Goose Island Brewery 2015 Bourbon County Stout
What the brewers say
“A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with thick foam the color of a bourbon barrel. The nose is an intense mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and smoke.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Big medium-roast coffee with supporting chocolate tones. Dark cherry, plum, and vanilla play a supporting role. Moderate umami, moderate sweetness, light caramel notes, light roast. Second sniff finds the alcohol, but it’s not too hot.”
Flavor: “So many layers to the malt bill and barrel character that unfold over time...mocha on steroids leads to some vanilla and cherry which then lead to more chocolate and alcoholic heat...Crazy complex. Big caramel, moderate sweetness, touch of hops bitterness, moderately creamy. Cool nutty element with hints of pecan and almond.”
Overall: “The aroma sets you up nicely for the flavor, and the long linger is quite pleasant and makes this a good sipping stout. What a huge beer! Aged just right in some fantastic barrels that contribute the perfect amount of flavor. Layers upon layers of goodness. Best beer of the night for me.”
