KBS Week 2017

Also consider that there is availability at some Michigan Costco locations for $15.99 for a Bomber. Another big savings from the forced purchase from the ticketed release.

 

And even at that reduced price they don't make sense (equal to $33/4pack). Founder's needs to drop the bomber altogether; if they can put some of it in 12oz bottles they can put all of it in 12oz bottles. I visited both the GR and Detroit pubs last week, but didn't bother with a ticket. Enjoyed '16, '17, and CBS on tap in GR Friday, '18 in Detroit Saturday. Bought '18 bottles at Meijer on Monday.

As an aside, KBS has never been a staple beer for me. I am not a coffee drinker at all so have never been a huge fan of straight up coffee beers. The past few years I've bought a pack or maybe two of KBS and been ok with that. However, I'm finding '18 to hit the spot like past years haven't. So either it fits my taste better (lighter on coffee??) or my tastes are changing. After having it on tap Saturday, I ended up buying 4 packs.

 

Always wondered what vanilla or coconut would add to the KBS game. Would CBS be a part of that or is its own thing?

 

You Illinois folk sure love you some vanilla and coconut.

 

When done well its tasty as all getout. See Benthic for source.

 

KBS variant(s) might be a reality soon enough. They sent a survey out to the Cadre last month asking if there was a KBS variant, would you want marshmallow or cayenne? So it's not a stretch that they are discussing it...

 

No blueberry though. What could go wrong?

 

They do cayenne or marshmallow cayenne.

 

I have to think people picked marshmallow about 10:1 over cayenne.

 

I’m holding out for Vanilla Coconut Marshmallow - for when 1 or even 2 adjuncts aren’t enough.

 

This thread has inspired me to make my own vanilla and toasted coconut KBS. Did a cinnamon toasted coconut BCBS recently that turned out well.

As far as some of the comments about ticket price, remember that it can be worth paying a premium to avoid the hassle of running around. I suppose those of you on the west side have no problem, but the east side sells out fast and you better be on your game and willing to cut out of work if you want a case + 2 bombers.

 

Exactly this, I don't have time to drive all over the place buying 1 bottle here, 1 4-pack there, it was so much easier to just go to the Detroit taproom and walk in an out with a case. Not to mention the stores on the east side that try to charge $10 a bottle.

 

True. Everyone's mileage may vary in this regard. I guess I was speaking for someone local to Grand Rapids taproom and I'm spoiled by all of the stores around us that will have a lot of it. I am also fine with just a couple of 4 packs and don't necessarily need a full allotment.

 

I live in GR and I still love the convenience of just being able to go pick it up at the brewery without any stress. We go most Wednesdays anyway for mug club night, so I didn't even have to make an extra trip out of my way to pick up my allotment. The bag this year was a nice touch too. To me that's worth a few extra dollars.
That said, I wouldn't be upset if a variant showed up in my bag next year.

 

Looking for some in the Detroit area. I was hoping to just stumble upon some but that didn’t work out as planned.

 

Keep an eye out for the next few weeks. There will be another drop.

 

My store, MegaBev in Battle Creek, got 5 more cases on Wednesday, so round two has started.

 

Opened a bottle of this years release last night. It think it is fantastic. Easily the best beer I’ve had this year. The coffee, chocolate, bourbon flavors are so well balanced.

I’m done cellaring KBS. I only bought two bottles for myself this year. I still have some from last year that I need to drink before buying more.

 

KBS has never gotten 'better' with aging, to me at least. I always thought that beer was best when drank as fresh as possible.

 

Agreed. I like it best fresh. Although, I will say that there is a sweet spot in the 6-8 month range where it is still pretty great. I drank a 2016 I still had a few weeks back. Long past it's prime IMO.