Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Original Stout Beer, Illinois

Dark, decadent, and unapologetically bold, the 2025 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Original Stout stands as a powerful tribute to the beer that forever changed the craft brewing landscape. Aged for an average of 14 months in a carefully selected blend of freshly emptied bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey, this release delivers extraordinary depth, melding barrel character with rich imperial stout intensity in every sip.

Product Details:

• Style: Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels
• ABV: 14.8%
• Hops: Millennium, Alchemy
• Barrel Aging: Average of 14 months in bourbon barrels
• Allergens: Wheat

Sensory Description:

Inky black in the glass with a viscous, luxurious body, this stout opens with enveloping aromas of vanilla, cocoa, and caramelized sugar. On the palate, layers of fudge, toasted almond, and dark cherry unfold alongside warm bourbon notes and oak-driven sweetness. The mouthfeel is rich and decadent, coating the palate with lingering flavors of vanilla and caramel, while subtle bitterness and alcohol warmth provide balance to its immense depth.

Brewer's Background:

The story of Bourbon County Brand Original Stout begins in 1992, when brewmaster Greg Hall sought to create something truly unique for Goose Island Brewpub’s 1,000th batch. A chance meeting with Booker Noe of Jim Beam led to the use of freshly emptied bourbon barrels, an idea that would spark the creation of the world’s first bourbon barrel-aged beer. Under the vision of founder John Hall and the inventive spirit of Greg Hall, Goose Island ventured into uncharted territory, forever reshaping modern craft brewing. The 2025 release honors that legacy with grit, grain, and reverence for the barrels that started it all.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed slightly warmer than cellar temperature to fully express its layered aromas and flavors. Serve in a snifter or tulip glass to concentrate the bouquet and highlight its rich body. This stout pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, roasted nuts, aged cheeses, or is enjoyed contemplatively on its own. Ideal for cellaring or sharing on special occasions, the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout is a celebration of innovation, patience, and enduring craft beer history.