Ranking Founder's BSs

This answer is correct EXCEPT.... I’ve never had Maple Mackinac Fudge, do my personal rankings would have that one last with an *.

 

This answer is correct, for me. I've had it, and it comes in as my #1 Founders Breakfast Stout, though only my 12th favorite beer overall.

 

I have very limited experience with CBS. What distinguishes 2016 from later years (e.g., 2017, 2018, 2019)? Is there a continuing trend here from 2017 to 2019?

I was a BIG fan of the 2019 CBS.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/new-beer-sunday-week-770.627547/#post-6707902

Cheers!

 

I'm not certain if anything changed necessary in terms of production. And my review note was wrong, it was the 2017 CBS release (I'm not sure there was a 2016 release).

The beer from my original rating was via draft on 1/7/18 (my original note of 1/8/17 was a typo). The primary difference I found between this version and 2018 and 2019 was a loss of complexity in flavor. I had a wonderful blend of coffee, maple and bourbon, great balance in the original rated beer. My 2018 bottle was disappointing, with the coffee and maple very light. It wasn't a bad beer by any means, but the anticipated bold flavors experienced the previous year was much lighter than expected. Not sure if it was bottle vs. draft or another reason.

I had the opposite experience last week, drinking St Bernardus ABT 12 on draft. A Top 25 beer for me, the draft version fell well short. I let it warm up to near room temperature hoping to conjure the complexity of taste, but it never arrived. I would try it again at the brewery, but will only purchase bottles here at this point.

Here is my link to my 2017 CBS cellar review from April. The draft flavors noted faded, but wasn't surprised and I still enjoyed the bomber. A few days later, I had my lone Lizard of Koz cellar bottle (drank my original also on draft), and also posted a cellar review. Was still cold in Chicago and we were just finishing month 1 of the lockdown, so perhaps I was getting stir crazy to pull out two bombers during the same week.

I haven't even touched my 2019 four pack, but will try at least one before year end, and hopefully the rest will hold up through the winter.

 

Haven't had the Mackinac yet, hope to pick up some on Friday. The other versions are so close ratings wise I doubt I could pick out a favorite.

 

Zid for prez. I’m writing you in.

 

"Unique" is a kind way to describe it! Lol

 

I never thought anyone would look back so fondly on LOK or Blushing Monk. The latter should maybe be credited as the godfather of the fruit smoothie beer. IIRC it was literally raspberry juice.

 

A surefire way to have your vote not count.

 

1: Mackinac - this might be my favorite all around stout of 2020, especially when price/value is considered (it's selling for $20/4pk here). It reminds me of a mocha. I love the the heavy fudge lead, with enough barrel and coffee character to give it depth and balance. I'm glad that the maple stays in the background.
2: Espresso - the batch from early 2020 was stellar. Thought it was every bit as good as the 2019 coffee BCBS. This Fall's release is very good but didn't quite recapture that magic.
3: KBS - I never got to try the older releases when they were fresh. I enjoyed a 2018 earlier this year, but I enjoy the fresh 2020 more.
4: BS - it's pretty much the perfect non-BA coffee stout. It might rank higher than KBS if it were in the 10% range, but I don't want it to be that high. It's perfect as is, even if it means a 4th place in this list.
5: CBS - maple in stouts is tough for me. It's almost always too sweet for my tastes.

 

I love the Imperial Stout, especially after 1+ year in the cellar. This was my intro into the imperial stout category back around 2013. Will always have a soft spot for it

 

Ther are several excellent Fruit and Field beers, of which Blushing Monk and Wisconsin Belgian Red by NG are my two favorites. They both have a complexity that perhaps weren’t noted or appreciated on your end. NG Serendipity and Founders Rubaeus are two others I like. These are top rated Fruit and Field beers here with thousands of ratings, so I don’t believe my enjoyment of these are unique, at least to those who enjoy and this style of beer.

In regards to LOK, I do understand it is polarizing, similar to GI Northwoods. Perhaps my love of fruits including blueberries adds to my enjoyment of these beers.

On the opposite spectrum, I don’t seek out many pastry stouts, or like many juice box sweet NEIPAs, lactose infused milkshake IPAs. I wouldn’t consider buying a beer slushy or ice cream cone from 450 North or Mikerphone. I understand many people do love / seek out / pay a premium for these offerings, many of which sell out instantly at high prices. I don’t begrudge them, to each their own.

 

Would drink.