The word is out that the 2009 batch of my favorite beer, Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout, has just arrived in Colorado. This highly acclaimed brew (100% rating on
Rate Beer and an A over at
Beer Advocate) is not like anything you've had before. Even other barrel aged stouts can't compare to it's complex chocolate, vanilla, oak, and bourbon flavor. In fact, it tastes as much like bourbon as a drink can get without being bourbon. It is also a beer designed for cellaring (up to 5 years), as age can significantly change the flavors. That has me really looking forward to doing a vertical tasting with one of my remaining bottles of the 2008 batch to see how it's changed. This year's version is available in both 12 oz and 22 oz bottles, but I've heard only 65 cases were sent to Colorado so grab it while you can.
From Goose Island:
Brewed in honor of the 1000th batch at our original Clybourn brewpub. 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. A great cigar beer.
Recipe Information:
Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Alcohol by Volume: 13%
International Bitterness Units: 60
Color: Midnight
Hops: Willamette
Malt: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roast Barley, Debittered Black
Serving Suggestions:
Preferred Glass: Snifter
Preferred Serving Temperature: 40º
Food Pairings: Flourless Chocolate Cake
Cheese Pairings: Capriole Bourbon Chocolate Torte
Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle for up to 5 years
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I like the new classy look of the 2009 label. The old tan label with black lettering was nice but this gives it a more elite look, almost like a wine bottle. I can't wait to get some of this and do a vertical tasting with some 2008 stock.
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