Goose Island Beer Company Bourbon County Brand Barleywine
What the brewers say
“Aged in the third-use barrels that were once home to Kentucky bourbon and then our renowned Bourbon County Stout. The oak, charcoal, hints of tobacco and vanilla, and that signature bourbon heat are all present in this beer.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Molasses aroma, like baking gingerbread cookies. Lots of aged complexities: sherry, port, and dried fruit. Light, peaty smoke lingers. Dark fruit (cherry, g, and prune) and slight peppery phenolic. Wood and whiskey are assertive but not overpowering.”
Flavor: “Thick body with waves of molasses and dark brown sugar. The barrel peeks through with resinous vanil- la; stewed plums and candied apricots join the party mid-palate. The lightest hint of smoke and teryaki add a lush complexity. Just enough hops bitterness. Sherry oxidation tones work very well.”
Overall: “A fantastic beer that I want to savor by the re like a late vintage port. The gooey, thick body provides a stage to let the various complexities sing. Very mellow and warming. If there is such a thing as a classic bourbon-barrel barleywine, this is it.”
