Goose Island Beer Co. from Chicago has recently unveiled the highly-anticipated variants of their annual Bourbon County Stout. With their innovative take on barrel-aged stout beers, Goose Island has become a household name in the craft beer industry. The original Bourbon County Stout continues to be a favorite among beer enthusiasts, and since 2010, fans have eagerly awaited the release of new annual variants.
The 2024 Bourbon County Stout Lineup
Mark your calendars because the 2024 Bourbon County Stout variants are set to hit shelves nationwide on Black Friday, November 29, 2024. One standout from the lineup is the 2024 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, boasting an impressive 14.7% ABV. This iconic beer is aged for an average of 16 months in a blend of bourbon barrels sourced from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey.
Returning after a six-year hiatus is the Vanilla Rye Stout variant. The 2024 edition of Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout brings a fresh perspective to this beloved classic. Goose Island started with a rye imperial stout base, which was then aged in rye whiskey barrels for a full year. The finishing touch? Madagascar vanilla beans, adding a new dimension to this variant.
For those with a sweet tooth, the 2024 Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout is a must-try. This imperial stout is aged for a year in bourbon barrels before being infused with cocoa nibs, candied ginger, and toasted coconut. The result is a decadent variant that aims to capture the essence of coconut macaroons in a glass.
The collaboration between Goose Island and Bardstown Bourbon Company has given birth to the 2024 Bourbon County Brand Bardstown Cask Finish Stout. Following the aging process of Bardstown’s Original Series Rye, Goose Island’s imperial stout was aged in Bardstown’s straight rye whiskey barrels. To add a unique twist, the beer was then transferred to hybrid oak and cherry wood barrels for finishing, creating a complex and flavorful variant.
In a surprising move, Goose Island has deviated from tradition with the 2024 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Barleywine. Unlike the other variants, this release is exclusive to Chicago. Aged in bourbon barrels, this barleywine features tamarind, lime, guajillo peppers, and piloncillo sugar. Despite the departure from the typical stout format, this variant promises to deliver a rich and distinctive drinking experience.
Todd Ahsmann, president of Goose Island Beer Co., expressed his pride in the brand’s legacy of innovation and quality. He highlighted that while Bourbon County Stout continues to set the industry standard, the 2024 lineup pushes boundaries and showcases the brand’s commitment to excellence. As beer enthusiasts eagerly await the release of these new variants, Goose Island remains a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship in the craft beer world.
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