KBS

I've never had a problem getting 4 packs before this year, and I doubt he popularity of KBS could get any wider than it is. The distributors were saying they received a lot less this year than in past years. For a big city 48 bottles only goes so far. I didn't say Founders did anything wrong, just that the production on their limited releases seen to be getting smaller and it's disappointing. If it's a legal thing then it is what it is, if they have the ability to produce more they're leaving a lot of money on the table. Same from FBS and backwoods bastard, last year BB was in the cooler for weeks, Bestway had plenty, this year a dribble by comparison. Could be Founders could be individual in state distributors, I don't know, but the volume has decreased a lot in a year.

 

Bacwoods sat on the shelf at Total Wine until well in December. I bought the last 8 bottles. FBS is still sitting around at Sams, Carrboro Bev Co, TJs Beverage, and many others.

 

It's interesting stuff for sure. Living about 15mins from the brewery, these situations are new to me at least with Founders. All I can say is that craft beer is exploding these days, and what you are seeing in the stores could be a direct representation of that. Here, I fight to be able to find the Dogfish Head that I love and would love to find some of their year round brews. But they only send a few things our way... But what I can find I'm happy with.

 

yea down here in NC, we get nowhere close to the amount of KBS and Hopslam we can get. Seriously, The first round of Hopslam was in a lottery like everywhere. KBS was in the same boat everywhere except Total Wine. Everyhere.

 

Maybe they should just put it in bombers and sell it for $20/bottle in a brewery only release that you have to buy tickets for to attend. That seems to be an option that is growing in popularity. As thin as the beer is spread, at least it is spread, giving everyone in their distribution a chance at it without having to trade whales or fly across the country. And, as someone else said, there is going to be 3x the amount of KBS next year.

To the OP: I was not able to get nearly as much this year as last, but I saved several bottles from last year because the beer is phenomenal with a year on it. A friend and I did a side-by-side just last night with a 2011 and 2012, and while both are A+ beers, I very slightly prefer the year-old. It's smoother, creamier, and with loads of dark chocolate flavors and a more mellow bourbon. The coffee is still quite present, though, which is amazing since most year-old coffee stouts suck.

 

FBS was wiped out in about a week or so, BB wasn't around long either, I missed it completely, didn't know it was released. If I went Durham way I'd be sure to grab the FBS, I called Sams about the BB but it was long gone. What's next coming out that's good? Lindley Park, Event Horizion this summer.

 

If they do Lindley Park thats like October and Event Horizon is soon after Thanksgiving. The next biggie is BA Sexual Chocolate, but thats brewery only.