Goose Island — Bourbon County RARE 2015

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose reveals dense waves of bourbon-soaked vanilla, dark chocolate ganache, and molasses-drenched oak, with underlying notes of dried cherry and leather. On the palate, this imperial stout presents extraordinary complexity: rich caramel and toffee intertwine with espresso roast, toasted coconut, and warming bourbon character. The substantial 14.8% alcohol is remarkably well-integrated, providing heat without harshness. The finish extends luxuriously with lingering dark fruit, bitter cocoa, charred oak, and a pleasant bourbon warmth that persists for minutes.

Food Pairing

Pair with a dense chocolate torte or bourbon pecan pie to complement the beer’s intense sweetness and barrel character. Alternatively, aged Stilton or cave-aged Gruyère provides savory contrast, with the cheese’s crystalline texture and umami notes balancing the stout’s rich vanilla and caramel complexity while the bourbon barrel influence bridges both elements.

About Goose Island Beer Company

Goose Island Beer Company stands as Illinois’ oldest continuously operating brewery, tracing its roots to 1988 when it opened as a brewpub in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Named after a nearby island, the brewery was founded with inspiration drawn from English brewing traditions and pub culture, establishing a distinctly European sensibility within the American craft beer landscape. What began as a neighborhood brewpub expanded significantly with a larger production brewery in 1995, allowing Goose Island to grow from local favorite to nationally recognized brand. The brewery gained particular acclaim for its barrel-aged beers and innovative brewing techniques, helping to define the craft beer movement in the Midwest. In 2011, Goose Island became part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, marking a significant moment in craft brewing history as one of the first major acquisitions of an established craft brewery by a global beer conglomerate. Today, Goose Island operates its original Fulton Street production facility with tap room and tours, alongside the Clybourn Avenue Brewhouse, continuing to produce beers distributed across the United States and United Kingdom while maintaining its Chicago heritage.