This is one of a few Founder’s beers that we’ve reviewed on this site, so check out our other reviews here. Kentucky Breakfast Stout is one of many Bourbon beers that has made it’s way to the marketplace recently. (Before I forget, I do want to thank Howard for this bottle of KBS.) Not only does Founders put Bourbon in this particular offering, they put plenty of coffee as well. KBS is rated highly on the Beer Advocate chain of reviews. This is one of those occasions that I’ve got to part ways from Beer Advocate’s collective enthusiasm about a beer. I’ll state in all honesty that sometimes I think it’s apt when coffee is added to a beer, but other times I think it is overbearing; there’s too much in this one.

The Pour: KBS poured with a very black, thick, and brooding presence. There was a brief, dark brown head that quickly dissipated. No matter about the head, though, it’s merely an observation and not a criticism (at least in this case).

The Nose: If ever a beer had coffee in it, this one fit that quality. There was a ton of coffee on the nose, which had a stale quality to it. Bourbon vanillas and caramel also made a full appearance in KBS. The peppery qualities of the oak as well as the smoky char added to the Bourbon qualities.

The Taste: Honestly, I expected more Bourbon than I got. I don’t know if Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout spoiled me on this account or if I just like more Bourbon tastes (being a Bourbon lover). At any rate, I would have welcomed more. A pretty full mouth-feel as well as stale coffee were some of the most perceivable qualities in this Founder’s beer. Alcohol warmth intermingled with the Bourbon caramel, vanilla, peppered oak and smoky char. There was a slight burn end with a pretty dry finish.

Overall, I thought it was still a pretty good beer, even if the coffee was a little over-bearing while the Bourbon was under-bearing. I personally don’t think it holds a candle to Goose Island’s Bourbon County, but I would certainly drink this beer again. I’m also sorry that I wasn’t able to make it to Chumley’s in Broad Ripple to try their Canadian Breakfast Stout, which incorporated Canadian Whiskey and maple syrup. I guess you can’t have it all.

Mike’s Rating:

Overall Satisfaction: ★★★★☆ 

Among other Stouts: ★★★¾☆ 

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The Pour-Red Rye P.A. had a nice reddish-orange body that was very active in the glass. Because of the active body, there was a tall and steady, foam-white head on the beer. It looked pretty clean in the glass.

The Sniff-Being an IPA, this beer had plenty of of citrusy hop aroma on the nose. I noted that a powdery yeast aroma was present, along with some nice malt tones. The malt tones were a nice caramel and roasty touch. Alcohol was also fairly prominent on the nose.

The Taste-When I sipped the beer, there was slight saltiness that came through. Of course, the most prominent quality in the mouth was the very hoppy impression. However, there were some nice roasted caramel malts that popped through very nicely. From the middle of the sip forward, a smoky quality peaked through the beer. Ultimately, it ended in a dry, hoppy finish.

Overall, the beer was way more balanced than a lot of IPAs that I’ve had. I don’t mind the hops, but there has to be a nice, solid malty backbone to an IPA for me to enjoy it. This beer accomplished what I consider to be a balanced approach to an IPA.

Mike’s Rating

Overall Satisfaction: ★★★½☆ 

Among other IPAs: ★★★¾☆ 

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