Goose Island — Bourbon County Stout (2024)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The 2024 Original pours pitch black with a mocha crown, releasing aromas of dark fudge, vanilla bean, and charred oak. The first sip delivers waves of caramelized sugar and bittersweet chocolate, layered over a foundation of rich bourbon warmth drawn from a full year resting in Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey barrels. Whispers of smoke and toasted coconut weave through the palate, while the mouthfeel remains decadently full and viscous. The finish lingers with oak tannins, dark fruit, and a gentle whiskey heat that defines this Chicago icon.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte or molten lava cake to mirror the stout’s fudge and vanilla depth. For a savory match, try a slab of bone-in ribeye finished with smoked sea salt, where the charred crust and marbled fat complement the beer’s bourbon warmth and oak-driven richness.

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.