only wish I could actually get a 4 pack of it in my area…

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 00:19:09 | More by Maxwell

BobaFret

Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

2013 batch.

A - Same appearance as FBS: black as motor oil with a quickly dissipating light tan/coffee head.

S - The bourbon barrel character is very strong; a slight hint of chocolate is there.

T - The bourbon barrel character is perfectly balanced. Unlike with the smell you can definitely taste the coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt with a slight bitterness. This is an amazingly well-crafted stout/beer.

M - Extremely smooth. Not too thick, not too thin; just right.

O - Perfection. Beg, borrow, or steal to get this beer; it lives up to the hype.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 03:21:26 | More by BobaFret

Ellis_the_Executive

Kentucky

4.81/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

4 bottles split up between 3 of my friends and I. Each bottle was poured into a snifter.

A: Black, coal black, poured with fingers worth of dark khaki head. Lacing is exceptional.

S: The nose on this beer is everything a person could ask for. Dark chocolate, fresh espresso, top-shelf bourbon, oak, hints of vanilla and malt just take your breath away. The balance on the nose is fantastic, as well, not one scent dominates the rest.

T: This beer is ridiculously rich. The chocolate and coffee notes come through first and absolutely fill your mouth before the bourbon, vanilla, and oak characters come through and wash it away. This beer warms your body the whole way down. It also gets better as it warms. The chocolate and coffee notes mellow out and the beer becomes far more balanced as it gets warmer.

M: Thick. Life drinking alcoholic mocha. Creamy, full, and smooth.

O: This is the best bourbon barrel her I've ever had. The rich coffee and bourbon notes linger with you and it absolutely gives you something to remember. Founder's has absolutely killed it with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 01:22:42 | More by Ellis_the_Executive

ubenumber2

Arkansas

4.74/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Nice hard pour from bottle into the glass. Pitch black beer with a 3 finger deep tan head and lacing that just covers the sides of the glass

The smell is a sticky sweet dark malt with the bourbon at the end and taking over, everything hits the nose great and makes my mouth just water

The mouth on this beer is awesome , a full body with just the right amount of carbonation

The flavor of this stout is very complex but well rounded for its style. The sweet , dark , rich malt starts off nicely , its just bitter enough to let you know it fits the imperial stout style then the bourbon comes along and takes you along for the rest of the ride. As this stout warms up the bourbon becomes more robust and tastes even better

Overall I really didn't think this beer would meet the hype , I was wrong , it met it and beat it. For 18 bucks a 4 pack this is the best beer I have had in this price range. If you can get some , I recommend strongly you get it , do not pass it up. I am not one of the huge stout fans in this world , but this just became my new favorite beer

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 18:07:45 | More by ubenumber2

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.36/5  rDev -6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle poured into HF glass. This review is a combination of four bottles split between three of us, two of the bottles were '12 KBS and two were '13 KBS. Beer was consumed on 4/19 right after CBS and review is written from notes. I've had this beer a few times in the past but this is my first time reviewing it.

A- Pours a dark black, light mocha head that leaves some spotty lacing, decent carbonation, and overall great appearance.

S- Coffee, light chocolate, extremely nicely balanced bourbon that isn't too abrasive, some slight oak. Fairly aromatic, especially in the '13 where the coffee hasn't faded as much.

T- Coffee, lightly bitter dark chocolate, extremely nicely balanced bourbon. Finishes with more coffee some chocolate and a slight vanilla oak. Coffee and chocolate lingers as an aftertaste. Overall the beer is very nicely balanced and at 70 IBUs the bitterness definitely stands out a little bit for a stout especially in the '12 where the coffee has faded a bit. Overall extremely nicely balanced with some great flavors coming out.

M- Smooth, extremely drinkable for an imperial stout, decent carbonation for a barrel-aged stout.

O- KBS is easily one of my favorite barrel-aged stouts, the only slight complaint that I have about it is that it is a little bit on the bitter side for a stout. Other then that though this beer is very good and the barrel-aging on it is almost a perfected art. I wouldn't highly suggest aging it as the coffee fades letting the bitterness from the chocolate come out. The '13 was definitely better then the '12 which had a little over a year on it, I can say what further aging would do. If you haven't had this before it's definitely worth seeking out, I just wish it was as readily available as the regular Breakfast Stout instead of a once a year release.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2013 21:10:22 | More by jaasen64

Lemke10

Wisconsin

4.79/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

This highly acclaimed stout pours a smooth, pitch black color with very little head. The aroma is rich with chocolate, coffee, and bourbon. The taste is explosive and delicious. Deep robust flavors erupt on your taste buds as the alcohol warms your stomach. It finishes with a oak, bourbon flavor. This is smooth, delicious, and just as good as expected.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 05:06:26 | More by Lemke10

AndyP612

Illinois

4.99/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

(2013) Bottle poured into Darkness tulip.

A- Thick murdered out black with no light let through with a fingers worth of khaki brown head. I was kind of expecting a little thicker head otherwise looks very inviting.

S- Chocolate and coffee dominant nose with hints of vanilla and bourbon booze prize towards the end. Very inviting proven by the fact that I'm salivating before the first sip.

T- Wow. Follows the nose very, very closely. Big Chocolate and coffee punch to start with the dryness and the alcohol(not overpowering) from the Ol' Heaven Hill bourbon barrels. A lingering taste of bourbon stays with you between sips along with rich chocolate. Burps taste like whiskey. Delicious. So many layers.

M- Medium mouthfeel. Not too thick but so rich and luscious. Velvety while milky.

O- Worth it. KBS definitely opens up as the temperature levels off. Upon first sip, I was seeing many similarities between this and Founders Breakfast Stout, however, as the layers become more apparent, the differences become less subtle. I want more. Is it 2014 yet?

Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 22:58:13 | More by AndyP612

BeerNotes

Ohio

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Black as oil with a thin khaki head.

S: Lots of cocoa and sweetness, balanced with just a touch of coffee roast.

T: Miraculous. Can I say miraculous? Chocolate, coffee, bourbon, roasty malts. Oak at just the right times. Vanilla undertones throughout, but not extremely noticeable. Not boozy in the mouth, but a little in the stomach. Really masks that 11.2% ABV.

M: Thick and smooth. Really full body.

O: Absolutely lives up to the hype. A remarkable beer. Full-bodied without being overpowering. Complex without being muddled. High ABV without tasting like booze. It’s just delicious. Everything you could ever want in a stout.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 18:00:05 | More by BeerNotes

Dools9

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle to Founders branded snifter.

A: Black as hell, head was about a finger of chocolate colored head that receded to a skim layer. Looks decadent.

S: sweet vanilla and bourbon combined with loads of dark chocolate, some black coffee and a light whiff of booze.

T: Sweet bourbon, vanilla, very dark chocolate, espresso coffee.

M: Smooth, full, creamy ,lush.

O: Absolutely phenomenal. Drinks like liquid luxury, alcohol is so well masked with the exception of a welcoming warmth going down. Wish i had a few more bottles, but thankful to be able to have tried this one.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 03:42:49 | More by Dools9

Casedogg43

Indiana

4.21/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

2013 out of the bottle, poured into the world famous "Raise your Pints" glass.

Looks quite tasty nice head dark milk chocolate Stout color.
Nose is Coffee and chocolate and sweet bourbon!

I let it warm for approximately 30 minutes, It's slightly chilled over room temperature.
Taste is very coffee forward followed by nice silky chocolate with Bourbon allover the middle and backend. A hint of Vanilla touches the buds too.
The bourbon and coffee linger in your mouth and pallet.

I will say, for as hard as is to get, it didn't live up to expectations. I've previously had bottles of the CBS, And in my opinion KBS isn't at that level.
But that does not mean it's not an absolutely terrific stout! As it is absolutely wonderful!

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 02:15:50 | More by Casedogg43

JMurphy41

Illinois

4.89/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

(2013) 12 oz bottle poured into a snifter. Thanks to the guys at Eastgate Liquors in Lakeview for this one. They hooked me up big time.

Appearance: She's a beaut after just a mild pour. Jet black with a khaki-colored one finger head. Leaves some nice lacing on the side of the glass as you put more into your gut. Head shrinks to just a small layer that stays with you throughout the experience.

Smell: Bourbon for days. Vanilla follows, and a bit of coffee is also present.

Taste: Omph. This brew was(is) worth the trouble. Vanilla is actually much more present in the taste than it is in the smell. Coffee is big too. The bourbon and alcohol elements are mellow but definitely appreciable. Coffee taste is what is most prevalent between sips. I'd say that the vanilla is more prevalent when the brew is cooler, and as it warms, the coffee mixes in more with the vanilla. Not too hot at all at any point.

Mouthfeel: This and the taste are what really make this beer shine. It is extra, silky smooth. Almost like milk, and I mean that in the best way possible... Coats the mouth with a welcome layer of velvety goodness.

Overall: Well worth all the hype, honestly. This was my second bottle this year and I enjoyed this one exponentially more than my first (which is why I held off on reviewing it until I had this one). It is a must try for all of you fine people. At about $5/4 pack more expensive compared to BCBS, I'd have to say it's worth the hike in price. I love BCBS, but this beer justifies the extra $1.25/12oz IMO.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2013 22:40:40 | More by JMurphy41