So let’s play this game. KBS in this area was around $22-$25 and the Hellfighter variety pack is $14. Taking into account quality and price which would you say is the better buy. Not a debate on which beer is better, but which 4 pack is the best overall buy. Disclosure, I’m picking up my Hellfighter variety pack Monday so I can’t weigh in on my own question yet.
hm for the base, it isn't even close in my mind. KBS. But that Mole variant is pretty high on my list now
If you value diversity in the beer market, buying Karbach (or any In-bev product) is like punching yourself in the dick.
Grabbed my Hellfighter pack the other day, and as much as I like the price point, and the beer, if I could only buy 1 4-pack it would be KBS. With that said, if I can find them I’ll buy more variety packs than KBS packs if I see them. I do love the variety idea of same base beer 4 different ways.
I value diversity of a diverse 4-pack. Also wouldn’t true diversity include macro and micro brewers / distributors? (Listen to me, talking about true diversity, like some hipster *********.) If the whole market was micro, then the large micro brewers (Stone, Founders, Firestone Walker, etc.) would be the new macro. So that means death to them. It’s a slippery slope.
If the regionals were successfully pressuring distributors to only push their products, then yes, death to them. It's not a slippery slope. It's a clear line in the sand.
Good topic for discussion. Ill happily spend the extra money for KBS all day long. The Mole variant was great. The regular Hellfighter porter, I dont need. But beyond that, KBS is just a better all-around beer. And Im loving how much is available in our market. Im thinking we're damn close to seeing KBS available year-round as one year sells off right around the time of the next year's release.
As much as I hope you’re right, I don’t see that happening. Although other states are seeing this so why not Texas, right?
Drinking a Mole as I type.... the beer is good and I enjoy the variety, but it's no KBS. ...and you can get KBS at Buc-ee's for $19.49. How times have changed.
I just had an OG Hellfighter, and I really enjoyed it. Had KBS last night and it was good, but maybe a bit more bitter than I prefer. Hellfighter was not as harsh. Might have a mole variant tonight.
First, after having 3 of the 4 Hellfighters (including Mole), I would definitely say KBS is worth the extra $. That being said, getting the Hellfighter variety pack was also worth it to be able to try all 4, but I don't see myself getting it again. While I will certainly be getting another pack(s) of KBS in my life. Second, Founders has a minority sake of 30% owned by Mahou San Miguel Group (Spain) thus they are "no longer a craft brewery, by the Brewers Association definition, as it requires that craft breweries not be more than 25% owned by a macro-brewery." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Founders_Brewing_Company I still by and drink Founders and tend to try and avoid AB or other megas, but some of their acquisitions still make good beer and ultimately thats why I'm buying it. Just don't go believing that KBS proceeds go to the local brew co that knows everyone's name in the neighborhood.
The Horchata Hellfighter is the only one I didn't drain pour. Worst $15 I've spent on beer in a while.
