Where did all the KBS go?

Nah not really.

But, on the bright side, that's what makes it kinda great. It's a big beer that's extremely drinkable. Those are hard to come by. More bourbon heat might improve it, yes, but then it would become a sipper like BCBS.

 

I know what a bourbon barrel-aged stout tastes like, especially BCBS. But maybe you're saying there isn't bourbon heat, in which case I do agree with you. I mean to say that the barrel kicking me in the face as in there are tons of oak and vanilla creaminess that is almost overwhelming the other flavours, e.g. coffee, cocoa which just start to show up when the beer is approaching some resemblance of room temperature. Otherwise, I'd seriously begin to wonder if Madison and Chicagoland got different batches of KBS.

 

In years past, I was fortunate enough to snag a case or two of KBS from the brewery and various and sundry stores in SE Michigan. This year, I have a total of a 4pk...and not from the brewery or from the stores including those I've spent a fortune at, but rather I got it from a great BA and friend. The strange thing is that I think I'm good with it as I have more than enough delicious BA stouts to drink and can occasionally have a KBS as this year passes until we can all chime in again here in about a year regarding next year's yield and distribution. Yes, the times they are a changing...or maybe not?

 

I called my usual places this year and only one said they were getting only a case and their allocation was reduced this year. I'm on facebook pages for others and the per person allocation was two bottles at most, most likely gone in 30 minutes or so. Also one place on saturday that is doing a one bottle per person allocation, too far for me to drive for one bottle.

I also passed on a bottle yesterday for 8 dollars!!!
Funders has spread themselves too thin and needs to reign it back in....every account doesn't need KBS...its a special beer.


Last year I had not issue getting a 4 pack and even got ahold of two more bottles. This year I realized there wasn't any hope of getting any. I'm hoping I can work out a trade for some but Im not holding my breath on that either.


Basically I don't know this whole thing seems like a debacle to me. I'm tired of chasing, its too much effort for too little reward. I'm not running all over the state to maybe scratch together an overpriced 4 pack. its not worth it anymore. My one chance was the taproom release but we all know how well that went. Also yes about the tickets, thats a lame excuse about why they didn't check the names.

iregardless I'm over the whole KBS chasing thing. It sucks, its really one of my absolute favorite beers.

Oh well at least Freedom of 78 will be out soon....and Ill actually be able to find that.....

 

"Funders has spread themselves too thin and needs to reign it back in....every account doesn't need KBS...its a special beer." Given the sentiment of your post, and most of this thread, theres a touch of irony in that quote

also, its "regardless"

I offered an easy trade to some other guy in this thread, if he doesnt respond soon, ill open it to you, Loki.

 

Yeah thats what I get for multitasking and not proofreading my post. Thanks for keeping me in mind at least. I appreciate that. I just started a thread in the FT section too so I'll see if that gets any bites too.

 

No joke. I completely agree. There is hardly any bourbon, or vanilla in my opinion. I could have bought FBS and been just as happy at $10 less per four pack.

 

So in reviewing the 17 KBS threads in the general forum and GL forum, plus the recent reviews; I have concluded that, while not everyone in the great lakes area who received KBS, but only those in the great lakes area who received KBS, dont like the beer this year.

for whatever the hell that is worth.

 

FTFY

 

From my perspective, it is much harder to get KBS this year in SE Michigan (metro Detroit). I was very easily able to get a decent amount last year, but have only one bottle to show for hours of effort and driving all over SE Michigan this year. Also, from what conversations I have had, it does seem like the allocations were less per store this year. I'm not on the founders hate wagon though, and they will most likely always be my favorite brewery. Good for them becoming so successful and expanding making money hand over fist.

Texas, I'm happy you are part of the Founders distribution footprint! Isn't a true BA one to spread the craft beer message to the world and to the massed? Its something that we are all passionate about and we should have the want and drive to convert the masses one beer drinker at a time. Michigan is one of the best craft beer states on the nation, and the more our delicious ale gets out to other states the better for all of us. Revive the Michigan economy be becoming the "great beer state"! Wouldn't that be amazing. Maybe by the time our sons and daughters take over the reigns, the state of Michigan's great rivers and lakes will be flowing with the best craft beer the world has ever tasted!

Oh, I'm jumping on the blonde bandwagon, and hoping only the first wave of KBS hit, and there will be a great big surprise next week!

Celebrate Michigan Beer!

 

With all of the Shiner Bock in Texas they need KBS.

 

KBS is a myth, every year Founder's releases shelf beer under the guise that they are releasing a "limited" barrel aged imperial stout so people like us drive from beer store to beer store buying up all the good craft beer while asking the cashier "do you have any KBS." They reply with something like "no" or "we just ran out" and we buy many, many other awesome options now available everyday across the country. It's an eye opener really. So many good brews out there and a few days a year we all chase a ghost...funny when you think about it.

 

I can't stare at a draft pour in my basement bro.

 

Our allocation was more than double of last year.

 

I can speak for NW Indiana. Chalet Party Shoppe (with 7 stores) got 8 cases in Elkhart county. City Wide locations in St. Joe County got a few cases. Limit at Chalet was 2 bottles per person, and all bottles were basically spoken for before they even made it to the stores. As far as I know at this moment, none sitting on any shelves anywhere in NW IN.

 

Since when is St Joe and Elkhart County NW Indiana?

***edit*** NoWhere Indiana

 

I used to be able to get a couple 4 packs a couple years ago, last year 1 four pack and this year 1 bottle from my local liquor store- they just don't get as much anymore. It is what it is. I guess I have to look at the bright side I still get a bottle- while there are many out there that can't even get one..... Frustrating-yes- but reality.

 

Off topic but Cavalier sucks as a distributor!

 

I can speak for true NWI (Lake and Porter County); shops I frequent all got at least 3 cases and sold 4 packs from $19.99 to $23.49. Some are still holding onto it for raffles and such, but most places you had to either be on a list or right place/right time...standard procedure around these parts.