Goose Island Beer Co. releases the Bourbon County Brand Stout Family to honor their legacy as the creator of the world’s first bourbon barrel-aged stout. At the heart of this story is Bourbon County Brand Original Stout—the pioneering imperial stout that, over thirty years ago, defined an entire style of beer. That’s why every lineup begins with Original. Each variant that follows offers a unique expression, using distinctive ingredients and barrels to highlight the layered complexity of this remarkable beer.
For 2025, the Bourbon County Brand Stout family tells a story of metamorphosis—where barrels, time, and innovation evolve a true original. While always grounded in what makes it iconic, this year’s lineup introduces new ways to experience the stout we love. Additionally, for the first time, Goose Island is debuting 10-ounce four-pack bottles of Bourbon County Brand Original Stout. The recipe remains unchanged, but the new format reflects a shift in occasion—perfect for side-by-side tastings with the rest of the family or for savoring on its own.
Each 2025 variant showcases the creative levers Goose Island brewers pull to give the beer its own expression: unique barrels, extended aging, and complementary ingredients. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout, finished in aromatic cognac casks, and 2025 Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout, aged in freshly emptied, single-use bourbon barrels, show how time and thoughtful additions deepen character. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout, inspired by Baklava, weaves in toasted pistachios, walnuts and cinnamon to highlight the nuttiness and warm baking spice that barrel aging brings forward.
Todd Ahsmann, President, Goose Island Beer Co. notes that “having been fortunate enough to try the very first Bourbon County Stout in 1992 when it was draft-only at our pub, I’ve witnessed the birth—and every evolution—of Bourbon County Brand Stout. As pioneers of barrel-aged stouts, we’ve always evolved to meet the moment and the drinker. This new bottle for our Original Stout has been years in the making, and it’s breaking down barriers for beer lovers to enjoy this beer during more occasions. Whether you’re celebrating life’s little moments or simply don’t want to wait for stout season, our new 10-oz bottle makes Bourbon County Stout easier to enjoy—anytime.”
This year also spotlights the barrels themselves, with collaborations that strengthen the bond between beer and whiskey. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout explores layered complexity through two sets of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond barrels while 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout, aged in coveted 17th edition Parker’s Heritage 10-year-old rye whiskey barrels, pays deep homage to whiskey tradition while showcasing the beauty that only comes with time.
Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller, Heaven Hill said “this is another great collaboration with our friends at Goose Island. The rich sweetness of the stout pairs beautifully with subtle rye whiskey influences from the ten-year-old barrels. Classic rye baking spice notes complement the chocolate and coffee notes in the beer.”
The 2025 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Family includes:
1. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout
2. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout
3. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout
4. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout
5. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Stout
6. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Parker’s Heritage Reserve Stout
2025 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout
ABV: Coming Soon
Availability: National Markets
Format: 4-pack 10-oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, cherry, cocoa, toasted almond & caramelized sugar
Style: Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels
After crafting the very first bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, Goose Island understands that great beer begins with the best ingredients– which is why the brewery continues to source only the freshest and finest from trusted partners along the bourbon trail. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout was aged in a blend of freshly emptied barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey. With an average aging time of 12 months, this stout delivers deeply developed flavors of fudge, vanilla, and caramelized sugar—all wrapped in a rich, decadent mouthfeel.
Now, for the first time ever, Original is available in four-packs of 10-ounce bottles—offering more ways to enjoy this iconic beer. Whether served during a Bourbon County tasting or sipped fireside, this new format makes it easier than ever to elevate any occasion.
Additional Notes/Facts:
● Bourbon County Brand Original Stout is the original bourbon barrel-aged stout created.
● Bourbon County Brand Stout was brewed to celebrate Goose Island’s 1,000th batch of beer in
1992.
Goose Island Beer Co.
2025 Bourbon County Brand Family Fact Sheet
● Bourbon County Brand Stout was disqualified from the Great American Beer Fest when first
submitted because at the time, there was not a category for bourbon barrel-aged imperial
stouts.
2025 Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout
ABV: Coming Soon
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Burnished cocoa & vibrant dark stone fruit with a caramelized citrus finish
Style: Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, finished in cognac barrels with Montmorency cherries, citrus & panela
As stout ages, Goose Island’s brewers often observe a range of fruit expressions that emerge from the barrel and from time itself. Inspired by the flambéed dessert classic Cherries Jubilee, 2025 Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout captures the essence of cognac-soaked cherries and caramelized citrus. The beer began its aging journey in freshly emptied bourbon barrels, which impart rich layers of oak, warm vanilla, and subtle baking spice. It was then finished in cognac barrels, adding elegant notes of dried fruit and contributing to a rich, full mouthfeel. Following the aging process, the stout was blended with Montmorency cherries, citrus, and panela–resulting in a velvety, decadent beer with flavors of candied dark cherry, soft vanilla, and a caramelized citrus finish.
2025 Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout
ABV: Coming Soon
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Rich fudge with toasted marzipan & chewy toffee
Style: Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews & dates
Bourbon County Brand Stout is a beer crafted for aging. Over time, Goose Island’s imperial stout undergoes an incredible transformation within the barrel. With patience and time, the beer not only absorbs the character of the freshly emptied bourbon barrels, but also develops expressions of toasted marzipan and dried fruit—signature to Original Stout. Goose Island brings these flavors to the forefront with 2025 Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout. First aged in freshly emptied bourbon barrels, this stout draws inspiration from the underlying decadence of chocolate, caramel, and roasted nuts found in Original. Layered with a blend of cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, and dates, this full-bodied stout showcases the classic flavors of a chocolate praline while embracing the subtle nuances imparted by the bourbon barrel.
2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout
ABV: Coming Soon
Availability: Chicago Market
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Caramelized honeycomb, baking spice & roasted candied nuts
Style: Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with walnuts, pistachios, cassia bark & honey
Inspired by the beehives on her aunt’s Rhode Island homestead, Goose Island brewer Colby Magratten was immediately drawn to the flavors of crisp and nutty homemade baklava—an idea she knew would be perfect for 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout. First aged in bourbon barrels and then finished with walnuts, pistachios, cassia bark, and honey, each ingredient was carefully chosen to complement the aged imperial stout: toasted nuts highlight its warm, nutty character; cinnamon enhances the spice of the bourbon barrel; and rich honey deepens the stout’s caramelized body. This stout boasts a dessert-inspired expression with layers of comforting warmth, deeply roasted nuts, and a subtly sweet finish—crafted with love for, and available only in, the city Goose Island calls home: Chicago.
2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout
ABV: Coming Soon
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, warm vanilla with a pronounced oak finish
Style: Imperial Stout double barrel-aged in Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon barrels
Shared dedication to their respective crafts is what unites Heaven Hill and Goose Island in the creation of 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout. As the creators of the world’s first bourbon barrel-aged stout, the brewers at Goose Island have spent over thirty years redefining what beer can be through the evolution of Bourbon County Brand Stout. Over time, the series has grown into a diverse family of beers—each expressing a distinct character and perspective. As Bourbon County ages, it develops a myriad of characteristics: complex, layered, and deeply
expressive. Drawing on decades of experience, Goose Island’s brewers have learned how to elevate those qualities by fine-tuning every variable—from ingredient selection to barrel choice to time spent aging. Every decision reveals a new facet of Original Stout. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout is a masterclass in that approach. In collaboration with Heaven Hill Distillery, Goose Island aged this release in not one, but two sets of freshly emptied Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon barrels. By centering the nuanced complexity of the whiskey, the resulting beer is a true celebration of bourbon, collaboration, and the most essential element of every Bourbon County release: the barrel itself.
Additional:
On March 3, 1897, the Bottled-in-Bond Act was signed into law, establishing a government-backed guarantee of quality in American whiskey by enforcing strict standards for origin, distilling, aging, and labeling. With its rigorous criteria, the act became a trusted marker of excellence and a clear statement of craftsmanship from participating distilleries. It was in this spirit—and with those same values in mind—that Heaven Hill Distillery filled its first barrel in December of 1935. After patiently waiting four years before releasing its first bottled-in-bond whiskey, the distillery launched its namesake bourbon in 1939, establishing a legacy as the nation’s premier producer of bottled-in-bond whiskey.
Today, continuing that historic tradition, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands a class above. Aged a full three years beyond the required four, this fully mature 7-year bourbon exemplifies how time and patience can unlock remarkable depth, richness, and balance.
2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout
ABV: Coming Soon
Availability: National Markets
Format: 16.9oz bottle & draft
Tasting Notes: Layers of dried fruit & marzipan with nuanced rye spice
Style: Imperial Stout aged two years in Parker’s Heritage Collection 10-year 17th Edition Rye Whiskey
barrels
Parker Beam began his distilling career at Heaven Hill in 1960, working alongside his father before becoming a sixth-generation Master Distiller in 1975. Over five decades, he built a legacy of
uncompromising quality and quiet innovation—values now embodied in the Parker’s Heritage Collection, named in his honor. Released annually, the collection has become a benchmark of excellence within the whiskey industry. 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout is a testament to the depth that comes from extended aging in an exceptional single lot of barrels. For this special release, Goose Island rested its imperial stout for a full two years in casks from one of the most respected names in American whiskey: Parker’s Heritage Collection.
This longer aging period goes beyond the brewery’s traditional process, drawing out concentrated layers of cocoa, dried fruit, spice, and toasted oak. The result is a rich, contemplative expression of Bourbon County—one that rewards patience and reflects a legacy built slowly, barrel-by-barrel.
Additional Notes:
The 17th Edition—a 10-year-old Kentucky straight rye bottled at full cask strength—brings unmistakable character and quality to this collaboration. These barrels, which first aged this prized whiskey before being filled with Goose Island’s stout, impart vibrant rye spice and layered oak complexity—a fitting tribute to Parker Beam’s enduring legacy.
