2024 “Bourbon County Stout” Lineup Unveiled. Here are All 5 Releases.
This week, Goose Island Beer Co unveiled the anticipated annual release of its coveted Bourbon County lineup set for Black Friday week debut. This tradition goes back to 1992. Here’s what they have in the hopper!
Full Lineup: 2024 Bourbon County Release
- 2024 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout
- 2024 Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout
- 2024 Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout
- 2024 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Barleywine
- 2024 Bourbon County Brand Bardstown Cask Finish Stout
2024 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout
ABV: 14.7%
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, cherry, cocoa, toasted almond & caramelized sugar
After crafting the very first bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, Goose Island has learned that to have the best beer, you start with the best possible ingredients. Barrels are such an important ingredient and they continue to use only the best their friends on the bourbon trail have to offer. 2024 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout is aged in a mix of freshly emptied bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses and Wild Turkey distilleries. Barrel-aged for an average of 16 months, Bourbon County Brand Original Stout boasts deeply developed flavors of fudge, vanilla and caramelized sugar with a rich, decadent mouthfeel.
Additional Notes/Facts:
- Bourbon County Brand Original Stout is the original bourbon barrel-aged stout created.
- Bourbon County Brand Stout was brewed to celebrate Goose Island’s 1,000th batch of beer in 1992.
- Bourbon County Brand Stout was first disqualified from the Great American Beer Fest when first submitted because at the time, there was not a category for bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout.
2024 Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout
ABV: TBD (available closer to launch)
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Rich vanilla, toasted almond & lingering spice finish
Ingredients: Madagascar Vanilla Beans
It’s been six years since Goose Island released one of the most celebrated Bourbon County Brand Stout variants. Today, Goose Island is excited to warmly welcome the return of this iconic member of the Bourbon County Brand Stout family.Vanilla, as an ingredient, has made an appearance in Bourbon County line-ups over the years, but the 2024 Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout is a new take on their 2014 Vanilla Rye release. This year’s release showcases rye and the complexity it delivers by starting with a rye imperial stout and aging it in freshly emptied rye whiskey barrels. After aging in barrels for a full year, the stout is then finished with incredibly aromatic madagascar vanilla beans. Bourbon County Vanilla Rye Stout has the beloved attributes of the vanilla variants before it–with a new characteristically rich spice character from aging in the rye whiskey barrels.
2024 Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout
ABV: TBD (available closer to launch)
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle and draft
Tasting Notes: Toasted coconut, dark chocolate with a touch of sweet ginger
Ingredients: Coconut, Cocoa Nibs, Candied Ginger
There is nothing quite like the comforting aroma that fills the home when baking with family. Inspired by late nights in the kitchen with mom, Goose Island employee Paul Spiller sought to capture that sweet moment in this year’s newest member of the Bourbon County Brand Stout family.
Goose Island’s 2024 Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout is an imperial stout aged for a full year in bourbon barrels before adding rich cocoa nibs, sweet candied ginger and toasted coconut. This decadent stout is an homage to the flavors of homemade coconut macaroons with a twist of nostalgia.
2024 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Barleywine Ale
ABV: TBD (available closer to launch)
Availability: Chicago Market
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Dried fruit and refreshing zest with a delightful warm finish
Ingredients: Tamarind, Lime, Guajillo Chile & Piloncillo
Back in 2013, Goose Island created their first Chicago-exclusive member of the Bourbon County Brand Stout Family. Proprietor’s Stout was born out of immense gratitude to their city and to celebrate the birthplace of the brewery.
This year marks the debut of a barleywine under the coveted Proprietor’s name. Having fallen in love with the popular Mexican spoon candy, brewer Colby Magratten crafted a recipe with Goose Island’s bourbon barrel-aged barleywine that blends together tamarind, lime, whole Guajillo chiles and piloncillo.
Chicago and the people who call it home are forever a source of inspiration in all that Goose Island does. 2024 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Barleywine is a direct reflection of that inspiration and unlike anything they’ve ever done before. With a subtle dried fruit sweetness, refreshing lime zest and a delightfully warming finish, this barleywine is decidedly Chicago.
2024 Bourbon County Brand Bardstown Cask Finish Stout
ABV: TBD (available closer to launch)
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle
Tasting Notes: Deeply expressive, vibrant cherry, toasted oak and a lingering herbal finish
As the creators of the first bourbon barrel-aged stout, Goose Island has long sought to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of beer. That’s why, when crafting this year’s 2024 Bourbon County Brand Cask Finish Stout, they were thrilled to work with their friends at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
Drawing inspiration from Bardstown’s modern and creative spirit in finished whiskeys, this imperial stout takes the same journey as their Origin Series Rye. Goose Island began by aging their imperial stout in Bardstown’s freshly emptied straight rye whiskey barrels. From there, they transferred the beer to “hybrid” oak and cherry wood barrels that finished their rye whiskey. These incredibly expressive barrels deliver a remarkable finish unlike anything seen before in the Bourbon County family. A beautifully balanced beer, Bourbon County Bardstown Cask Finish Stout is deeply expressive with vibrant cherry, toasted oak and a lingering herbal finish.
QUOTES
Dan Callaway, VP Product Development, Bardstown Bourbon Co.:
“Goose Island and Bardstown Bourbon Company share a trailblazing spirit. This is the first time I’ve seen a finishing project emulate a double-barrel aging from both brands. It’s incredible to see how stout can be transformed – first by American oak, then by cherry wood. Cheers to the Goose Island team for their innovation and attention to detail, creating a magnificent release.
Todd Ahsmann, President, Goose Island Beer Co.:
“Goose Island created the world’s first bourbon barrel-aged stout with Bourbon County Brand Stout, and, to this day, it continues to be the industry benchmark. This year’s lineup does an amazing job of living up to our legacy while still pushing boundaries and setting the standard. There’s something exciting for every type of drinker; each beer in this year’s release explores different ways our brewers highlight and amplify the expressions found in our Original Stout.
While I admittedly find myself reaching for Original Bourbon County Stout time and time again, this year’s vintage really stands out. Our brewers are experts in their craft, and I cannot wait to be able to share each and every beer in Goose Island’s 2024 Bourbon County Stout lineup with you.”
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