Goose Island — Bourbon County 2018 Elijah Craig

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose reveals intense bourbon-soaked dark chocolate, toasted oak, and vanilla custard, layered with espresso, dried figs, and a whisper of tobacco. On the palate, this imperial stout delivers viscous waves of dark caramel, molasses, and bittersweet cocoa, balanced by warming Elijah Craig bourbon notes of charred oak and baking spices. The aged character brings depth through hints of leather, dark stone fruit, and roasted malt complexity. The finish lingers extensively—boozy yet refined—with persistent vanilla, coffee grounds, and a drying oakiness that invites contemplation between sips.

Food Pairing

Pair with a rich chocolate pecan tart or dark chocolate soufflé, where the bourbon barrel’s vanilla and oak complement the dessert’s sweetness while the beer’s roasted malt cuts through richness. Alternatively, serve alongside aged Stilton or Roquefort—the stout’s caramel notes and warming alcohol balance the cheese’s pungency while its creamy texture mirrors the beer’s full body.

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.