Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) - Founders Brewing Company

Ungertaker

Minnesota

4.85/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2009 KBS

2009 tap pour into a Unibroue tulip.

A- jet black with a two-inch tan head that left a thick, foamy lacing as it slowly faded away.

S- bourbon, vanilla, dark chocolate, espresso

T- Vanilla is present at the front. The bourbon hits hard, then fades into dark chocolate and espresso. the dark chocolate stays until the end while the bourbon fades bringing on a black cherry-like flavor. The bourbon eases back in at the finish with a soothing burn as it goes down.

M- thick, but not mouth-coating. A perfect level of carbonation throughout; just enough to know it is there.

O- Unbelievable. I had only tried current-year KBS on tap and this blows it away. It starts and finishes with an unparalleled deliciousness. Now I can't wait to open my bottle of 2009 that has been taunting me for over a year!

Serving type: on-tap

09-22-2011 18:19:57 | More by Ungertaker

IronCitySteve

Pennsylvania

4.63/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a rich thick black color with a small brown tight foam head with moderate retention. There plenty of thick lacing down the sides.

S: As it warmed, the smell got better and more complex. Lots of bourbon, espresso, vanilla and rich caramel. There is also a slight hint of booze as well.

T: Very complex and balanced. The bourbon is quite apparent in the beginning, but the coffee, vanilla and caramel really come through in the middle and balance this out. Not overly astringent coffee flavor either. Smooth throughout the tasting.

M: A full bodied beer that leaves a boozy taste on the palate. Only the slightest amount of 'alcohol burn' hits the back of the mouth which is impressive for a brew over 11% abv.

O: As many before me have said, this is a fantastic beer. Certainly one of the best I have ever had the pleasure to taste. Seek it out and drink it up over and over!

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2011 23:28:11 | More by IronCitySteve

CBlack85

South Carolina

4.43/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Mac's Speed Shop Steel Creek. Served in an 8 oz. pint glass.

The beer is completely black with no visible highlights. There is a big, creamy, dark brown colored head that slowly recedes leaving behind bits of lacing.

Lots of roasted malts, chocolate, caramel, and coffee. The bourbon is definately present but not overpowering. It really mingles well with the rest of the aromas present. There are also some smaller hints of toffee that round out the nose.

The dominant flavors are that of roasted malts, caramel, some coffee, and to a lesser degree chocolate and vanilla. Like the nose the bourbon is noticable but not dominating. Just a hint of alcohol burn that lets you know that it is there. A very well crafted beer. Full bodied and mildly carbonated, dangerously easy to drink and very smooth.

This beer is a terrific, well crafted RIS. Definately one of the better examples of the style. Founders has achieved just the right bourbon presence while still being amazingly drinkable. Good stuff.

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2011 23:37:54 | More by CBlack85

GeorgeAldi

South Carolina

4.43/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a thick solid black with a thin off white head that dissipates quickly. The aroma is heavy on the coffee as would be expected. I also get some chocolate, tobacco, ash, and dried fruits. Complex aroma really, but heavy coffee. Taste hits with roast then chocolate, and then comes the coffee on the attack. Finish with some vanilla, and some bourbon that is oh so subtle. Awesome complexity!! Creamy full bodied mouthfeel. Excellent brew, I wish it was more available! Another well done brew from founders.

Serving type: on-tap

09-03-2011 18:49:22 | More by GeorgeAldi

vandemonian

Maryland

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

Founders KBS is an amazing beer. You'll notice coffe, chocolate, wood, bourbon but these flavours complement what is a really fantastic base beer.

A: Black colour and good 5 mm head that fades to good lacing. 4.5

S: Smells of roasy malts with a hint of whiskey. 4.5

T: Roasted coffee and chocolate. The aftertaste is smooth with a woody finish. The whiskey isn't as string as in the CBS I had; here it just provides a lovely mellow background. Superb. 5

M: Silky smooth. 4.5

O: Pure bliss. Not overwhelming. Not too big. Didn't even notice the alcohol. 5

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2011 02:44:13 | More by vandemonian

SkiBum22

New York

4.83/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A- Pitch black, one finger of nice brown head. Very little lacing that resides quickly down the sides of the glass.

S - Roasty sweet malt, chocolate, and bourbon.

T - Big milk chocolate and bourbon oak up front. Then comes dark chocolate and espresso balanced by the vanilla from the barrel. There's so much going on here, the vanilla, chocolate, and coffee work together so well.

M - The mouth is velvety smooth and full bodied. While the carbonation is week it doesn't take away from the well balanced thickness

O - Been waiting to try this beer for a long time. It definitely lived up to the hype. Another great stout from Fonders.

Serving type: on-tap

08-14-2011 22:57:31 | More by SkiBum22

bobbypaulson

Minnesota

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

on tap at Buster’s on 28th. They had two choice 5oz or 10oz. NO BRAINER, I got the bigger one. This beer was jet black with no head. Smell was sweet and coffee. Taste was bourbon and roasty with a lot of coffee. The beer is super smooth and very easy on the palate. This is a must have for everyone.

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2011 17:45:21 | More by bobbypaulson

mcomben

Michigan

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

Served on tap at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub (Detroit, MI) Founders' event 8/4/2011:

A - Deep dark color, so brown its almost black. Came to the table with a nice mocha colored head on it.

S - First smell is of coffee, but sweeter, followed by an almost burnt caramel scent.

T - Roasted taste hits up front, dark chocolate, with the unmistakeable flavors of bourbon.

M - Coats the tongue without feeling syrupy.

O - I was first introduced to Founders via their Breakfast Stout at many a Michigan Beer Night in Mt. Pleasant during my more formative College drinking years. After being made aware of KBS I've spent a long time tracking this beer down and was ready to be disappointed simply because of the build-up. Fortunately the beer did not disappoint one bit and my patience was rewarded with a great tasting beer. Would love to find this beer in the wild (i.e. bottled) next year and see how some age treats it.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2011 17:18:27 | More by mcomben

vw73182

Indiana

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

Simply Amazing.

The smell is all over the place bourbon, coffee, chocolate basically smells like roasted goodness with bourbon. Pitch black with minimal head actually looks like dirty motor oil does. The taste is all over the place all the smells come through along with nice caramel and vanilla notes from the bourbon. There is also a bit of alcohol burn on this that can direct from the above but not enough to affect it.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2011 02:23:07 | More by vw73182

Retail1LO

Pennsylvania

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

Serving type: Draft into a small snifter.

Long over due review from notes during Philly Beer Week. I had this on draft at Capone's in Norristown, and lots of it. This poured a beautiful jet black with an espresso-like crema at the top that was a few millimeters thick. Heavy nose of coffee, bourbon, and chocolate. So smooth, you'd never have a clue it was over 11%, even with the noticeable bourbon-like burn that went along with each swallow. I bought 4 bottles from the bottle shop, and still have 3 left. Can't wait to get a case, regardless of expense.

Serving type: on-tap

07-23-2011 21:04:40 | More by Retail1LO

zrab11

Indiana

4.58/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had the 10 and 11 on tap at KBS release this year(2011) ill review this as the 2010

A- Poured a deep dark brown with a nice 1 finger thick tan head and has nice lacing

S- Has a nice potent kick of bourbon up from then i also get some coffee notes and maybe some vanilla as well

T- Wow the bourbon is he first thing you taste then comes the coffee followed by a nice roasted chocolate flavor and ends with alittle bite of bourbon

M-Full bodied with nice carbonation

O-Overall the 10 was awesome. It had a wonderful bourbon flavor that was strong but not over powering. The 11 had too much of a coffee taste. i think give it one year and the bourbon will come out just as it did in the 10. Overall this a brew i will buy a case of EVERY year.

Serving type: on-tap

07-02-2011 03:10:59 | More by zrab11

wiscokid920

Wisconsin

4.9/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Served on Tap at the Bodega in La Crosse, WI

A: Deep, dark brown with a slow forming dark golden tan finger thick head that left a dark tan ring around the glass

S: Coffee bean up front than bourbon aggressively dominates the nostrils. Small traces of vanilla bean and dark chocolate as well

T: Absolutely fantastic. Starts off as a delicious dark chocolate and the coffee bean and finishes off with the powerful bourbon that lingers on the palate. Finishes dry and smooth

M: Full bodied with perfect amount of carbonation. Feels as if nearly evaporates off the tongue.

D: Absolutely outstanding! Definitely deserving of a world class title. Once again you didn't disappoint Founders!

Serving type: on-tap

07-02-2011 01:29:21 | More by wiscokid920

mwcullnane

Indiana

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

2011 draft at Trion, New Haven, IN

Appearance: Viscous and coffee black in appearance with faint head

Smell: Roasted grain, coffee, and faint bourbon aroma; not overwhelming

Taste: Exceptional. Coffee and chocolate flavors mingle with similar flavors contributed by specialty grains. This is an amazing beer.

Mouthfeel: I didn't have to chew it, unlike some other high quality stouts. So that's good. Went down exactly the same as bottled kbs - smooth as silk.

Overall: Smell could be more intense but this is merely my opinion and should not come at a cost to other attributes. Taste is superior to Bourbon County and Dark Lord imho. I find it hard to give any beer a 5.0. This beer could only get better if it were allowed to age for a while. That's why I got a case when it came out :)

Serving type: on-tap

06-21-2011 15:11:47 | More by mwcullnane

Franch

New York

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

i've had KBS '10 and '11 on tap, and '11 in bottles. overall, they're similar - a perfect breakfast stout with delicious bourbon. '11 is much hotter than '10, but not in a bad way. it's hot in the same way Rare BCBS is - in a delicious enjoyable way that lends the beer to sipping. this remains one of my stalwart favorite beers, and something i will look forward to yearly. the oatmeal/coffee/chocolate work so perfectly with the bourbon.

Serving type: on-tap

06-17-2011 15:37:29 | More by Franch

philbe311

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This review mainly serves as a compare and contrast of bottle vs. tap, and after sampling side-by-side with its elite BA contemporaries...

A - Color is a medium semi-sleek black... A very thin dark brown had fizzes away rather quickly... Some carbonation streaks can be seen throughout... Thick, dense, and hearty...

S - The nose is potent and enticing... Coffee, chocolate, roasted malts, and vanilla all compliment the effects of the bourbon...

T - Much more complexity when compared the the bottled version... The bourbon, while still uber-present blends in with the rest of the flavors and add the complexity... Chocolate... Coffee... Some woody notes... Touches of caramel...

M - Full bodied... A bit chewy... Dense... Limited carbonation... A bit of a chalky finish...

D - Interesting to sample on tap after enjoying in bottle form on many occasion... Still an elite and must try for all BAs, but it barrel aged competition seems to be gaining a bit...

Serving type: on-tap

06-12-2011 15:24:13 | More by philbe311

Lauthaha

Michigan

4.85/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Beer was served on tap at my local watering hole.

Appearance: Beer was a super dark brown, with a coffee-like muddy vibe. There was minimal if any head by the time it got to me (which can probably be attributed to the higher ABV of the brew), but what was left was a menacingly dark tan ring around the edge of the glass. The only stopping block to perfection was the lack of a head, but that's forgivable given the circumstances.

Smell: Rubbing alcohol, bourbon whiskey, deep-dark chocolate, espresso beans, red wine, thick maltiness. My exact wording from the note was "Mocha Bourbon Mania."

Taste/Mouthfeel: Liquor. The beer nearly evaporates off the tongue. Once it settles in, there is a perfect amount of carbonation...the best way I could describe it would be to say "lava flow" because it just keeps unfolding layers and layers of flavor on the tongue. Everything mentioned under the nose.

Overall: Man, if this had had a decent head, we would have found ourselves a 100%-er.

Serving type: on-tap

06-10-2011 14:03:16 | More by Lauthaha

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

First had: on tap at Capone's, Norristown, PA

Poured a thick brown-black with a small, dense mocha head that mostly dissipated, but laced well. Scents of chocolate, molasses, and bourbon. Lots of coffee in the taste, sweet chocolate and vanilla bean, and bourbon that actually isn't too strong, but rather somewhat mellow and masked by the malt roastiness. Complex and delicious. Super, super smooth, and I almost caught a tiny bit of a subtle fruit finish. Full bodied, and definitely very drinkable.

Better than CBS. Easily.

Serving type: on-tap

06-10-2011 13:11:12 | More by Rifugium

orvalrugger45

Massachusetts

4.9/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I was honestly lucky enough to stumble across my first KBS on tap. Served in pint glass. Watching the pour was everything I had foreseen. Held my glass up to the light coming in from a window behind the bar; no light came through! Darkest brown before the color black with thin tan/khaki head on top.

Aroma was of slight mocha (even a minute aroma of coffee). Most present was the stout aroma as back-bone but definitely bourbon presence.

I have to review taste and mouthfeel together because, in my opinion, this beer overwhelms both at the same time. This stout had an unbelievable silky texture that coated my whole palate with a chocolate/bourbon fusion of stout! One of my most enjoyable, relaxing, and thorough beer experiences.

Serving type: on-tap

06-06-2011 19:55:15 | More by orvalrugger45

Duffman929

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at the Map Room during CCBW.

Had a deep, dark color and looked quite rich in nature. I could smell the alcohol from the first inhale.

The combo of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla were noted during the drink, and even though there is an alcohol taste infused, it is not overpowering. It was very smooth and didn't have a harsh aftertaste.

The look and feel of this beer were great. I noted the slow alcohol drip back down to the bottom of the glass after a sip.

Since I have never had this beer and heard many great things, I was hoping it would meet expectations--and it did. This is a quality beer and would like to give it a taste after some maturity.

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2011 14:18:20 | More by Duffman929

DoubleSimcoe

New York

4.05/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

KBS on tap at R'n'H in Manhattan, part of a Founders event there. Tasted side-by-side with CBS, which was dangerous because both beers have very similar looks. My second time trying KBS on tap, after I popped my Kentucky cherry at The Pony Bar in Hell's Kitchen.

Appearance: Served in an eight-ounce wine glass for $12 (fuck!), KBS pours just like CBS. They are twins, only head doesn't last on Kentucky. Lacing and retention here are less than spectacular here. Color is the darkest side of black this side of Africa.

Smell: Not as good as the looks. A little underwhelming, more so compared to CBS. Wood, some distant vanilla. Boozy (but not in a bad way) and then some as it warms up.

Taste: A tad of chocolate and that barrel feel. Sort of a spicy finish, and definitely woodsy and bourbon-y. Hot! Somewhat one-dimensional.

Mouthfeel: Fuller, rounder and more interesting than the bottled version, which I found a lil' thin and disappointing. Super creamy, smooth, chuggable. Prickly booze at the end, though. Very hot and barrel-y when warm. Fittingly low carbonation, full flavor.

Overall: I still think this beer is mighty hyped and overblown. Good? Sure enough. Very good? Yes. Exceptional? Don't think so. I've had better bourbon-aged stouts, and when tasted along with CBS, KBS just doesn't have it. Tap is a better option for it than a bottle, though. Always, very drinkable, smooth, enjoyable.
Overall:

Serving type: on-tap

05-30-2011 06:20:15 | More by DoubleSimcoe

angelogarcia3

New York

4.83/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a great beer with a very dark color that allows very little light to pass through it. A very chocolate colored head greets the drinker along with aromas of Hershey's chocolate and hints of bittersweet chocolate. The mouthfeel is very thick but creamy. The taste is very chocolatey with a slight hint of vanilla and bourbon giving this beer a strong flavor that is enjoyable by itself or with BBQ. Had it at The Lark in East Northport, NY.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2011 23:53:43 | More by angelogarcia3

jabergess

Georgia

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

Had on draft at Twains. Oh my God. Go for it. Seriously you are losing out. Bourbon and chocolate. They go to the courthouse and get hitched. Have a baby named Yummy and live happy ever after. Ok, they have a couple of babies, but they are all pretty.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2011 03:22:52 | More by jabergess

LaCoursiere

Minnesota

4.03/5  rDev -13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap @ Mackenzie's for MN Craft Beer Week

A - A 10oz pour served in a beer flute. It arrived with a one-finger dark brown head on top of pitch black night. The head dissipated slowly to a few patches and thin collar. A little bit of lacing was produced when swirled.

S - Roasted malts and hot cocoa w/ marshmallows spiked with a healthy shot of bourbon.

T - Tasted roasted malts and coffee up front fading to cocoa and molasses sweetness in the middle. This gives way to a finish of boozy bourbon flavor with oak and leather notes. At the end the bourbon breaks up leaving an interesting hint of cinnamon/brown sugar sweetness.

M - Medium-heavy body with light carbonation without being syrupy or chewy, yet not particularly smooth either. There is generous alcohol warmth.

O/D - This is a bourbon bomb. The bourbon is the dominant characteristic in the flavor profile. I would have liked a bit more depth of flavor in the beginning taste notes to balance out the strong bourbon character that comes after. But that's being picky. This is a great brew overall and I can't wait until I can enjoy it again.

Serving type: on-tap

05-18-2011 04:29:33 | More by LaCoursiere

DCon

Missouri

4.65/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed on-tap @ the iTap House in Chesterfield, MO. Served into a Snifter, had a 11.2% logo on the wooden sign, and enjoyed only 1. (This was limited and was on-tap for the KBS vs Goose Island Event @ iTap).

Appearance- Received with a a great, dark looking brown body color and a deep brown, 2 finger head. Great bubbly head and retention long lived.

Smell- WOW! Huge roasted Espresso Coffee smell, Cappucino, and Hazelnut in the background. Can smell huge Coffee Bean from even a distance! How is this possible? Great! There also is a hint of vanilla tobacco smoke (in my pipe now), in the background.

Taste- Nice taste from the beginning but VERY strong. Starts off with huge coffee and espresso taste. It is great in the category of coffee stouts but then kicks it up with the Imperial Stout Style and has an additional alcohol/strong flavor. There are also hints of hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate in the background (Late Moreno anyone?). Has a wood/bourbon taste in the background.

Mouthfeel- Full Bodied, Nice Carbonation (appropriate), and has a smooth finish. My teeth and tongue feel like they just had an espresso shot... Gritty and coffee breathe. Awesome characteristics!

Overall- Impressive! Can't believe this is my first time having this one! It seems like there is a bourbon additional flavor here like the Dragon's Milk by New Holland OR it was aged in bourbon barrels. The drinkability is low (which is why I gave it a low score towards the Overall category), but still is enjoyable! Will be wanting a bottle or two to age in the future!

Serving type: on-tap

05-10-2011 05:44:10 | More by DCon

rlee1390

Indiana

4.83/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Had on tap at DLD, was the second to last person to get it before the keg was kicked.

A-Dark, dark black. Some lacing is left.

S-Coffee chocolate, molasses and roasted malt.

T-So sweet! Chocolate, roasted malt and coffee. Some molasses and vanilla are apparent as well. Some bitterness in the finish. Great balance.

M-Thick and syrupy. Very smooth.

O-Wow. Going to DLD was worth it for this beer. I can't believe how easy drinking as smooth this great tasting beer is.

Serving type: on-tap

05-04-2011 17:29:35 | More by rlee1390