KBS in NJ

I like those guys and love that I can practically walk there, but those dudes can be shady at times too.

 

Has Stew improved at all lately? It really went downhill when Dan left.

 

A friend of mine picked up two 12 oz singles (the limit) for $5.99 each at Middletown Bottle King yesterday around 4pm. I'm not sure if it would still be around today, but there's always a chance.

 

I'll check in again soon.

 

I have a love-hate relationship with that place (I'm also a local), so much so that I no longer give them my business. There have been one too many times I've told them about a special upcoming release they don't know about; then a week or two later I'm lucky if he even sells one to me even though I can see with my own eyes he's got a decent stock of it sitting in that side room. They horde their own stock for themselves! It seems they take care of themselves first when it comes to special releases, which doesn't seem to be case with other places I shop. It's a weird vibe in there...

 

I just picked up 2 from Middletown Bottle King

 

This sums it up. I stop in periodically, as you can find limited releases really late. I once found Backwoods Bastard there like a month after it came out. Had similar finds there, too. Just be careful with IPAs, they have 2 year old IPAs on the shelves.

 

It's about the same. I really liked Dan, always a good conversation, and he converted me on sours, or got me on the right path, at least.

 

Could be. There are so many great bourbon/coffee/chocolate stouts now, that KBS isn't all that special. SMS is close, and I think Big Bad Baptist is better. SMS is still available, and BBB periodically appears, so no need to chase. I vowed not to chase, but I was home the day it came out, and hit 3 stores nearby. Canal's Woodbridge sent a link to buy online, but I passed.

 

Looks like my chasing ends at 3 singles and 1 750. Good enough and didn't have to look too hard. Seems no matter the price this still moved quick

 

Got a 750 at 21.99 and a 4pk at 21.99. I'll take it. Could have gotten more but I am not greedy.

 

For those that mentioned Park Liquor in Scotch Plains, they told me they only had the 750 at $25

 

Bottle King in Morris Plains has bottles for $6 a piece, limit 2.

 

Anyone's feelings on this year's KBS versus Weyerbacher's SMS?

 

They're close. I thought '15 SMS was a little dropoff in quality from the previous year, but this year's is on point again. Not quite as balanced as KBS, but if you prefer the stronger flavors traditionally in that style then SMS is probably a tad better. There are times when I would prefer the more subtle blend KBS has going on but, the fact that it's only $14 or so for a 4pack of SMS is what puts it over the edge, for me.

 

This. I have always had a special place in my heart for KBS since it was the first WHALEZ I managed to get my hands on.. and I loved it! Definitely still a great beer and I enjoyed it thoroughly, but the price vs what I got SMS for (and how I EASILY found SMS and had to kinda chase KBS) may have tipped it for me this year.. I'll still buy it next year but the chase has to stop! Still found myself buying an overpriced bottle just in case I dont see it again.. NAH! Self control damn it haha

 

snagged one at bottle king in wayne last night. 5.99 one pp.

 

I think I'll hit them up tonight and see if they have any more. I usually hit up Gary's for Boat and drive past the Bottle King on the way home and I'm fresh out of Boat.

 

Just had a '17 KBS and now a '17 SMS. Gotta admit they are very similar but the SMS is notably hot at the end and I feel thinner. Both damn fine beers

 

For the SNJ folks, I helped a friend pack up his house he sold in Avalon today and we ran to the liquor store for boxes and they had 4pks and 750s in the cooler. Cashier said they got one case.