CBS – Canadian Breakfast Stout

Founders Brewing Company

It’s finally here!! The highly sought after CBS is an imperial stout aged in maple syrup bourbon barrels. This complex brew is the sixth and final release from Founders’ Barrel Aged series, which includes some of their most sought-after and limited beers. Barrel Aged Beers have been a staple at Founders, including another favorite KBS – Kentucky Breakfast Stout, which uses the same base beer, but for CBS they decided to age in maple syrup bourbon barrels.

With CBS, Founders managed to take a stout with all of my favorite notes: coffee, chocolate, and bourbon and added the sweetness of maple syrup to balance it out perfectly. This brew is available on tap November through December and in 750ml bottles and clocks in at a hefty 11.6% abv. If you do have a chance to secure a bottle of CBS, you will notice that the Mountie that was previously seated on the horse is no longer there. The 2017 release was the first release since 2011 to be bottled, and with all of the hype surrounding this beer the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had an issue with it appearing on the bottle and asked that it be removed and Founders complied. Founders’ Barrel Aged Series beers are high in demand, so if you happen to see one at your local beer store or brewpub, I would not be hesitant to grab one or two.

Appearance: pours very dark brown with a thick tan head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Nose: notes of boozy bourbon, maple, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and oak.

Taste: oaky with notes of coffee, vanilla, chocolate, hints of maple sweetness, and bourbon. All of these delightful flavors come through more as it warms.

Mouthfeel: creamy and full-bodied, light carbonation.

Overall: Great BBA Stout! I will continue to look forward to this beer every year. CBS is definitely worth the hype with the Beer Advocate Score of 100.