Review – Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout

Goose Island: “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. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer.” ~Greg Hall, Brewmaster

Goose Island Brewing – Bourbon County Brand Stout, Vintage 2008. 12 oz bottle poured into my New Belgium glass. 13% abv.

Appearance: Jet Brown with zero head or visible bubbles.

Aroma: Easy going, non harsh bourbon, vanilla, oak. The warmth of the alcohol travels up my nose and tickles my throat, as if I was sniffing a bottle of hard alcohol. After sniffing it more and more, I can smell tobacco and graham cracker crust.

Taste: Vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, bitter chocolate covered dark fruits (dates, raisins, figs). A very small small hint of hop spice, a touch of oak and coffee in the finish.

Mouthfeel: Sticky, silky, gooey, syrupy.

Overall: I was really afraid this wouldn’t meet the hype. It blew me away with how complex and layered this guy is.  I don’t see the need to age one of these, but would not oppose doing it and trying it.  I hate to say this, but very worth the $5 + a bottle.