Boston Advocates Rejoice!

Keg was in terrible shape. I'm curious how old it was as all the bourbon charactertics were non-existent.

 

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that this keg of KBS is just BS.

 

Unless they've been sitting on a keg since March, you are just drinking normal BS, which is in the process of being released. Hope you guys didn't pay too much for it

 

Fortunately, I just asked for a sample. It definitely tasted like a stale FBS. If true . . . Way to dupe your customers Five Horses.

 

For what it's worth, Lord Hobo had KBS on two months ago, so it's entirely possible they've been sitting on it. Bold accusation to suggest they're misrepresenting what's on draft.

 

The Saloon in the 'ville had FBS on tap last Thursday night so, I'm guessing there was just a misunderstanding by the staff at Five Horses about the keg they have on hand.

 

Not when it doesn't taste like what it's suppose to be.

 

I've heard this exact story happen in other bars. People misread the label.

 

Per Five Horses FB page, posted 8/23:
...And in case that isn't enough to tickle your fancy we have a barrel of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout waiting to come on as well!

Don't promote something for almost 2 weeks if you're completely clueless.

 

And Lord Hobo sat on that leg since they received it in March. There is no plausible way they *just* received a keg
of KBS when the Breakfast Stout kegs are just rolling out.

 

Can you honestly be surprised about this when you know Bukowski refugees run this place? Made the mistake of going to 5H this summer. 1 overpriced foamy beer served by a terrible barkeep was enough. Will never return.

 

So how much$/size was the pour?

 

Did you mention anything to them? What did they say? If it was a mislabeling as some have suggested, it would be a good thing to know.

The reason I questioned it in the first place is that, having had KBS both bottle and draft, I've never picked up a strong bourbon character. I had a similar reaction to you when I ordered one at Cambridge Common a couple years ago. They had FBS on as well and there was definitely a difference. I generally find KBS to be richer, a little sweeter and with vanilla notes from the barrel, but not a strong bourbon flavor.

Not to say this barrel wasn't mislabeled or improperly stored, but it wouldn't be uncommon for them to have it. I see one-off and limited release stuff in their frequently and it's entirely possible they had one cellared or somehow acquired it.

 

I'm not surprised. I used to think Redbones prices were becoming out of whack when Foundry moved in. One night I went straight from Redbones to Five Horse and the prices were HIGHER for the same two drafts I had just ordered across the street. I avoid Foundry, Saloon, and Five Horse (Five Horses' prices are the worst) because it's outrageous what they charge for beer. And this is in comparison to Cambridge and Boston. One of the places that can compare to the Davis Square trio is Bukowski's in Cambridge, haven't been to the Boston location in quite some time.

 

re: Davis Square, is Flatbread still reasonable on draft beer prices? I don't enjoy their hyper-local draft beer policy (are all the wines they serve from the Northeast US???) and am an infrequent visitor but any port in a storm. Pretty soon I'll be queuing up at Mike's for a freakin' Harpoon...

Also what about CCommon and Christophers? Not Davis Sq. but general area, both were fair a few years back.

 

I've been to Flatbread earlier this year. Their draft prices are insanely cheap. $4.75 to $5.75, at least when I was there a few months ago. Mike's also is a go-to for cheap beer in Davis.

I was also at Cambridge Common two weeks ago, the most expensive draft was $6, Harpoon was actually $4. The cask was $7 I believe. However, this was the night after the Local Tap Takeover, so all beers were local. But yes, Cambridge Common is another go-to spot for cheaper craft beer. Haven't been to Christopher's in about a year, their draft list is mediocre so I don't go there often.

There's no need for the pricing to be what it is at these "gastro pub" Davis bars. You can swing by Cambridge Common, Atwood's, Green Street............even right in Davis at Flatbread...........and see that pricing can be reasonable. If I'm handing the bartender $10 for a draft, and only getting back a dollar or two after tip, then I'm not going to be drinking at your establishment for very long. And most likely, I won't be returning.

 

Contacted them via their FB page. Have yet to get a response.

I still think they had the wrong keg.
Regardless, the brunch there was decent. Don't think I'd return for the beer though.

 

PJ Ryans is right down the street from Davis Sq. They have a great tap line up and very reasonable prices. Less than $6 for a pint of Lagunitas, Southern Tier, Harpoon 100 Barrel, etc. Nice pub feel but not overdone like the Burren.

No reason to go to most of the other overpriced places in Davis.