Founders KBS vs Mornin' Delight: Which Should You Drink?

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Founders KBS

Founders Brewing Co.

United States · Imperial Stout

hopIQ rank #496

89%

Overall similarity

side by side, across 56 flavour tags

Mornin' Delight

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company

United States · Imperial Stout

HOPIQ TAKE

Founders KBS if you want that sharp, assertive hop bite cutting through rich chocolate and oak, Mornin' Delight if you want pure velvety indulgence without the bracing finish. Both are heavy imperial stouts in the 12% range, but KBS swings aggressive with 65 IBUs—you feel the bitterness coat your mouth—while Mornin' Delight at 45 IBUs lets the roasted malts, coffee, and bourbon barrel character bloom without resistance. Think of it as the difference between a well-made fist and an open hand.

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WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH

Pick Founders KBS when…

→You want a stout that actively challenges your palate, not just coddles it
→You appreciate hops even in dark beers and don't want them hidden
→You're in the mood for complexity that unfolds over multiple sips

Pick Mornin' Delight when…

→You want dessert in liquid form without irony or restraint
→You're settling in for a long evening with just one or two beers
→You prefer smoothness and warmth over bracing bitterness

SIDE BY SIDE

	Founders KBS	Mornin' Delight
ABV	11.9%	12%
Bitterness	Very bitter	Strongly bitter
Colour	Dark	Dark
Style	Imperial Stout	Imperial Stout
Origin	United States	United States

WHAT IT TASTES OF

10 shared · 2 distinct

Both beers

roastedcoffeechocolateoakvanillacaramelsmoothdark fruitboozyrich

STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT

Founders KBSMornin' Delight

Bitterness

Body

TASTING NOTES

Founders KBS

RoastedCoffeeChocolate

KBS hits you immediately. There's dark chocolate and vanilla oak up front, but then the hops show up like an unwelcome guest at a dinner party—assertive and impossible to ignore. The bourbon barrel aging adds this warm, almost whiskey-like undertone that tries to soften the blow, but those 65 IBUs keep things honest. It's a beer that demands attention. Finish is dry, lingering, slightly astringent. This is the imperial stout for people who don't want to be coddled.

Mornin' Delight

RoastedCoffeeRich

Mornin' Delight is basically a hug in a glass. You get roasted coffee grounds, dark chocolate, maybe some caramel if you're looking for it. The bourbon barrel work is gentler here—it adds warmth and depth without overpowering. There's almost a dessert quality to it, like chocolate mousse with a bourbon chaser. The lower IBU count means nothing's fighting for your attention; everything sits together peacefully. This one's for sipping slowly, letting it warm up slightly in your hands.

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