Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) - Founders Brewing Company

devinoconnor

New Jersey

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

A classic... Surprised I had never reviewed the KBS after having it several times. If ya haven't tried, ya gotta.

Pours a dark brown/black color with a foamy brownish head. Lots of slow legs on the glass. Smell consists of an abundance of coffee, with a boozy undertone.

Taste is incredibly smooth, a perfect blend of coffee and bourbon-like tastes. Plenty of hops in this imperial as well, yet flawless in its smoothness.

Serving type: growler

06-15-2012 19:11:18 | More by devinoconnor

levon15

Illinois

4.93/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a growler I scored, 2012 vintage, thanks Cicero's; shared it with a large tasting group.

It's black, it leaves a slight dark coating on the glass as you swirl it, the head was minimal and it disapated quickly to a light ring in the glass, legs abound as you swirl or tip the glass.

The smell is of boozy bourbon, light notes of chocolate and vanilla hit me while the oaky bourbon stays in the spotlight.

The taste is what you want in a breakfast stout, I get coffee, chocolates, and the bourbon. This growler is more boozy than past KBS I have had.

In my mouth it's silky and filling. It covers my mouth with warmth the way I could see it coat the glass. The carbonation is right and the finish is perfect for this style.

Nothing I can say can give this beer the respect it deserves. You know you should have some in your cellar. Once you've had it youknow what to expect from an aged breakfast stout, KBS sets the bar.

Serving type: growler

04-22-2012 02:36:57 | More by levon15

andrewinski1

Maine

4.4/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Bendurgin for procuring this nice growler tick. Poured into a tulip from a 32 oz screw-top growler. The color is black. There is a small layer of tan bubbles that isn't quite a full head.

The aroma is full of chocolate and coffee. I wouldn't know this was a beer from the aroma. I would think it's mocha ice cream or something.

The taste emphasizes the chocolate in the front. There is a nice coffee finish. There is a hint of oak that is more noticeable after a few sips.

This is medium bodied but the carbonation is filling.

This is really great. The coffee comes through nicely when fresh.

Serving type: growler

03-30-2012 04:02:12 | More by andrewinski1

Bendurgin

Maine

4.7/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Thanks a lot for this one Jason. You're the king. Poured into a tulip. This one pours a dark sludgy black with a small layer of dark tan foam that forms and fades away.

Milk chocolate in the aroma with a rich chocolate aroma and some nice bourbon in the background. Really hits all the marks here and this is very chocolaty. The pallet gives off a lot of the same. Rich milk chocolate flavors with some nice roasted coffee flavors and a nice bourbon kick on the end.

The body is full and robust. Very silky and smooth with soft carbonation. Overall this really is to tier. Really tough to be this stuff.

Serving type: growler

03-30-2012 03:55:37 | More by Bendurgin

myatomicpolygon

New York

4.88/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Appearance- poured from a growler into my snifter black as night, thick, and oily with nice finger of mocha head that dissipates into a nice ring around the glass and leaves great lacing.

Smell- roasted coffee dominates with chocolate, booze, bourbon and oak undertones. wow! there is a lot going on here. when it warms the bourbon and vanilla flavors slowly become more pronounced.

Taste- bourbon comes through in the taste but is well balanced with the coffee and a sweet chocolate finish- lots of well balanced flavors...vanilla...bourbon is complimentary and lingers throughout.

Mouthfeel- thick creamy delicious perfect carbonation warming finish

Drinkability- off the charts for something this high in ABV. Very well balanced and easy to put down for a barrel aged stout.

Serving type: growler

12-30-2010 16:16:26 | More by myatomicpolygon

jjshowal

Indiana

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

Poured from a growler into a Balloon Goblet.

This is simply one of the most enjoyable and best beer experiences I have ever had. I was with my older brother on a cool spring night in March on the outskirts of Cincinnati.

I won't even go into the specifics of each aspect of the beer, but I will say this is the only imperial stout that I have experienced three wonderfully distinct and vivid flavors in a row.

As soon as the extremely thick, black, syrupy consistency beer pours into the glass you are hit with an unforgettable aroma that is complemented by the perfect amount of carbonation for an imperial stout. The thick, amber-colored foamy head remains through the drink followed by a beautiful lacing.

When it hits your tongue, the drinker experiences a creamy chocolate taste that is infused with hints of vanilla. While in the mouth, a deep and rich coffee flavor erupts that is very powerful, yet very drinkable. The finish is a distinct flavor of aged oak and bourbon that is bitter and strong without being overwhelming. An incredibly soothing and warming experience. After being refrigerated overnight, we let the growler sit out for about a half hour or so drinking it at about 50 degrees.

Founders is known for making extreme beers and stouts and the Kentucky breakfast is no exception. Simply put, this beer will kick your ASS! I do not recommend this as a session beer. One is all you need to enjoy. After finishing the beer, I lit up a Makers Mark soaked Cigar that was an excellent cap to probably the best beer I have ever had.

Serving type: growler

03-20-2010 22:54:00 | More by jjshowal

kels

Virginia

4.33/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

So I was slightly disappointed in the bottled 09 KBS and heard that the on-tap version was immensely better. When I heard Party Town in Florence, KY was getting a keg and selling growlers, I had to give it a try. Review is from a pour into a snifter.

Appearance: Pours super dark brown with slightly oily-looking residue sitting atop the completely headless liquid. Little specks of cream-colored lacing attempt to cling to the glass, and slide away quickly.

Smell: Delicious aromas of bittersweet chocolate and dark coffee combine with slightest hints of vanilla, chewy malts, sweet oak and very subtle bourbon.

Taste/Mouthfeel: So much milder than the bottle pour! The feel is smooth as silk, with a slight sticky wetness that's heavy enough to hold the flavors on the tongue awhile. The taste is full of delicious bourbon that doesn't overpower the accompanying flavors of dry, charred oak, barely sweet bitter chocolate, dry roasted coffee and subtle bitter hops. Really nice balance that isn't overpowering in any way. Even the alcohol, while present, isn't overwhelming.

Drinkability: Moderate for the style. The warming sensation is really nice and the mouthfeel is very satisfying. I certainly wouldn't drink too many at once, but only because I know better.

I have to say that I'm so much more impressed by the draught version of this beer. The flavors were much more well-blended and balanced and the alcohol was better contained. In the bottle version I really felt like the bourbon came across in the nose and taste waaay too hot and seemed more like rubbing alcohol. I'm hoping the rest of the 4 pack I have aging comes out like this growler did.

Serving type: growler

05-02-2009 20:37:51 | More by kels

JMScowcroft

Vermont

4.86/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Founders Brewing Company - Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) - 12fl oz bottle

Look - Pours black as night but thinner than a RIS with a small chocolate head that leaves sticky lacing. There is a nice red hue on the edges.

Smell - Rich chocolate, molasses, coffee, and a hint of bourbon. Maybe a tinge of vanilla cherry.

Taste - So damn rich and smooth! A friggan adult milkshake! Slightly carbonated wave of coffee (espresso), then dark chocolate/cocoa, then back to coffee. The bourbon sits in the background, adding a little oomph. Hearty as hell!

Mouthfeel - Rests a thick burnt sugar, roasted coffee, and toasted chewy chocolate. In terms of booziness it is remarkably light for 11.2%. Drinkable but sip this one, it has a lot to offer and taking your time is the only way to do it.

Overall - Do NOT serve cold as it dampens the flavor! Leave the bottle(s) out for 30 minutes or so before serving, it definitely bring outs the complexity. This is another great brew by Founders.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2013 13:36:31 | More by JMScowcroft

ajramirez1

Washington

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

Live in NW WA rec'd in a beer trade with my buddy DWitt. Beer cold is really good. Let it warm, it is amazing...
Worth the hype. KBS is best stout to date. Cant imagine how good it taste kegged
With age, this beer would be mind blowing. So if anyone had the beer cellered, contact me. Pink Q Tip

A-

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2013 04:00:06 | More by ajramirez1

tipfortap

New York

4.84/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

5 words to describe it: Burnt Sugar, Fudgey, Chewy, Roasty, Smooth

Paired it with: CBS

Should have paired it with: Actual breakfast. Pancakes or French toast.

Drink it if you like: Silent killers; any oatmeal, coffee, or chocolate porter or stout.

A few other thoughts: KBS is by far my favorite of the Breakfasts. It was SO smooth and velvety, and hid its 11.2% ABV remarkably well. It’s sweeter and creamier than the CBS, and has none of that licorice funk that I found in its sibling. It’s just an amazingly balanced, practically perfect beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2013 19:30:30 | More by tipfortap

smooth_aleing

Pennsylvania

4.91/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Was finally able to check out the bottle, and well-worth the wait (and hype!).

A= Pours a jet black color, with a one-finger, mocha colored head. Head is good and frothy, and settles down to nice layer of foam, with excellent lacing.

S= Immediately, dark chocolate and strong espresso. Notes of cherry, with underlying whiff of bourbon. Incredible.

T= Big, big chocolate notes. Espresso follows strongly, with notes of dark cherry, bourbon, and roasted malts. Just wonderful.

M= Great, molasses-like feel. Thicker than most stouts of tried, but not at all too heavy, despite of the high ABV. Flavor is excellently-layered on the palate.

O= Lives up to all the hype. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 22:38:33 | More by smooth_aleing

Dohtig

Maine

4.71/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

After missing out on this beer at the store and several local tap houses I caught it at the oldest beer bar in town. It was well worth tracking down and making the trip just for a glass. Very dark, served in a large tulip glass the aromas shifted from a hint of bourbon to chocolate. A smooth full body mouthfull. There where so many flavors coming accross that it took a long time to get through them all. It reminded me of the scene from Charlie and the Chocolate factory where the girl takes the gum and new flavors come to her as she chews. This beer was like that, every sip brought a new flavor and insight. When this gets bottled again I won't be missing out. It is well worth hunting for.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2013 07:13:01 | More by Dohtig

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

martyl1000

Wisconsin

4.71/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Why I'm not giving KBS A 5:

I may not be the most reliable judge For this beer because I do like me a sweeter stout.

I figure to review an iconic Brew like this,
rather than Hashing over the same
Old Ground, it would be more useful to place it on my list of all-time favorites.

For flavor in the mouth, my touch stones are Founders Imperial Stout, Black Hole, Berserker, 120 Minute, and BCBS.

For aroma, the KBS just doesn't have enough bourbon in the nose. My highest opinion goes to My Monkey's Got Wood and CW Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine and J.W.Lee's HarvestAle, and (I realize those aren't double stouts, they're just my top-smelling brews of all time. Ther

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2013 23:16:37 | More by martyl1000

rjp217

Massachusetts

4.64/5  rDev 0%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

I finally had the pleasure of getting to try this the other night on draft at the Yard House, Fenway, Boston. I've been on the hunt for awhile and happened to run into it by chance so damn was I excited...

Poured into a tulip glass, appearance was jet black with about a 3/4" head. Overall it was a beautiful sight.

BOURBON. Smell and taste, you get a ton of it. The coffee, wood, vanilla and roasted malts rise to the forefront and then you get a heavy bourbon aftertaste. It all blends seamlessly and is extremely well done. At just over 11%, I found myself sipping most of the night.

This easily lived up to the hype and is a must find.

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2013 13:04:30 | More by rjp217

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

schwemjw

Ohio

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

A: Deadly Black !! huge mocha creamy head that left fairly quickly after i started drinking but left great lacing. oh man this looks good.

S: WOW! there is so much roast in here! lots of caramel, espresso, dark coffee, and vanilla. there is nice bourbon and oak on the end. i cant wait to drink this!

T: a nice bourbon up front. vanilla, toffee, and burnt coffee in the middle with rum soaked raisens on the end. super complex. i found as i drank this it had 3 distinct verses. the first verse was when it was cold and it very sweet with alot of caramel and toffee with some coffee thrown in there. The second verse was where the bourbon, vanilla and oak came in. the final verse was very fruity with rasiens and figs. absolutely amazing!!

M: creamy like milk. no carbination. this was motor oil thick but it was oh so smooth.

O: Words can't even describe. i came into this beer with a lot of expectations and this exceeded all of them. i drank several glasses and it was just as good each time. a timeless classic. i'll give it my highest rating which is a 99. awesome, awesome, awesome.
2013 vintage.

Serving type: on-tap

05-07-2013 06:37:37 | More by schwemjw

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