Goose Island debuts its 2025 lineup of Bourbon County Brand Stouts

In 1992, Chicago brewpub Goose Island wanted to do something unique and different to celebrate their 1000th batch of beer. According to the Goose Island team, the now local brewing favorite, in just their 4th year of operation at the time, decided on the idea to age a beer in bourbon barrels acquired from distillers along Kentucky’s Whiskey Trail. What resulted was the Original Bourbon County Brand Stout, the first ever barrel-aged Imperial Stout of its kind. Originally only sold on draft at the company’s Chicago bar, the first iteration of the now celebrated beer was so bold and innovative that its submission to the Great American Beer Fest that year was initially disqualified because the organizers did not have a category to classify the beverage under. 

Fast forward to today, and Goose Island is rolling out its 34th annual selection of Bourbon County Stouts with the barrel-ageing program becoming one of the backbones of the brewers heritage and popularity. 

Read more on  Chicago Star:

• The Goodman Theatre celebrates 100 years of storytelling 
• Salt & Light Coalition celebrates community at Radiate Gala
• Step into haunted Chicago with ghost walks, eerie bus rides

For 2025, the Bourbon County Brand family features this year's Original Stout along with five variations that are sure to offer something exciting for both seasoned stout lovers and newcomers alike. According to Goose Island's website, this year's release tells the story of metamorphosis—where barrels, time, and innovation evolve a true original; staying grounded in what makes it iconic while introducing new ways to experience the beloved Stout.  

This year's variations showcase the creativity of the Goose Island team and the evolution of the stout itself, with the lineup including:

1. The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout—a fruity iteration of cherries and caramelized citrus, echoing the flavors of the classic dessert. 

2. The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout—a decadent variation featuring notes of cocoa and nuts.

3. The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel-Aged Stout—a mature take on the original specially aged in two separate barrels during the brewing process to generate rich blends of toasted marshmallow, vanilla and oak.   

4. The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietors Stout—a baklava-inspired variation that mixes flavors of honeycomb, baking spice, and candied nuts to evoke the layers of the popular pastry.

5. The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout—a special release extra aged for two years in premium Heaven Hill Distillery caskets to create a complex profile of dried fruit, marzipan and rye spice.

With rich flavors and an even richer history, Goose Island's 2025 Bourbon County Brand family is the perfect pairing for your next autumn bonfire or holiday party. The entire lineup will be available starting Black Friday, Nov. 28, so be sure to pick some up this season and taste a bit of Chicago heritage.