Old Forester Goose Island Bourbon County Reserve Brand 150 Stout 2021 250ml

A testament to innovative collaboration, this exceptional spirit emerged from a unique partnership: Goose Island's renowned barrel-aging prowess married with Old Forester's legendary bourbon craft. Aged exclusively in barrels that once held Old Forester's historic 150th Anniversary Bourbon, this small-batch offering delivers an extraordinary depth of flavor, marrying rich stout characteristics with profound bourbon complexity.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich and complex bouquet immediately presents itself, dominated by deep roasted malt notes, dark chocolate, and freshly brewed coffee. This is seamlessly interwoven with classic bourbon aromas of caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak, hinting at dried dark fruits like fig and prune, and a subtle underlying spiciness.

Palate: The palate is a magnificent tapestry of flavors, starting with a velvety mouthfeel. Initial impressions are of intensely rich dark chocolate, espresso, and caramelized sugar, quickly followed by the signature bourbon characteristics of sweet vanilla, warm baking spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, a touch of clove – and a pleasant oaky char. The wheat component likely contributes a smooth, slightly softer sweetness, balancing the bolder stout and bourbon notes, with hints of stewed cherries and plum.

Finish: A long, luxurious, and evolving finish that lingers beautifully. It begins with a pleasant warmth, reminiscent of a fireside dram, transitioning into lasting notes of bittersweet chocolate, a gentle espresso bitterness, and dried dark fruit. The oak influence provides a subtle drying effect, while the residual sweetness of caramel and vanilla persists, culminating in a balanced, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying fade.

About the Distillery

Goose Island Beer Co. is a pioneering craft brewery founded in Chicago in 1988, widely recognized for its innovative approach to brewing, particularly its barrel-aged stout program. While primarily a brewery, their Bourbon County Stout series has garnered immense critical acclaim, often featuring collaborations with esteemed distilleries, leveraging their expertise in barrel aging to create unique and highly sought-after beverages that blur the lines between beer and spirits.