Goose Island’s 2024 Bourbon County Stout Releases prove the originator is still on top

Long before battling coastal IPA filled the glass or pungent sours tickled the nose, Goose Island took a stand for the creativity that stout offers a brewmaster. With the annual release of its Bourbon County Stouts, the Goose Island team celebrates their past, present, and future. For those lucky enough to score a bottle, these treasured sips will be the centerpiece of the holiday celebration.

Beer drinkers eagerly anticipate the annual release of the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. Decades ago, the idea was a novel concept. Aging beer in a bourbon barrel was not necessarily on a beermaster’s radar. As the sugars and char from that wood impart their flavor into the malty, hoppy goodness, the flavor transforms in the most curious way. Beyond the higher ABV or the almost opaque color, it is the layered flavors that invite a moment of contemplation.

For the 2024 Release, there are six beers in the line up. From the iconic, traditional stout to the always popular Proprietor's Blend, this year’s offerings walk a fine line between craft innovation and a nod to tradition. The resulting beers are ones that could be some of their best yet.

During an event with the brewmasters, FoodSided was able to sip and savor the six releases. They included Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, Bourbon County Brand Cask Finish Stout, Bourbon County Brand Rare Stout, Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout, Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout, and Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Barleywine.

While everyone will have a favorite and people will debate which bottle is best, the reality is that all the offerings are well-crafted and full of flavor. Choosing one over the other comes down to personal preferences.

Given that the Proprietor’s Release pushes the flavor boundaries, this year’s Barleywine offering deserves a moment of contemplation. As many Chicagoans know, Mexican food and culture influences the Windy City. This release celebrates a multitude of those flavors.

From the underlying spice of the Guajillo chile peppers to the slightly sour notes of the tamarind, it feels both new and familiar. There is a sense of whimsy, even childlike wonder with the reference to the Mexican candy. Similar to previous offerings, the Proprietor’s Release is meant to invite conversation. It is far from the every day drinking beer, but it is one that must be sipped.

The most coveted release of the six will be the Bourbon County Brand Rare Stout. Similar to other beer brands that only release a unique offering every couple of years, this Rare Release is in partnership with King of Kentucky. The highly sought-after Brown Foreman bourbon is legendary.

This special offering is aged twice, in two different barrels. The result is a big, in your face beer. At a very high ABV, the beer drinks more like a big, bold tannin forward wine or spirit.

Overall, there is both a juiciness and a sweetness to the beer. The cherries combined with a warm, sweetness from the vanilla satisfies. It feels comforting and familiar yet demands attention. Although it would be at home in a dimly lit, old school study, it is equally as enjoyable by the crackling fire.

Given the very limited release of the Rare, these bottles will be highly coveted. For anyone who captures a bottle, treasure it.

For the drinker who is just being introduced to these stouts, the Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout is a great option beyond the classic release. While there was a similar offering several years ago, this beer has a lovely balance of sweet, rich, and a hint spicy.

As a lower ABV offering, this beer feels almost like a dessert. It is sweet but not cloying. For anyone who might be slightly apprehensive about a darker, heavier beer, this one is a good entry point.

The Goose Island 2024 Bourbon Stout Releases go on sale on Black Friday, November 29. In addition to the Goose Island Taprooms, some of the offerings will be available at various retailers. Check with the beer brand’s website for more information.