Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Founders Brewing Company

Grand Rapids, Michigan

American Imperial Stout

10.2% ABV

BA: A+

RB: 100(99)

Tasted in a Chimay goblet at The Copper Mine Pub

     Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout is one of the hardest to find annually produced beers in the country, and after finally tasting it I know why.  This was absolutely one of the best beers I've ever had.  I don't want to rank it against beers of any other style because thats comparing apples to oranges and that's just not fair.  It is one of the best ever and so far the best stout I've had(Dogfish Head Bitches Brew was also excellent).  The Copper Mine featured this beer as a special tap for their annual Christmas party, which was delayed by a few days due to our massive snowstorm.  It was only fair to give everyone a chance to come down and try it.  So on a chilly Thursday evening in December, Vito and Matt began pouring just before 7pm and as soon as 7 came they began serving.  KBS poured a very dark, deep, creamy brown with very little head, and even less by the time it was passed out to the ravenous patrons.  It has a strong bourbon/coffee/chocolate smell with a little vanilla in there just for fun and the wood was also evident.  This beer is aged in a cave in bourbon oak barrels and that is quite noticeable.  The taste is almost indescribable.  I wanted to drink it and then pour in a lake and freeze it for the winter then take it out in huge blocks and thaw it in the spring and drink it again.  But seriously there was so much coffee and chocolate that I could swear I was drinking a cocktail of Kahlua and Bailey's mixed with a little beer and a dash of oak aged bourbon.  This beer is a rock solid 5 out of 5 pints with a shot of bourbon to just show that its too good to be rated.  If you see this on a shelf at a store, BUY IT.  If you see it on tap at a bar, DRINK IT!!!!!!!!

13 Beers of Festivus Day 6: Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard

Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale
Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, CA
American Strong Ale
7.2% ABV
IBU: Classified
BA: A-
RB: 99(96 style)
Consumed at home, purchased at Buy Rite, Jersey City(I think it was like $4 for a single)

    So let me again apologize for lateness, but we're going to catch up and be on track tonight.  Second I have to tell you that you're not worthy of drinking this beer.  The label clearly tells you so.  So if you can get past that fact then you'll have the pleasure of tasting a really good beer.  Arrogant Bastard is a very hoppy bitter ale brewed by Stone.  Oaked Arrogant Bastard is that same beer aged with oak chips floating in it.  If you're not sure what oak tastes like then go lick a tree because the oak flavor is clear in this beer.  The same spicy chinook hops flavor comes through as dominant in the oaked variety, but there's a little something extra in the flavor.  OAK.  The thick creamy head dissipates a little but stays around through the entire drinking process.  The smell is that of unfinished wood furniture.  This is a man's beer.  This beer is not for rookies and I recommend tasting Arrogant Bastard prior to Oaked Arrogant Bastard.  There are also two more Bastard varieties; Double Bastard and Lukcy Bastard(spelled correctly), which is a blend of the previous three Bastards( and another beer in my cellar).  That having been said, when you're ready for the bitterness and the cost of this beer, I highly recommend Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale.  This is a clear 5 out of 5 pints and I hope you all have the chance to taste it one day.  It is a year-round permanent brew so no need to wait for the right season.  If you're an advanced craft beer drinker, then go track one of these down and give it a try.  Happy Festivus to all and check back shortly for Josh's review to catch us back up to where we should be.