Goose Island Beer Company Bourbon County Brand Stout 2008 (365 Day 116)

By scot in 365 Days of American Craft Beer on Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout

I know I just recently had this Bourbon County Brand Stout but I thought having another that was two years older than the other tasting would be okay as the beer changes a lot over those two plus years of cellaring.

Since I am trying to clarify this version of the Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Brewing Company as different, I guess it makes sense to explain how I feel they are different.

Just like a good wine, a good beer will age over time and age well. The key to aging it keeping the beer dark and cool, usually in your basement. The 2008 version has 2.5 years to appreciate my fine basement. Over that time some of the sharp alcohol has depreciated as has the bourbon and molasses. The result is a beer that is much more mellow, has more dark fruit notes, and even carries a sense of earth with it. Just as complex and tasty as 2010 but in a different manner. The beer is different except for having a Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout lablel on the outside. Enjoy!

Aroma: 9, Taste: 10, Look: 9, Drinkability: 9, Overall: 9.3

Useless Fact: In Chinese, the words “crisis” and “opportunity” are the same.