It has been a while since I last reviewed a KBS, 2011 to be exact. For the past two years it has been pretty good, prior to that I think it may have taken a bit of a dip for a year or two. I was excited to try this years. I have heard that on tap last year, and this year, that it was a little off. However last years bottle was good, and that would be what I would be sampling from this year as well.Moving to Georgia meant loosing years of beer buying status with my local beer guy. I had hoped that I had established a good enough relationship with Vince at Habersham to at least snag one four-pack. But two bottles it was. Hopefully my buddies back in Michigan will be able to hook me up with another bottle or two for the cellar.
On to the ale. Little has changed with the appearance, it still possesses a luminance robbing deep rich brown occupancy in the glass and a beautiful fading head. The nose is distinctly complex, with vanilla, chocolate, and coffee most prominent. Overall the aroma is the best aspect of this years KBS, it's world class. The flavor is excellent - but has a slight tannin bite I initially. Overall I think it has a bit less barrel influence than years past but it's hard to say without a side by side of last years, which technically is impossible as has it has already changed as a result of being cellared for a year. KBS never did have the bourbon barrel influence that BCBS has. Still an excellent product, but perhaps not as ecstasy inducing as the past two years.
