Review: Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Fourteen Stout (2021)

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There have been a whopping seven totally different releases from Goose Island’s Barrel House line in 2021, together with, after all, the fan favourite Bourbon County Stout. Amongst these choices, one specifically could have been acquainted to early Goose Island devotees. Goose Island Bourbon County Model Fourteen Stout initially debuted method again in 2014 as a part of the Proprietor’s line, obtainable solely to beer lovers within the Chicago space. Final yr, the Goose Island powers that be determined to tug it out of the vault for re-release to a broader viewers, though how broad remains to be a little bit of a thriller. The unique Model Fourteen Stout was aged in a rye whiskey barrel, however to “up the rye ante” for 2021 Goose Island additionally added rye to the stout mashbill. Taking issues a step additional, they layered in cassia bark, cocoa nibs, panela sugar, and, maybe oddest of all, coconut water. We’ve been sitting on our bottle since Black Friday, and that’s in all probability lengthy sufficient. Let’s test it out.

This one pours a darkish molasses hue with a lightweight, fudgy head that fizzles out fairly shortly. The aroma just isn’t as intense or indulgent as some Barrel Home brews, nevertheless it’s simply probably the most advanced with notes of toasted coconut macaroons, darkish chocolate fudge, molasses, and clove. The palate is decadent however nonetheless not overdone, though issues do push proper as much as that edge, at the very least initially. Notes of Almond Pleasure, brandy-soaked cherries, and molasses cookies are woven right into a darkish, silky physique, whereas the rye provides a implausible little bit of muted spice simmering just under the floor. The end is creamy with wealthy vanilla and a delicate chew of cacao. A fantastically constructed stout, and certainly one of my favorites but from Goose Island.

13.2% abv.

A / $25 per 500ml bottle / gooseisland.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Goose Island Bourbon County Model Fourteen Stout (2021)

$25

Score

9.5/10

About Submit Creator

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began consuming them, incomes a number of booze-related advantage badges alongside the best way, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Government Bourbon Steward. Along with his work with Drinkhacker, Drew can also be Spirits Editor for Santé Journal. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s joyful to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.