It’s that time! Time to learn what this year’s Bourbon County Brand Stout lineup from Goose Island will be!
This year, we’re seeing the usual fruit and dessert variants, plus two with special barrels. No barleywine or coffee versions this year, and no returning favorites.
Bourbon County Brand Original Stout
The Original is aged for an average of 12 months in a blend of freshly emptied barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey.
BCS goes back to 1992, when it was tapped in the original brewpub as its 1,000th batch.
Every couple of years, the Goose rethinks the packaging for its OG. This year, the Original BCS will be sold in four-packs of 10-ounce bottles. Their news release states, “Whether served during a Bourbon County tasting or sipped fireside, this new format makes it easier than ever to elevate any occasion.” The rest of the BCS release will be available in their accustomed 16.9 oz. bottles.
Bourbon County Cherries Jubilee Stout
Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, finished in cognac barrels with Montmorency cherries, citrus & panela.
Considering how a BA stout often has expressions of fruit, especially cherry, this variant takes its adjuncts one step further, going for cognac-soaked cherries and caramelized citrus.
After a standard rest in freshly emptied bourbon barrels, the beer is then finished in cognac barrels, “adding elegant notes of dried fruit and contributing to a rich, full mouthfeel.” After which, the beer is blended with Montmorency cherries, citrus, and panela (unrefined whole cane sugar).
Bourbon County Chocolate Praline Stout
Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews & dates
First aged in freshly emptied bourbon barrels, this stout draws inspiration from the underlying decadence of chocolate, caramel, and roasted nuts found in Original. Layered with a blend of cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, and dates, this full-bodied stout showcases the classic flavors of a chocolate praline while embracing the subtle nuances imparted by the bourbon barrel.
Bourbon County Proprietor’s Stout
Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with walnuts, pistachios, cassia bark & honey
The annual release meant only for the Chicago market is, this year, based on baklava.
Inspired by the beehives on her aunt’s Rhode Island homestead, Goose Island brewer Colby Magratten was immediately drawn to the flavors of crisp and nutty homemade baklava—an idea she knew would be perfect for 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout. First aged in bourbon barrels and then finished with walnuts, pistachios, cassia bark, and honey, each ingredient was carefully chosen to complement the aged imperial stout: toasted nuts highlight its warm, nutty character; cinnamon enhances the spice of the bourbon barrel; and rich honey deepens the stout’s caramelized body.
Bourbon County Double Barrel Stout
BCS double barrel-aged in Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon barrels.
In collaboration with Heaven Hill Distillery, Goose Island aged this release in not one, but two sets of freshly emptied Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon barrels. By centering the nuanced complexity of the whiskey, the resulting beer is a true celebration of bourbon, collaboration, and the most essential element of every Bourbon County release: the barrel itself.
Bourbon County Reserve Stout
Imperial Stout aged in Parker’s Heritage Collection 10-year 17th Edition Rye Whiskey barrels
This year’s Reserve is aged for two full years in barrels from Parker Beam’s Parker Heritage Collection. Parker’s 17th edition is a 10-year-old Kentucky straight rye bottled at full cask strength, which brings unmistakable character and quality to this collaboration.
These barrels, which first aged this prized whiskey before being filled with Goose Island’s stout, impart vibrant rye spice and layered oak complexity—a fitting tribute to Parker Beam’s enduring legacy.
The alcohol percentages for each variant will be finalized once the beers are packaged. Specifics of this year’s release and sales have not been released. Assume they will again go on sale at grocery and liquor stores around the area on Black Friday—November 28; perhaps with some preview tappings the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
