Hello everyone. For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the 2012 version of the Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout produced by the Goose Island Beer Company located in Chicago, Illinois.

There really is no reason for me to bore you will small talk about this beer or this brewery. I’ve had it before and it’s great, but I’ve never reviewed it so it was about time I did so.

Let’s check out the website, gooseisland.com, for the commercial description.

Everyday Goose Island smells the wonderful coffee roasting next to our brewery at Chicago’s Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea. This world class roaster puts the same passion and skill into their coffee as Goose Island does with its beer. This excellent stout is made with a different coffee from our friends next door each year. With the change in coffee comes a change in the flavor profile, making each release truly unique from the previous years.

Let’s sip.

This beer came in a 22 oz. bottle and it packed an ABV punch of 14.3%.

It poured black as night, thick and viscous. No highlights dared tried to peek through this liquid. It formed a small, but creamy and smooth tan head. The retention time was minimal as was the lacing, however a ton of clear alcohol was left clinging to the sides of the snifter when I tilted it from side to side.

The nose was beautiful. A magnificent waft of booze and wood. Hints of vanilla, sturdy coffee/espresso notes, alluring licorice and “baseball glove” leather. Some sweetness came through by way of some light chocolate and even a touch of caramel. Wow!!!! Complex and wonderful. Truly a world class aroma.

The taste released a delightful flavor of smooth and creamy chocolate at first. It was quickly followed by the embossed alcohol, remarkable leather and salient woodiness. It even tasted the slightest bit burnt. Deeper into the experience the bitter coffee began to take hold. It was buried in the profile at first, yet once it was allowed to sit and breathe it really became more harmonized and tasty. Some vanilla was noticed, although it was a little on the lighter side. Still, very well balanced, complex and proportioned for such a big beer.

The mouthfeel was full bodied. Smooth, dry, creamy, chewy, thick and slick. The carbonation was on the lower side of course, but a beautiful and welcomed warmth was felt from the initial sip until long after the swallow. The palate was absolutely drenched with goodness after each intake.

Well guys… This is a great beer. A perfect sipper to take the chill off the long, cold, Winter nights. It’s “big”, so the drinkability is not all that great. It was an “all nighter” for me, but if you’ve got the time to sit, let it develop and contemplate all that you are experiencing it becomes a great and sublime experience. Of all the variations of the Goose Island Bourbon County Stouts out there I believe that the Brand Coffee Stout is my favorite. I enjoyed it fresh because of the coffee notes, but it can be aged for a little while as well. I wouldn’t think for too long though because I’m sure those espresso tones may diminish somewhat. Either way, if you have yet to try this beer, pick up a bottle the next time you see it. I’m sure that you will find it delightful.

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. I really appreciate it.

Until next time. Cheers.

Score: 4.6 out of 5

Grade: A+