Goose Island — Bourbon County 2013

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with waves of vanilla-soaked oak, dark chocolate, and charred bourbon barrels, layered with espresso, molasses, and dried fig. On the palate, immense body delivers rich fudge, toasted coconut, caramelized brown sugar, and bourbon-infused dark fruits—plum and black cherry—balanced by roasted malt bitterness and warming alcohol. The finish lingers extensively, showcasing barrel tannins, bittersweet cocoa, leather, and lingering bourbon heat that slowly fades to reveal subtle notes of tobacco and dark toffee.

Food Pairing

Pairs magnificently with rich chocolate desserts—particularly flourless chocolate torte with salted caramel, where the bourbon barrel character complements the bittersweet intensity. Equally compelling alongside aged Stilton or Roquefort, where the beer’s sweetness and roasted depth balance pungent blue cheese salinity and create a luxurious contrast of flavors.

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.