KBS is here -- ‘nuff said.

No three-letter combination strikes frenzy into the hearts of beer fans like Founder’s KBS: An 11% ABV oak-soaked dream of whiskey, coffee, and ganache-smooth chocolate that defines the very best of barrel-aged craftmanship.

Owning a perfect 100 scores across the board on BeerAdvocate and RateBeer, KBS remains king nearly 15 years after it launched into the barrel-aged zeitgeist. And with a 4.51 Untappd score from over 35,000 ratings, there are no signs of it ever giving up the throne.

The magic is how devilishly smooth the beer is. The chocolate and coffee infused nectar goes into oak bourbon barrels for an entire year -- but that’s not the half of it. The beer ages in gypsum mines 85 feet below ground at 40 degrees fahrenheit. This controlled environment melds the intense flavors of cocoa, roasts, and bourbon into silken, mellow splendor, setting it apart from others in its class.

Take a deep breath as you open the bottle -- otherwise the sheer joy from inhaling KBS’ French vanilla and bourbon-spiked espresso notes will make you faint. Toasted almond biscotti soaked in dark roast and Frangelico flavors caress the tongue, wrapped in 70% Ghiradelli bon bon richness.

In short, if Captain Ahab were out hunting for craft beer, KBS would be his white whale. It’s on craft fan’s bucket list, Men’s Journal’s 101 Best Beers in America, and is one of the biggest reasons why barrel-aged Imperial Stouts are a thing. Ready to cross this one off your list?

100 on BeerAdvocate; 100 on RateBeer; 4.51 on Untappd

Founders Brewing Co. - KBS - $7.29 For a 12oz bottle

Style: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, ABV: 11.0%