MI Beer Spotlight: Founders Kentucky Breakfast
June 12, 2008
“Now Apu, Mrs. Simpson claims that she ‘forgot’ that bottle of… delicious… bourbon. Brownest of the brown liquors… so tempting. [Holds the bottle to his ear and whispers] What’s that? You want me to drink you? But I’m in the middle of a trial! [puts it down] Excuse me.”
- Lionel Hutz, The Simpsons
I was trying to avoid featuring two beers from the same brewery in a row. My excuse for breaking this rule is that I 
have only one of this beer and I want to drink it now. I just got FKB from Rob last week and I can’t wait any longer to open it up!
Kentucky Breakfast is recognized as one of the top beers in the world. It is made right here in our state. This beer is one of the reasons why Michigan is quickly getting the reputation as a “Great Beer State”.
Beer: Founder’s Kentucky Breakfast
Brewery: Founder’s, Grand Rapids, MI
Availability: Quarterly (limited production, pre-order only)
Style: 22C Wood Aged Beer
Beer Advocate Rating: A+, This beer is ranked #6 in the world according to BA.
ABV: 10% IBU: 25
Serving Temperature:42 degrees Fahrenheit according to Founder’s website. I think you can serve this up to 50 degrees.
Food Pairing: This is a great beer to eat with cheese. BA recommends more of a buttery cheese. That is not my style, I would put a burger made of ground sirloin on the grill and finish it with Gouda, kalamata olives, and caramelized onions with a little steak sauce. Really, it would be awesome with any grilled meat. Sarah and I made a dish last year which consisted of sliced venison encrusted with cracked peppercorn and then pan fried with a chili/beer dipping sauce. That meal and this beer would be an awesome combination.
Appearance: The body is black with a halo of light brown head. An island of carbonation lingers in the center. As I twirl it I can see the legs cling to the glass – a visual representation of the ABV that I am about to imbibe.
Aroma: Right away the scent of bourbon hits you. Yet, there are hints of coffee and vanilla. (They don’t call this beer Kentucky Breakfast for nothing.)
Taste and Mouthfeel: I think the sign of any great oak aged high alcohol beer is that you feel the alcohol but you don’t taste the alcohol. This what this beer has. The bourbon flavor is unmistakable with a slight under current of coffee. Some fruity flavors and vanilla come through closer to the finish. I’m getting a strong bourbon taste through the finish. The mouthfeel is heavy and lulls your tastebuds into a relaxation with little or no carbonation. The beer also stays in your mouth letting you taste it for an extended period. That is what you want out of a sipping beer. Once the flavor leaves, you will know that it is time for another sip.
Overall Impression: What can you say about one of the world’s great beers? You know what you are going to drink so the anticipation can cause you to feel disappointment. Not here. It is an outstanding representation of this style. It has the taste and aroma of the oak aged bourbon, and yet it doesn’t overwhelm the stout flavors.
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June 12th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I like this beer with chocolate. It can stand up to some pretty bold flavors so this would be a good beer to play around with as far as food pairings go.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Seeing that it’s not actually from Kentucky, I suspect that Lionel Hutz would find it to be the most blatant case of fraudulent advertising since his case against The Neverending Story. That being said, I’ve yet to bust open my bottle of KBS, but this post may be the kick in the rear that I need to finally give it a try.
June 13th, 2008 at 6:23 am
My mouth is watering now.. I have two stashed away deep in the closet. I think after reading this, I’m going to have to dig one out for the weekend.
June 13th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
You say “pre-order only” but I found a few bottles in a local beer retailer. I’m not going to say which one until after I check whether they’ve got any left.
But it is in downtown Ann Arbor and used to feature drive-through beer sales.
June 13th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Spencer, it is good you didn’t mention that stores name. This way no one will know what place you are talking about and whether they have ample parking right across the street.
Very good Russ, anytime someone can quote The Simpsons that reply will entertain me. You do need to get it out and try it.
Thanks for the suggestion Brian. I was having a hard time picturing that KBS with a dessert but I trust your opinion 100% on this. Next time, I will give it a try.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
KBS was the hit of the Michigan Winter Beer Festival and my personal favorite for the day. I have six bottles left in my basement and will save for a special event, like when a bunch of friends come over and we start sampling beers . . . or I get thirsty . . . which ever comes first!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Why the limited production? Kentucky Breakfast is a great tasting beer but the limited availability is a big turn off, it has the appearance of trying be a little snobby.