Goose Island Beer Co. of Chicago recently unveiled the highly-anticipated variants of their annual Bourbon County Stout. As pioneers of the barrel-aged stout beer style, Goose Island has remained a favorite among beer enthusiasts. The brand’s original Bourbon County Stout, known for its robust flavor profile and high alcohol content, has set the standard for the industry.
The 2024 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, with an impressive 14.7% ABV, is the flagship beer that started it all. Aged for an average of 16 months in a blend of bourbon barrels from top distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey, this variant promises to deliver a rich and complex drinking experience.
The Vanilla Rye Stout variant, making a comeback after six years, offers a new twist on the classic recipe. Crafted from a rye imperial stout aged in rye whiskey barrels for a year, this beer is then infused with Madagascar vanilla beans for a touch of sweetness and warmth.
For those with a sweet tooth, the 2024 Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout is an excellent choice. This imperial stout spends a full year in bourbon barrels before being blended with cocoa nibs, candied ginger, and toasted coconut. The result is a decadent brew that captures the essence of coconut macaroons.
The collaboration between Goose Island and Bardstown Bourbon Company gave birth to the Bardstown Cask Finish Stout. Aged in Bardstown’s rye whiskey barrels and finished in hybrid oak and cherry wood barrels, this variant offers a unique flavor profile that showcases the best of both worlds.
Breaking away from tradition, Goose Island surprises fans with the Proprietor’s Barleywine variant for 2024. A Chicago-exclusive release, this barleywine is aged in bourbon barrels and infused with tamarind, lime, guajillo peppers, and piloncillo sugar. This unconventional choice highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
Goose Island’s 2024 Bourbon County Stout variants demonstrate a perfect blend of tradition and experimentation. Each variant offers a unique drinking experience, showcasing the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence in craft brewing. With a rich history and a dedication to pushing boundaries, Goose Island continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in the beer industry.