Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) - Founders Brewing Company

dasenebler

Maine

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz. bottle, 2010 release.

Thick, viscous onyx, with a tight, dark tan head.

Aroma is awesome. Very bourbon-like up front, with hints of vanilla, and then dark roasted coffee and alcohol. Fat note of chocolate fudge as well.

Flavor is woody and oaky, with a pretty substantial coffee presence, much like the standard Breakfast Stout. Finishes extremely warming and full of roasted bitterness. Kind of sweet overall. The bourbon character is more subdued than I expected, but very nice, with those savory, buttery, and maple-like notes reminiscent of a fine bourbon. Mouthfeel is super thick and rich, though quite drying on the back-end. Very smooth for the alcohol content; however, still only realistically drinkable for the style.

This stout is chock full of flavor, but in the end I find it a bit raw and rough. A big beer that just might be too big. Given this stuff's reputation on BA, it seems that many of us love being slapped and/or punched in the face with flavor. Umm... not me. I like big beers, but this one's unbalanced. Sorry!

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2010 03:57:59 | More by dasenebler

morimech

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance- Pours black and viscous. A small head forms and quickly settles to a thin film. A light smattery of spotty lacing. Not too surprised by the lack of visual appeal considery the high ABV.

Smell- A lot of vanilla and bourbon scents. There might be some coffee aroma in there someplace but I could not pick it out. Alcohol stands out as well.

Taste- Vanilla! This is the flavor that dominates throughout the flavor. As I worked my way through the 12 oz., the taste score continued to drop as I grew tired of the vanilla flavor. The bourbon adds some flavor dynamic before the alcohol dominates in the finish. Thankfully the brewer hopped the hell out of this beer to cut down on the sweetness. I was waffelling between average and good and went with the higher score as I did enjoy this more than the FBS.

Mouthfeel- Thick and rich like a good Imperial Stout should be. Great carbonation and texture. I do not know how this could be surpassed.

Drinkability- Not that drinkable. The flavors did not drop me to my knees in appreciation and the high ABV, combine to lower drinkability. This beer did not live up to the hype for me, but I can understand how others would thouroughly enjoy KBS.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2010 14:05:42 | More by morimech

japetus

Illinois

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I reviewed this beer in 2008. I gave it a 5 across the board and thought it was one of the best I had ever tried.

I can't say the same anymore. On tap and in bottle, the mouthfeel seems to have thinned. The aroma is still great, but not as powerful as before and the taste just doesn't seem to be there. Overall, it seems like a much less hearty beer than before. With all of that aside this is still a great beer but I cannot judge it as a A+ (world class) beer anymore. I now would rate it a B+.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2010 15:54:49 | More by japetus

zoolzoo

Connecticut

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2010 Bottle

Fresh KBS smells like a bourbon barrel filled with fresh coffee, and it tastes kind of Similiar. The taste smacks you with bourbon but melds into sugary chocolate, oak, vanilla, and notably bitter CHARRED COFFEE. The bitterness was slightly off putting. Complex, but rough around the edges. A little hot, but not as abrasive as some barrel aged brews.

Its tough to rate drinkability for KBS. If I were to score it for "what it is", it would be high. Otherwise, its slightly below average.

Ive never had anything but fresh KBS. Each time I have this I wonder how older vintages are drinking - probably alot smoother. I have 3 bottles left... and I only have to wait a couple years.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2010 03:56:35 | More by zoolzoo

brewerburgundy

California

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

12oz bottle, goblet, bottled 2/18/10. I wanted to reserve this special beer for my 100th review. Circumstances have made it convenient to savor it early.

Well, here it is, black as night in the mountains with a serious little cappuccino brown head. Soon a frothy ring on top of a liquid that no light penetrates with spotty lacing. This is the darkest thing since Ten Fidy.

The nose is spicy with bourbon and rich with coffee. We're talking Kentucky coffee rather than Irish coffee. Loads of vanilla, cocoa powder, black coffee, oak, hop spice, and a bit of alcohol. A very deep dark chocolate note develops.

There is a massive amount of woody, oak flavor that enhances or comes across as spice, slightly peppery and singeing. The boozy bourbon no doubt is the originator of this spice, but the hops are generous in helping it along. Sweet vanilla, sweet oak, dark chocolate, bitter bourbon, black coffee in the finish.

Satiny and creamy in the mouth with minimal carbonation.

Anyway you cut it, I do not believe this to be a drinkable beer. Even though the alcohol is apparent in a pleasant way, it limits consumption. Boozy is a very appropriate word. The belly feels fire, one can get their whiskey fix, and enjoy a well crafted beer for likely no more than 12 ounces.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2010 04:30:25 | More by brewerburgundy

haddon

Kentucky

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours a tar black with minimal mocha head that vanishes into thin air. a bit of lacing throughout the pint glass

vanilla, coffee, bourbon and charred oak on the nose

dark roasted coffee bean, oatmeal, bourbon and BITTER dark chocolate. as the beer warms, the alcohol becomes more evident. this beer really lingers on the palate

full bodied beer that leaves an almost velvety oily taste on the palate. not for the faint of heart

I had huge expectations for this beer but not really my thing when it comes to drinkability. glad I tried it for novelty sake but not something I would have on a regular basis. trying not to ding the rating too high but I am not a huge fan of the breakfast stout

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2010 04:05:07 | More by haddon

njmoons

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A really nice beer, but I think the flavors get overwhelmed by the bourbon. Not to say I don't like a good barrel aged beer, but my 2009 was overwhelmed with bourbon flavor.

A: Pouted black, thick and rich. With a 1/2 finger of brown foam

S: Sweet, roasty, and oak aromas, mingle with bourbon and strong fruits to create a complex and wonderful aroma.

T: The flavor suggested by the aroma are all there. Initially the flavor are balanced and complex. Really enjoyable. The bourbon flavors start to take over pretty quickly and are overwhelming through the finish. I enjoyed the taste, but think this would have been world class had the bourbon been in better balance with the rest of the beer.

M: Thick, but not too thick. Very nice.

D: I would drink these one at a time.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2011 08:28:02 | More by njmoons

leem

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

This is one of the most well balanced brews I have ever had. The barrel aging didn't come on too strong like some,probobly because of the strong coffee notes.Would have liked to notice the ABV a bit more though.I will definitely get another from next years batch.I think this tasty treat should be enjoyed fresh because no carecteristics need to mellowed.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 02:03:17 | More by leem

travis224

Texas

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours black with a mocha head that disappears pretty quickly leaving spots of foam on top. The nose is pretty serious. Bourbon, coffee, chocolate maybe some caramel or vanilla. The taste is just as complex, all of these flavors working on different levels. If I could pick one out that overpowers the others it would be the coffee, a bit sharp but still delicious. You get the booze but it's not super in your face. Great beer, glad I got to try it.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2011 05:22:55 | More by travis224

ArrogantB

Colorado

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got this 2011 in a recent trade with Jedwards, thanks man! Dark black color with a bit of a brown head. Smells like really good coffee to me, nice. The flavor was also really good coffee, not overwhelming, a hint of booze but the alcohol was well hidden. Overall I can see why people like this beer so much but given the price and availability I don;t really have any incentive to get this again.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2011 19:11:26 | More by ArrogantB

mikereaser

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Kentucky Breakfast Stout 2008/2009/2010
all were reviewed on June 14, 2011 side-by-side
Rating is from 2010 bottle. I liked the year old version better

2008
A - Pours a pitch black/brown with a 1/2 inch of tan foam that slowly fades leaving a nice coating or oily lacing 3.5
S - I'm picking up hints of chocolate, some vanilla a bit of the bourbon, I like it though not fully blown away 3.5
T - Really nice taste, the choclate and roasted malts all blend well nicely with the bourbon which brings on a subtle burning at the end. There is some caramel and woody notes that really round this one out nicely. 4
M - Smooth and creamy, it just fills your mouth with silk and it is very enjoyable 4.5
D - 2nd favorite of the three, but I feel like the flavors are starting to go downhill a bit. Still enjoyable, maybe just a bit oxidized. 4

2009
A - Pours a pitch black/brown with a 1/2 inch of tan foam that slowly fades leaving a nice coating or oily lacing 3.5
S - I'm picking up about the same as the 2008 in aroma, but there is a bit of a difference. Not sure if its the bourbon that is a bit stronger in this one. 4
T - The taste is the same as the 2008 but amped up a bit more. The bourbon is more present in flavor but not in heat. The chocolate stands out more as well and the vanilla is there to round it out. There seems to be more of a coffee presence in this one as well. 4.5
M - mouthfeel is about the same for the 2009 with just a bit more of an alcohol burn. slight carbonation as well. 4
D - I think with one year on it, it is perfect for me. I could sip this and be quite happy. 4.5

2010
A - Pours a pitch black/brown with a 1/2 inch of tan foam that slowly fades leaving a nice coating or oily lacing, it seems to be sticking around a little longer than the others. 4
S - Again, the same flavors but a bit more intense, the chocolate stands out more 4
T - This is interesting, the bourbon seems more present while the chocolate and coffee seem more subdued. I'm picking up alot of the wood and vanilla as well, but the chocolate and coffee are not there as much. 4
M - Again, smooth and creamy but even less than the 2009. Its just not as silky and a bit astringent, but all around decent. 4
D - Of the three, I think I find this my least favorite. Time for me to set some more aside. Still very drinkable, but I feel it could use a year in the cellar. 4

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2011 04:53:54 | More by mikereaser

brewmudgeon

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

KBS (previous review apparently lost), bottled 2/25/11

a 3-4 dark, ok? very little head, no lace.

s 4 whisps of vanilla, light wood, charring, coffee grounds, butterscotch. some alcohol is noted zipping by.

t 3.5-4 follows the smell but sweeter, barrel flavors, a little root beer. a little flabby. not sure how others use the term but when something has a body with less flavor than it would take really fill that body, when there is a sort of viscous emptyness along the perimeters, i think of it as flabby.

m 3.5-4 enough heft in the body that it goes a little past the flavor, resulting in the above described flabbyness. carbonation is just about right, much more noticeable than in the nearly flat FIS, of fine quality and never intrusive.

o 3.5-4 i do like KBS, and it is certainly easy drinking. but it's kind of too easy drinking in a sweet, friendly, nonchallenging way. its several flavor elements play well together, and i would not want more roast--it's really just the right amount of roast. the butterscotch lacks an edge, though, and the vanilla is more of a ghost. between this and bcbs, i strongly prefer the bcbs, at least the 2011 iteration, although that is admittably a much stronger concoction. but where bcbs explodes with flavor and aroma with every sip, the KBS just sort of demurely slides down, leaving a touch of char and sucrose sweetness, but never fully grabbing me, embracing me, making me say "wow." guess i have become a full-fledged 'merican?

good, several-faceted, but a teensy bit boring.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2012 04:40:04 | More by brewmudgeon

jibbyvonjibb

California

4/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Black as night. Small expresso head. Somewhat viscous.
S: Bourbon. Dill. Woody. Roasty. Chocolate. Pleasant aroma.
T: Same of the coffee flavors with barrel contributions. Some medicinal notes. Licorice sweetness.
M: Creamy and full bodied.
O: A nicely balanced imperial stout. For such a strong beer, pleasantly drinkable. This is one of the best RIS I've had. However, RIS is not my favorite style so my ratings reflect that.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2012 21:19:09 | More by jibbyvonjibb

tayner

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle.

Poured pitch black and oily from the stubby bottle and left a nice milk chocolate head behind that formed a nice ring. not much lacing, probably due to the 10%

Smell was coffee followed closely like bourbon.

Taste, well. coffee. bourbon. I know it is more complex than that, but for the sake of making it simple, it tastes like someone made me a cup of very, very strong coffee (you know, the kind you can stand a spoon in?) and then spiked it with a shot of whiskey. Plain and simple, thats what this beer it. It goes down warm like whiskey.

Mouthfeel is thick and coating. Heavy and filling.

The 10% is very warming, but i wouldn't say hot by any means. It is a sipper, but i can see how it could replace your morning cup of joe on sunday morning (or any morning you dont have to work). Although, at 10%, and so heavy, one at a time is plenty. IMO this is WAY better than FBS.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2008 21:37:03 | More by tayner

champ103

Texas

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

A big thanks to Deuane for the extra.

A: Pours a jet black color. A small tan head forms, but recedes fast. Standard for the style. Some patchy lace.
S: Awesome. At first, lots of vanilla comes billowing out. Bourbon and oak aromas. A hint of chocolate. Wonderful.
T: Follows the nose, vanilla, bourbon, and oak flavors. Nice roasted malt flavors. Much more chocolate. Actually fairly bitter and sweet chocolate. Alcohol.
M/D: A full body that is rich and creamy. Kind of chalky. A very easy beer to sip on. The high alcohol shows with some warming bourbon. Again, a great beer to sip on, but not as easy to drink as the Breakfast Stout IMO.

Founders defiantly makes two would class stouts, and I am glad I got a chance to try them. I need more.

EDIT on March 28 2011---

I do still enjoy this. Though I think there is a lot more bitter, and almost acrid coffee grounds in the nose that detracts for me. Much more bitter coffee flavor as well. All things that were absent from a couple of years ago. Still very good, and worth seeking out if you have the means. Though it has changed a little in the years that I first had it.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2008 00:22:30 | More by champ103

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Put on the spot to order a beer quickly, a quick gander at the cooler revealed a beer I'd never had before with a label that read KBS. OK, I'll have that. DOH!!! Once delivered to me I realized that it was Kentucky Breakfast Stout from Founder's. I'd had it before, but the label was different. So, OK, I was having brunch and coffee and bourbon and stout seemed appropriate, and this is a beer that can stand up to (actually dominate over) a spicy mushroom enchilada. What I was not prepared for was the price... $12!!! Damn, if only I'd known.

Anyway, I'm sure there are a million reviews for this out there, so I'll keep it simple. I prefer the Breakfast Stout. I think that the Bourbon just adds a bit too much to the mix, and it clearly increases the perception of alcohol, whether there's more there or not. It also cuts down on the really nice coffee flavor that the standard Breakfast Stout has, and I think, the malt flavors as well.

What's nice about the Breakfast Stout is that it's really complex, but that's kind of lost in the KBS because the Bourbon characteristic cuts through a lot of it (at least at the end of the glass).

So although this is not a beer I'd throw out of bed (you know what I mean), it's just not quite as good as the beer that spawned it.

Oh, and I kind of have to ding it for points on the appearance as the head drops immediately, and it leaves little lacing.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2009 22:59:29 | More by NeroFiddled

aewinte1

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Thanks to GREGER for hooking me up with this

A- Dark black with very little head, carbonation, or lacing to speak of.

S- Smells kind of like someone took a shot of bourbon and poured it into a beer. Slight coffee and smokey scents, but everything is shot down by the alcoholic smell

T- Starts off like a regular coffee stout then BANG, the alcohol kicks. The alcohol burn is quite strong and masks a lot of the flavors. At the same time the bourbon barrel aging definitely imparts its flavor. This, to me , tastes more like liquor than beer, which is weird because the ABV is by no means ridiculously high.

M- mouthfeel is good as it firsts hits the palate then goes somewhat downhill due to the alcohol bite.

D- drinkability on this one could not be higher than a 3. I could not possibly drink two or three of these in one sitting. This is not just due to the ABV, but also how much the alcohol comes through and is not masked superbly.

Overall, a good beer, but the dominating alcohol taste really prevented me from truly appreciating this beer as the alcohol masked a lot of the other flavors associated with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2009 18:50:03 | More by aewinte1

PALMEJ1

Alabama

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

received from mikesgroove as part of "review this" BIF. bottled 2/17/09 poured into dfh snifter

a-pours so thick. even with a 10-12" pour the beer does not splash, it barely moves. little one finger head settles quick. foam ring around the glass is almost a pinkish brown.
s-you can smell this one from 3 feet away. chocolate and espresso comes first. little wood and some alcohol but its smooth and it blends together nicely.
t-big flavors right from the start. chocolate, alcohol, woody notes, mild liquorish. there's a clear taste of molasses, more than most stouts Ive had. the wood/bourbon flavor contributes a big smokiness along with the roasted malt. big time heat you can feel in your gut. I only got mild coffee in the taste. Big but good.
m-thick! the thick mouth does work excellent with the big flavors to make a memorable experience.
d-the heat did distract me. not the mildest 11% I've had, however I did not have a problem finishing the bottle.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2009 22:13:52 | More by PALMEJ1

FishGetter

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours thick, midnight black apperance. Very slight head rims around top of glass.
Spent coffee ground aroma with dull chocolate aroma. Faint tones of oak barrel.
Sweet chocolate blends with dark coffee flavors. Some faint burbon comes on at the end with strong alchol that warms mouth. Drink finishes hot and boozie with Kalua like flavors
Enjoyable mouthfeel, smooth and silkie medium body, close to heavy.
This one may need some time to age to let the alchol mellow out and let the other charecters peak. Look forward to trying another bottle in a year or so. As is, decent offering.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2010 22:22:25 | More by FishGetter

corcoranjc

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Bryant Lake Bowl!

Appearance - pitch black, very little tan head or lace. little carbonation.

Smell - woah. sweet coffee, roasted malt, and boozy bourbon. very inviting.

Taste - toffee, bourbon, coffee, nice warming booze on the first sip. alcohol and bourbon presence progressively more prevalent as the beer warms. Very nice.

Feel - not nearly as thick and heavy as I expected from the appearance. very smooth, but very low carbonation.

Drink - higher than expected for such a big, flavorful beer...but the high ABV makes this one a sipper.

Overall - I'm really glad I tried this beer. It is definitely unique and extremely well crafted. I don't think I will be searching it out in the future as the bourbon is not entirely to my taste.

Serving type: on-tap

02-04-2011 03:24:38 | More by corcoranjc

SFLpunk

Vermont

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to qsqandrew for dropping this in my lap the other day! 12oz brown glass pry-top bottle. Neck dated "Bottled 02/25/11."

Appearance: Pours a thick black with very little tan head that leaves some spotting.

Nose: Big black vanilla bean, molasses, dark amber maple syrup, freshly brewed coffee and a little cream.

Palate: The coffee is big in both flavor and texture. It's a little gritty on the palate. The bourbon is present, but takes a back seat to the coffee. Vanilla is present and the molasses comes back. Maybe something like buttered rustic bread too.

Notes: I've had a couple vintages of this brew over the years, and my real complaint with it is about texture. It reminds me of really strong coffee that has some grounds that snuck out of the filter into the pot. I'd like to see more of the bourbon flavor which is fairly understated in this brew. Tasty, and fairly dry for the style standard. Not my favorite bourbon barreled stout though.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2011 02:47:10 | More by SFLpunk

chugalug06

Colorado

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Slight *PST* released when opened... Small carbonation. A 1/2 finger head build when aggressively poured. Kind of disappointing head... Head is tan, brew is black. Brew swirls nice vanilla-chocolate. When swirled, head builds to a mild level.

S - Smooth! Very nice milk chocolate. Lots of deep wood scents, vanilla. A very light scent indeed, not over powering, or even close to... Slight brun.

T - Great smooth and balanced flavor. Nothing is overwhelming about this brew. Lots of over-whelming coffee flavors... Great milk chocolate flavor, just like Hershey's. Lots of deep vanilla radiating from this brew.

M - Very chewy. Awesome (super light) carbonation. Mild burn from the heat, time could do this brew wonders. A little bit more bitter than I typically enjoy.

O - Time would do this brew *wonders*... I can't wait to try my other in a few years... The coffee flavor need to mellow significantly. Right now, I'm significantly underwhelmed by this brew. Thanks for sharing djeucalyptus!

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 02:20:24 | More by chugalug06

sidetracked

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours almost opaque, pitch black with dark brown head that dissipates quickly leaving some small bubbles lingering around the edge.

Aroma is woody, little bourbon, bitter roasted black coffee. Little alcohol heat. As it warms it becomes more boozy.

Upfront taste is bitter roasted malts, roasted coffee, wood, little baker's chocolate, and little sweet molasses. Finish is somewhat sweeter. Molasses, dark chocolate, more pronounced wood and bourbon. Lingering roasted bitterness, coffee, and chocolate. Bourbon is rather subdued and not as pronounced as expected. Rather woodsy overall.

Full bodied, creamy and slightly chewy with low carbonation. Little heat at the finish.

Lots of bitter roasted coffee and wood. High bitterness, but balanced well. Bourbon could be more dominant, but still a good imperial stout.

11/14/2011

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2012 07:23:24 | More by sidetracked

CH3CH2OH

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured an opaque black with medium off white head that stayed for a few minutes. Smell was unexceptional - whiskey, burnt chocolate, malt. Taste did not have as much whiskey as I would have liked - it was there, but in a fresh bottle, I expected it to be more forward rather than subdued. Nice round mouthfeel and fairly drinkable for this ABV. All around good imperial, barrel aged stout, but I can think of several I like better (see Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.)

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2008 03:01:39 | More by CH3CH2OH

sonicdescent

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This is one I've wanted since day one, thanks to vwcraig for finally putting an end to my hunt. 3/08 written on the bottle.

Looks good, dark black and thick. Thin tan head with nice lacing.

Smells..uhoh, smells like a while lot of bourbon. Shades of black magick here and that scares me. Swirling the glass releases some of the other scents, making this less one dimensional.

thankfully the taste us not nearly as overly hot and one dimensional as I had feared. Vanilla, smoke, choclatw, coffee.

Pretty full bodied and medium carbonated.

This is good but I still prefer OPS and Homewood Reserve when it comes to barrel aged beers. Very complex but even after a year of laying down a tad too hot.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2009 02:33:40 | More by sonicdescent