KBS Week 2017

Has there been a line at Binny's LP in past years? Was hoping to stroll up around open but don't want to wait in line.

 

Do you know what Jewel locations?

 

Yes, there has been a line the last two years, but you could show up at the time of sale and still be fine getting a 4-pack. But, you would have to wait in the line to get in, which wasn't too bad.

 

Google is your friend.

 

So is BA!

 

Founders says "released nationally 4/1". Does that mean it's going to be available everywhere on 4/1 like BCBS is on Black Friday or is that just the release from the brewery to distributors and there is still going to be the typical one-two week delay?

 

This hit today in Champaign-Urbana. Originally we were told today, then we were told next week because the distributor was intentionally holding it back until Monday. So a few of the stores in the area complained to the distro corporate, and poof, they got theirs in last night we had it for release today. Binny's was doing two 12 oz or 1 bomber per person. Tucks was allowing a much bigger allotment and sold out pretty quick because of it. I missed out on a bomber, but I'm good with that as I prefer the 12 oz bottles anyways. Looking forward to popping one open later tonight!

 

My buddy in the Valpo area said the stores he checked with today said next week.

 

Did not see a 2018 thread and since my question is pretty general for GR locals figured it would do fine here instead of a whole new thread from a non-local.

I will be in GR during KBS Week. I'm sure I could grab a pour from Founders but assuming that will be quite busy each day my questions are will only the locations listed on the tappings calendar on the kbsweek site be thge only spots to find it or can it be found elsewhere in town as well? Also, are the places tapping just going to have it on for the day it's tapped or will they keep it on throughout the week or until the keg(s) kick? I will be getting into town on the Mar. 7th but not sure about hanging out until 7pm or 8:30pm to snag a pour at the locations tapping that day plus I'm guessing it will be crazy busy. Will the locations tapping on Monday & Tues still have KBS on so long as the keg has not kicked. With how much is produced these days I would assume it will be flowing throughout the week but not sure if taps were pulled so to draw more business to the locations tapping it on each specific day.

Final question....will bottles be easily found outside of the brewery at shops around GR during that week as well? For example, could I easily head to a local shop and grab a 4pk or 750ml sometime during the week?

TIA!

 

No. KBS week always predates the release by a couple weeks. The brewery is the only place to get bottles that week. This year, KBS isn't released outside the brewery until March 30.

 

Traditionally KBS is not available on tap at Founders through the week. The site says taproom release party is Saturday March 10. Speculation, but I'm thinking the only places to get it on tap that week are the one's shown on the calendar. I just looked and interesting there is nothing shown for Friday in Grand Rapids.

 

It's not speculation, it is correct. KBS is not available on draft at Founders until the last day of KBS week. The places listed are the only places to get it during the week. They spread the support around to the local businesses.

 

Thanks for the info! Not going up specifically for KBS Week...Just happens I'm in town that week this year. @toastjeff Shall I assume that the places tapping on Mon & Tues may still have it available when I get into town on Wed and throughout the week until their allotment kicks? if not then I guess I may try to hit up the locations tapping on Wed & Thurs before I leave town on Fri.

 

What I've read here in the past is that each bar doesn't get a super large amount, so it doesn't last multiple days. That said each year is different, and production has really increased over the years. It's definitely worth calling around to the bars when you get into town.

 

Thanks. I figured the initial roll out week places would get a a small amount and when it runs out then it's gone. I will be there for at least 2 nights and have a car so should be easy enough to track down. Just gauging how crazy it gets during KBS Week.

 

What I remember from two years ago was that A) as others said, Founders will not have KBS until Saturday and B) I seem to remember reading that the other places around town get one keg each. Since it's essentially an exclusive window with the timed tappings, it usually doesn't last through the night. I went up on a Saturday tho, so what I'm saying about item B is only based on reports and reading, not experience. The line to get in Founders on Saturday was nuts tho, so I bummed around other places seeing what downtown GR had to offer, and still had a great time. Good luck!

 

So we're less than a week away. What's the deal? Is everyone crying about the lack of scarcity? I'm psyched as fuck to get back up to Grand Rapids and see a bunch of cool breweries/cider makers beside just Founder. I might not even hang out at the tap room this year. So much new stuff to see.

 

Did tickets ever sell out?

 

Yes.

 

It's normally quite crazy during the week at those locations that have it tapped & generally will sell out within a couple of hours. That said this is the first year that Detroit Founders is open & having events in that area may help keep the traffic lower than previous years