Founders KBS Espresso 4Pk

Founders KBS Espresso 4Pk is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout brewed with coffee and chocolate, then aged on espresso beans, at 12% ABV in a 4-pack format. Scoring a 98 on BeerAdvocate across 785 ratings and reviews, this limited release from Founders Brewing has earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after stouts in American craft beer.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.0%  |  Origin: Grand Rapids, Michigan  |  Style: Imperial Stout  |  Brewery: Founders Brewing

Production & Heritage

Founders Brewing, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, launched KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) as a cult-status bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout built on a foundation of coffee and chocolate. The Espresso variant takes that already coffee-forward base and pushes it further — after aging in bourbon barrels, the stout is removed and conditioned on espresso beans, layering additional roasted coffee intensity onto the rich malt body. The result is a denser, more coffee-dominant expression that retains the bourbon barrel character and chocolate complexity of the original KBS.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Mild bourbon and earthy undertones open first, followed by a pronounced wave of fresh espresso. Dark roasted malt and a faint sweetness round out the nose.

Taste: The entry delivers a semi-sweet dark chocolate malt base that quickly layers with bold espresso and roasted coffee. Mid-palate, vanilla and burnt sugar emerge alongside spicy oak notes from the bourbon barrel aging. Chocolate remains the dominant anchor throughout, with peat-like earthiness adding depth.

Finish: Medium-bodied with a moderate fizzy carbonation that keeps the dense flavors from becoming heavy. The finish lingers on dark chocolate, black coffee bitterness, and a warm bourbon fade.

How to Drink KBS Espresso

Serve at 50–55°F in a snifter or tulip glass to let the espresso and bourbon barrel aromatics open fully. This stout is built for slow sipping — pour it after dinner or alongside dessert. For a beer float, pair it with vanilla bean ice cream to play off the burnt sugar and chocolate notes. In a Black Velvet riff, combine a short pour with chilled sparkling wine for a dramatic textural contrast. It also works stirred into an Espresso Martini-inspired beer cocktail, replacing the vodka component with a few ounces of KBS Espresso for a richer, malt-driven version.

Best For

• Sharing among craft beer enthusiasts during a stout tasting lineup
• Gifting to a bourbon barrel-aged beer collector
• Post-dinner sipping alongside rich chocolate desserts
• Cellaring for special occasions — the high ABV supports short-term aging

Frequently Asked Questions

What does KBS Espresso taste like? KBS Espresso delivers a bold combination of dark chocolate, fresh espresso, and bourbon warmth, with vanilla, burnt sugar, and spicy oak in the mid-palate. The chocolate malt base anchors the flavor while roasted coffee dominates the overall impression.

How does KBS Espresso compare to Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout? Both are premier bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts, but KBS Espresso is notably more coffee-forward and subtler overall compared to Bourbon County's bolder, more viscous sweetness. The espresso bean conditioning gives KBS Espresso a sharper roasted edge that Bourbon County does not emphasize.

Is KBS Espresso good for sipping neat? KBS Espresso is designed for slow, contemplative sipping at a slightly cool temperature, making it an ideal standalone pour. Its 12% ABV and layered complexity reward patience as the beer warms in the glass.

Where is KBS Espresso made? KBS Espresso is brewed by Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founders ages the stout in bourbon barrels at their Michigan facility before conditioning it on espresso beans.

What foods pair well with KBS Espresso? Flourless chocolate cake complements the dark chocolate malt backbone. Espresso-rubbed short ribs echo the roasted coffee character. Aged Gouda mirrors the caramel and burnt sugar notes. Crème brûlée bridges the vanilla and bourbon warmth. Smoked brisket plays against the stout's earthy peat-like undertones.

What sizes does KBS Espresso come in? KBS Espresso is available in a 4-pack format, typically consisting of 12 oz bottles.

Is KBS Espresso worth the price? KBS Espresso positions as a premium limited-release craft stout, and its 98 BeerAdvocate score and bourbon barrel-aged espresso bean process place it firmly in the upper tier of American imperial stouts. For collectors and stout enthusiasts, it represents strong value within the barrel-aged specialty category.

Why KBS Espresso?

The defining move here is the secondary conditioning on espresso beans after the bourbon barrel aging is complete — a step that separates this variant from the standard KBS and most barrel-aged stouts on the market. A 98 on BeerAdvocate places it among the highest-rated American stouts currently available. The interplay between bourbon barrel spice, dark chocolate malt, and intense espresso creates a layered drinking experience that most competitors achieve in only one or two dimensions. For anyone serious about barrel-aged stouts, KBS Espresso is a benchmark release that justifies its limited availability.