Description

It’s finally here; the second coming. No I am not talking about the 2nd coming of Christ. I am referring to the bottled CBS Canadian Breakfast Stout but Founders Brewing Company. Founders is already known for a killer breakfast stout. However, some time ago (circa 2009) the brewers at Founders acquired some bourbon barrels that had once had maple syrup in them. Naturally this provided a great opportunity to create something new, which is how the world got CBS.

According to Founders,

We opted to put the same base beer as KBS, an imperialized version of Breakfast Stout, in the maple barrels and, after one taste, we knew we had something special. Rich maple syrup, roasted coffee and velvety chocolate meld together in what can only be described as a transcendental drinking experience. (https://foundersbrewing.com/our-beer/cbs/)

I could not agree more and it seems the rest of the beer community also agree. When discovered at the local Giant Eagle grocery store, there was lineup for the bottles that looked to be the wait of a fortnight. After some time I was able to get my hands on two 750ml bottles @ $24.99. While in line I was told that the beer was basically a unicorn of beers. They were 100% correct.

Color: Dark/Black
ABV: 11.7%
Best Served: Snifter, 45-55 F

Beer Review

Canadian Breakfast Stout is so good you might say to yourself “Lord, it is good for us to be here”!

The first thing I noticed about the beer was how absolutely rich it was. The pour reminded me of a nitro pour with the familiar visual indicators. The head was THICK and rich, as was the beer. Without even putting my nose to the glass I could smell the malts and bourbon.

Without a doubt this is one of the best tasting beers I’ve ever tried. People try to pair beers with various food an d snacks, however, this beer needs no pairing. I chose to consume this beer alone, by itself, and I was glad that I did. While this was not a “transcendental” experience, if Jesus brewed beer this would be his beer.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: First on the nose is chocolate and faint bourbon with a slight maple and vanilla. Also a strong dark malty scent which is roughly 10 different malts. There is a rich aroma of coffee throughout the process but it’s not overpowering at all. It’s an incredibly balanced mixing of scents.

Taste: Like the scent, there is a lot going on. The first thing to hit the tongue is bourbon and cream coffee. That is followed by maple and finally rich chocolate.

Texture: The consistency is thick and creamy. Not heavily carbonated. Drinks like a nitro beer or a Guinness.

Finish: The finish has a slight bourbon barrel taste but with a hint of chocolate.

Comparisons: Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout