Bourbon County Reserve Brand Blanton's Stout 2021 (15.4%) 500ml

Goose Island presents an extraordinary stout, born from a unique collaboration with Blanton's bourbon. This limited-edition barrel-aged stout showcases profound depths of flavor, meticulously crafted through extended maturation in Blanton's finest single-barrel bourbon casks. A truly exceptional beer, it merges the art of brewing with the legacy of Kentucky's most revered spirits.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich and complex bouquet immediately greets, with prominent notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and sweet vanilla. Underlying hints of caramel, charred oak, and a subtle boozy warmth from the Blanton's bourbon barrels mingle with a faint dark fruit presence, like prunes or black cherries. A distinct earthy hop character is present but plays a secondary role to the barrel-aged stout aromas.

Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, the palate delivers an intense wave of bittersweet dark chocolate and robust espresso. The influence of the Blanton's barrels is undeniable, imparting layers of toasted oak, a pleasant rye spice, and a creamy, almost buttery vanilla. Notes of rich malts, molasses, and a subtle warming alcohol emerge, balanced by a gentle hop bitterness that prevents it from becoming cloyingly sweet. There's a deep complexity that evolves with each sip, revealing nuances of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit.

Finish: Long, luxurious, and lingering. The finish echoes the palate with sustained notes of dark chocolate, residual coffee, and a sweet, lingering bourbon warmth. The barrel character persists, leaving a pleasant dryness with hints of oak tannins and a touch of roasted bitterness that slowly fades, inviting another sip. A faint spice from the bourbon barrels provides a final, elegant farewell.

About the Distillery

Goose Island Beer Co. is a renowned craft brewery established in Chicago, Illinois, in 1988. A pioneer in the craft beer movement, Goose Island is celebrated for its innovative and high-quality beers, particularly its barrel-aging program. Their annual Bourbon County Stout series is a highly anticipated release, known for pushing the boundaries of stout production by aging beer in various bourbon barrels, creating rich and complex flavor profiles.