Where did all the KBS go?

Incorrect. Vanilla twist on the tongue is perfect this year.

 

Do we chalk this one up to the dreaded bottle variation? I certainly don't doubt you at all.

 

All areas certainly got more KBS than last year. And any shop that you stop into and is out will automatically say that they got less than last year. That's just the game. It's not all due to new markets. I really think demand has just significantly gone up. I have friends who have always drank craft beer but only your standard pale and IPAs. All of the sudden this year they're asking me if I've heard about this "KBS" and are out searching for it. Hell, the release, and I'm not talking the brewery release, was even in the news in GR. Craft beer is getting big, simple as that. Don't hate Founders for that.

 

Founder's April fool's joke...

 

I hope it's bottle variation and not batch variation, because if it's batch variation then my entire case is Imperial FBS.

 

Wait I'm confused. All areas got more KBS but any individual store will say they got less than last year? These two phrases don't really go together in my mind. Do you mean to say that they sold out of their allotment faster than last year? Or they spread the increased overall allotments over more stores this time around?

 

ISO: Imperial FBS, FT: KBS

 

The allocations to accounts are done by the distributors. I guess we are lucky in west Michigan to be serviced by a great distributor. Every reputable store got 25 to 50% more than last year. One of the larger stores that got 4 to 5 cases last year, got 10 this year. I feel like some of the retailers (and possibly distributors) in other areas might be hoarding. Also of note, the kegs are 1/4 barrels this year vs 1/6 barrels last year. There is more beer, but also more demand.

 

Personally I thought this year's KBS was excellent when I had it on tap. Slightly boozy, super chocolatey, just a dash of coffee. Delectable. Then again, I didn't especially love last year's version.

shruggyshoulderguy.img

 

I'm saying that a store that can't offer you a 4pk will say its because they got less than last year when that's really not the case. They're just out because demand is up. Easy way out.

 

JUST LIKE I SAID LAST YEAR Founders & Bells expanded production & WAY over expanded distribution .

For them It's great ,us not so much

gotta look at the bright side there are a lot of brewerys now getting their goods out to us & we need not go back as they cast us off

thanks FAT HEADS & BREW KETTLE

 

I used to like Founders before everyone else. WHERE IS MY FUCKING TROPHY?!?!

 

Does your palate even lift? Molassier this year, or at least in my bottling date.

 

Heard most of the allotment of founders hipster trophies stayed in michigan this year

 

Not unless you had a bottle from 2008

 

Neither touches a candle to the 08-10 I have opened over the past 60 days, even with the age on them. For some reason, palate shift or otherwise, I have not really been "in love" with this beer since the '11 vintage (i.e., not in love with '12 or '13)

 

I wasn't crazy about '11 or '12 either, but I definitely liked this year's a good deal.

 

Mmmmm....vanilla

 

It's in my cellar, and getting distributed to other states outside MI to "spread the love."

 

I can confirm that the 2008 bottle in the picture above was very vanilla forward. Very pleasant. I think it has lots to do with proper storage and having the bottle waxed because I had 2009 and 2010 about a year ago and they were a complete mess.