Founders Brewing Company CBS (2017 Release) American Double / Imperial Stout at 11.7% ABV | 35 IBU (C$7.99 at Oak & Vine, 330 ml, packaged on 27-Oct-2017, acquired 19-Jul-2018, reviewed 15-Nov-2018)
Appearance: opaque black with no relief, one fat finger of rocky beige head, good retention and moderate spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: bourbon, dark chocolate, coffee, oak, maple syrup, dark fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, off-dry bitter warming finish. (4/5)
I figured this was an appropriate primer before going to the Canadiens game tonight, especially since it’s the last year for the Mountie on the label. For all that, though, I don’t think it’s as good as this year’s KBS. Visually, the head doesn’t retain as well, and the lacing is much less well defined. The absolute sweetness probably isn’t much different than KBS, which is just as well because there’s very little of the promised maple flavour, but it feels relatively sweeter because of the lower bitterness. Finally, and possibly worst of all (though, you understand, “worst” is relative here) the carbonation is a tad high, making the body feel slightly thinner than a beast of this stature should be. All minor quibbles taken individually, but enough to knock this down a fair bit by comparison to KBS. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
