Founders CBS - Final 2018 Barrel Aged Series release.

Here's where I say that a number of BA Stouts from Central Waters are an example at a price between $14 and $16 a 4-pack, then someone comes back and argues BA scores as if that trumps subjective preferences. Weyerbacher Sunday Morning Stout is another example.

 

Sunday Morning Stout runs about $4/bottle.

 

Haven't had the non variant base in a while, but dragon milk is around 16 per 4 pack. Not really a beer to be compared to the big hitters, but some of the variants have been surprisingly good.

 

These last three+ examples of Central Waters BA Stouts (and variants), Weyerbacher Sunday Morning Stout (and variants), and New Holland Dragon's Milk (and variants) - are not exactly the same as KBS (a frequent counter-argument), nor do they score as high as KBS on average (another argument), but to those that like them as much, they are viable alternatives for less money. KBS is great, but does it justify up to 50% higher price? And regarding the high BA average score, this was likely driven significantly by hype - folks subconsciously scoring higher to feel better about how much effort and money they put into obtaining it. Not bashing KBS (or CBS) but for some folks there are decent lower-price alternatives.

 

BA 4 beans was $14.99/4pack in MD and I would put that up there with all the others mentioned taste-wise in terms of cost per oz

 

Sunday Morning Stout is awesome! Would take that over KBS any day.

 

For almost 1/2 the price? I say, fuck yeah !

 

Hmmm. I like KBS more, but is it 2x better? No. Is it available? Yes it is. Is KBS available? No, it's not. Seems like SMS is a winner here.

 

If they were priced the same, I would still take SMS. It was the first BA beer I experienced (that I remember), so maybe it is just special to me. It has a very distinct flavor, maybe from the coffee or the barrels, that I love.

 

It's been a while , but it's my opinion the few I've tried I found the coffee hit to be substantial. I have a few Kbs which I like better fresh, but I think it mellows with age. I've never sat on SMS I've just drank them.

 

Yeah, it's a little perplexing. The initial drop on release day was swarmed and sold out right away, but I knew to be patient since they always release a second drop. Sure enough, two weeks later, it's a shelf turd across Michigan. But hey, they did what the people wanted, made CBS widely available. Just doesn't taste as rare anymore...

 

I think KBS is outstanding. Also, in the last two years, it's a beer that most people can actually buy, albeit within a limited window of time, which, to me, makes it even more impressive. With that said, I prefer BBA coffee stouts with a bit more coffee presence than KBS, and there are some of those available in my area at a lower price (i.e. Peruvian Morning). This is merely personal preference and not at all a denigration of KBS.

 

anyone seen cbs in ontario yet? i keep watching for it on the lcbo website but nothing yet

 

A friend in Toronto picked me up two four packs last week. Glad to see they got the 12oz bottles! Plus the USD to CAD conversion to boot made it nice as well, price wise.

 

When CBS hits next year in reasonably priced 12oz bottles I think people are going to empty their wallets and it won't be around long. That will tell us if its sitting now due to rarity or cost. I happen to think its the latter.

 

I'm drinking it now and I can see what all the fuss is aboot. Marvelous!!

 

2018 KBS was amazing, coffee bomb. And affordable, readily available. But the coffee did fade fast. I recently had couple 4 paks 2016 FIS and was off the charts good, perfectly aged at that point. Then I had 2013 FIS and was, obviously, well past its prime. Testament to even the brewer says, drink fresh ... all that being said, i sampled the latest CBS was boring, at best. Maybe I need a pint? Regardless, my $30 will buy 3 of the incredible 2018 Willetized release that is literally blowing everything else away these days ... my stupid point is drink what impresses you, when you can afford it. Merry Christmas.

 

I have a 4 pack of 2016 FIS collecting dust. Now, in your opinion, is the time to dig in?

 

yes. don't let it go too long ...

 

I had to limit myself to five bombers of it this year due to cost. If it comes out in 12oz and is no more than $25 a 4-pack, I'd buy a case of it. I'd like to be able to drink through my stock in doses smaller than a bomber.