Chasing the Elusive Craft Beer Unicorn
I’ve got to admit, I have a love-hate relationship with the whole concept of “whale” beers. On one hand, I’ve been a music connoisseur for as long as I can remember, and I know the thrill of finding that rare jazz record or long-forgotten pop gem. There’s an undeniable allure to the hunt, the excitement of uncovering something truly special. But on the other hand, a big part of the current craft beer renaissance has been about embracing a locavore mindset – supporting the hometown heroes, the mom-and-pop breweries that are bringing their unique flavors to the community.
Why, I’ve often asked myself, would I go to all the trouble of tracking down beers made by breweries located thousands of miles away, when there are so many amazing options right here in the Heartland? Shouldn’t I be celebrating what’s in my own backyard instead of chasing after distant “whales”?
And then a brewery like Founders comes along and throws that whole local loyalty thing out the window. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders has built a cult following for their annual release of Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) – a bourbon barrel-aged behemoth that’s about as sought-after as they come. I live in Kansas, and as of last year, Founders didn’t even distribute in my state. So to get my hands on this elusive brew, I had to call around to every bottle shop in the Kansas City area, badgering my brother who lives there to go on a wild goose chase, hoping against hope that a precious few bottles would still be available by the time he got there.
Was it worth all the fuss and effort? Absolutely.
Unlocking the Secrets of Kentucky Breakfast Stout
One whiff of that bourbon-infused aroma as you pop the cap is enough to transport you to craft beer nirvana. The scent practically leaps out of the bottle, enveloping you in a heady blend of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and oak. And that’s before you’ve even poured a drop into the glass.
Once you do get it in front of you, the visual allure is undeniable – an inky black elixir crowned with a rich, creamy head. But the real magic happens on the palate. Founders has somehow managed to pack an astonishing depth of flavor into this beer, while still keeping the alcohol (a hefty 12% ABV) remarkably well-hidden.
Whereas their flagship Breakfast Stout leans more toward oatmeal and coffee, KBS is a full-on Russian Imperial Stout experience – bold, intense, and unapologetically indulgent. The silky smooth mouthfeel coats your tongue with waves of dark chocolate, toasted malt, and espresso, all underpinned by a subtle bourbon character that adds just the right touch of warmth and oakiness.
It’s a beer that demands to be savored, not gulped. This is a massive, sipping beer meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, allowing all those complex flavors to gradually unfold and mingle on your palate. It’s the antithesis of those buzz-bomb beers that are good for nothing more than getting you inebriated as quickly as possible.
No, KBS is a special occasion beer, one to be treated with reverence and appreciation. It’s a sensory explosion that leaves you feeling grateful for the sheer artistry and craftsmanship that went into its creation. As I like to say in my own “beer prayer”: “Gracious God, how good you are to give us the sensory delight that is Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. We are reminded again that you have hidden great treasures in water, malt, yeast, and hops, and that finding those treasures and tasting them gives us a glimpse of your goodness to us.”
Discovering the Heartland’s Hidden Gems
Now, I know what you’re thinking – why go to all that trouble for a beer made by a brewery thousands of miles away, when there are surely amazing local options right here in the Heartland? It’s a fair question, and one I’ve grappled with myself. After all, one of the driving forces behind the craft beer revolution has been a renewed emphasis on supporting hometown producers, on celebrating the unique flavors and traditions of each region.
And you know what? That locavore mindset is one I deeply respect and often try to embrace. I’ve lost count of the number of fantastic breweries I’ve discovered right here in Kansas, each one offering their own distinctive take on classic styles or bold, experimental concoctions. From the roasty, chocolatey stouts of The Up & Under Pub to the citrusy, hop-forward IPAs of Tallgrass Brewing, the Heartland is positively brimming with hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered.
But that’s the beauty of the modern craft beer landscape – it’s big enough to accommodate both the local loyalists and the global enthusiasts. There’s room for us to celebrate the talent and innovation happening in our own backyard, while also expanding our horizons and seeking out those truly special, one-of-a-kind beers that might have been brewed halfway across the country.
And let’s be honest, when a brewery like Founders comes along and produces something as transcendent as Kentucky Breakfast Stout, it’s hard for any self-respecting beer lover to resist the siren call. After all, who am I to turn my nose up at such a magnificent piece of liquid art, just because it didn’t originate right here in Kansas? Sometimes, you’ve got to be willing to break from your usual routine, to venture outside your comfort zone, in order to discover those truly revelatory experiences.
Chasing the Craft Beer Horizon
So yes, I’ll admit it – I’m a craft beer nomad, willing to go to great lengths to track down those elusive “whale” beers that have captured the imagination of beer enthusiasts around the world. But I’m also a devoted supporter of my local brewing scene, a champion of the Heartland’s homegrown heroes. It’s not an either/or proposition – I can (and do) embrace both the global and the hyper-local, finding joy and inspiration in the boundless creativity of the craft beer world, no matter where it originates.
Because at the end of the day, the true essence of craft beer isn’t about geography or rarity – it’s about passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of flavor perfection. Whether it’s a limited-release bourbon barrel-aged stout or a humble pale ale brewed just down the street, the best craft beers share a common DNA: the unwavering commitment of their creators to push the boundaries of what’s possible, to unlock new realms of sensory delight.
And that’s a quest I’m more than happy to join, no matter where it takes me. So if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the siren call of another rare, sought-after beer waiting to be discovered. The Heartland may be my home, but the craft beer horizon stretches far beyond these borders, beckoning me to explore, to savor, to celebrate the marvels that await. After all, life is too short to limit ourselves to only what’s in our own backyards. Let’s go hunting for those hidden gems, shall we?
