Bourbon County 2 Year Reserve Brand Stout (2019)
Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Stout - American Imperial
- ABV:
- 14.9%
- Score:
- 98
- Avg:
- 4.65 | pDev: 4.73%
- Reviews:
- 22
- Ratings:
- From:
- Goose Island Beer Co.
- Illinois, United States
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 13
- Gots
- 9
SCORE
98
World-Class
98
World-Class
Notes:
Spending twice the amount of time in barrels as traditional BCS, 2-year Reserve is a new twist on a variant that has been in the lineup for the past two years. The brewery used 11-year-old Knob Creek barrels which results in an oak-forward flavor with chocolate, hazelnut and maple.
Reviews: 22
| Ratings: 67
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firesidewithphil from Illinois
4.5/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
The 2 Year Reserve BCS from 2019; aged in 11 year old Knob Creek barrels. This version is a grown up BCS base that is wearing a tuxedo. The cocoa and coffee finish is much more pronounced. Also, the barrel dryness starts to build the longer it is exposed in the glass. The beer almost starts to become whiskey neat. Excellent stout and showcase of barrel technique.
IG: @firesidewithphil
Apr 10, 2021
4.5/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
The 2 Year Reserve BCS from 2019; aged in 11 year old Knob Creek barrels. This version is a grown up BCS base that is wearing a tuxedo. The cocoa and coffee finish is much more pronounced. Also, the barrel dryness starts to build the longer it is exposed in the glass. The beer almost starts to become whiskey neat. Excellent stout and showcase of barrel technique.
IG: @firesidewithphil
Apr 10, 2021
CHickman from New York
4.96/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Pours as black as spent motor oil with a nice foamy tan head that was packed with bubbles, dissipating slowly with no real lacing to speak of, which was expected. The nose is like a glass of bourbon with caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, rich oaky notes, peat moss, charred wood, red wine, dark fruit, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, biscotti, burnt coffee grinds and more chocolate mixed with booze. The bourbon gives off smoky and sweet notes and is on par with the BCBS Coffee variant.
Tastes as good as it smelled with basically the same lineup as above plus molasses, brown sugar, rye, soy sauce, fudge, coffee and some faint nutty flavors. The bourbon and vanilla work well with the roasty stout base as this never gets too boozy or too sweet. This aged perfectly as it is money right now. Got this bottle in December 2019 and I’m glad I let it age since it was delicious.
A remarkable beer that’s got some boozy aspects that warm you up after each sip, but it’s a smooth slow sipper and not harsh like a glass of straight bourbon. It’s refined and complex in every way, getting better as it warms without ever being cloyingly sweet. One to seek out, this whale is by far one of the best Bourbon County brews I’ve ever had.
Mar 13, 2021
4.96/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Pours as black as spent motor oil with a nice foamy tan head that was packed with bubbles, dissipating slowly with no real lacing to speak of, which was expected. The nose is like a glass of bourbon with caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, rich oaky notes, peat moss, charred wood, red wine, dark fruit, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, biscotti, burnt coffee grinds and more chocolate mixed with booze. The bourbon gives off smoky and sweet notes and is on par with the BCBS Coffee variant.
Tastes as good as it smelled with basically the same lineup as above plus molasses, brown sugar, rye, soy sauce, fudge, coffee and some faint nutty flavors. The bourbon and vanilla work well with the roasty stout base as this never gets too boozy or too sweet. This aged perfectly as it is money right now. Got this bottle in December 2019 and I’m glad I let it age since it was delicious.
A remarkable beer that’s got some boozy aspects that warm you up after each sip, but it’s a smooth slow sipper and not harsh like a glass of straight bourbon. It’s refined and complex in every way, getting better as it warms without ever being cloyingly sweet. One to seek out, this whale is by far one of the best Bourbon County brews I’ve ever had.
Mar 13, 2021
zac16125 from South Carolina
4.73/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Pours opaque black with 1/2 fingers width of dark mocha head which dissipates at a moderate rate. Aroma is bonkers on this thing, just insane barrel notes, so rich. Huge, huge bourbony goodness, charred oak, smokey, peat like. It’s just wonderful. Base beer characters of roasted malt and a boozy fusel alcohol character. If I have one complaint, which admittedly is nitpicking, it’s that the barrel notes are so strong they somewhat mute the base beer characters. Taste is also amazing, but more balanced. Rich chocolate both fudge and dark cocoa paired with roasted malts up front. Huge barrel notes on the back end with char, heavy oak, a touch nutty, big bourbony vanilla. It’s incredibly bourbon heavy yet so smooth. There’s a really great balancing sweetness here. Just phenomenal. Mouthfeel and drinkability as standard as per BCBS which is to say, not particularly thick with good carbonation and surpassingly good drinkability. Overall just a killer beers
4.75/4.75/4.75/4.5/4.75
Mar 02, 2021
4.73/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Pours opaque black with 1/2 fingers width of dark mocha head which dissipates at a moderate rate. Aroma is bonkers on this thing, just insane barrel notes, so rich. Huge, huge bourbony goodness, charred oak, smokey, peat like. It’s just wonderful. Base beer characters of roasted malt and a boozy fusel alcohol character. If I have one complaint, which admittedly is nitpicking, it’s that the barrel notes are so strong they somewhat mute the base beer characters. Taste is also amazing, but more balanced. Rich chocolate both fudge and dark cocoa paired with roasted malts up front. Huge barrel notes on the back end with char, heavy oak, a touch nutty, big bourbony vanilla. It’s incredibly bourbon heavy yet so smooth. There’s a really great balancing sweetness here. Just phenomenal. Mouthfeel and drinkability as standard as per BCBS which is to say, not particularly thick with good carbonation and surpassingly good drinkability. Overall just a killer beers
4.75/4.75/4.75/4.5/4.75
Mar 02, 2021
Phyl21ca from Canada (QC)
4.44/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle: Poured a pitch-black color stout with a large dark brown foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of huge bourbon notes with some woody note and vanilla with some sweet black chocolate notes is quite enticing. Taste is a great mix of bourbon, woody and vanilla notes with some sweet black chocolate notes. Body is full with oily like texture and good carbonation with some warming alcohol notes also showing. Solid version of BCBSS with great bourbon notes and added complexity.
Feb 10, 2021
4.44/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle: Poured a pitch-black color stout with a large dark brown foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of huge bourbon notes with some woody note and vanilla with some sweet black chocolate notes is quite enticing. Taste is a great mix of bourbon, woody and vanilla notes with some sweet black chocolate notes. Body is full with oily like texture and good carbonation with some warming alcohol notes also showing. Solid version of BCBSS with great bourbon notes and added complexity.
Feb 10, 2021
stortore from Illinois
4.59/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
500 ml bottle into a snifter. Bottled 7/10/19, had 10/16/20.
Pours near black and opaque, thick looking, with a half inch quickly dissipating foamy head and light, spotty cling. Aromas of bourbon, oak, leather, malt, molasses, chocolate, figs, raisins, some char, light prunes. Has a spicy aroma. As good as this smells, it tastes even better. Flavors of bourbon, chocolate, oak, leather, vanilla, malt, raisins, some prunes, light molasses and brown sugar, light tobacco and char. Smooth, an excellent full body, well carbonated.
An elite BCS variant. Such vibrant aromas and flavors, with lots of bourbon and oak, and more dark fruit than usual. A delight to drink.
Nov 17, 2020
4.59/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
500 ml bottle into a snifter. Bottled 7/10/19, had 10/16/20.
Pours near black and opaque, thick looking, with a half inch quickly dissipating foamy head and light, spotty cling. Aromas of bourbon, oak, leather, malt, molasses, chocolate, figs, raisins, some char, light prunes. Has a spicy aroma. As good as this smells, it tastes even better. Flavors of bourbon, chocolate, oak, leather, vanilla, malt, raisins, some prunes, light molasses and brown sugar, light tobacco and char. Smooth, an excellent full body, well carbonated.
An elite BCS variant. Such vibrant aromas and flavors, with lots of bourbon and oak, and more dark fruit than usual. A delight to drink.
Nov 17, 2020
THE_VANDAL from Arkansas
4.85/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Since it's a time for celebration, I decided to pull this one out. Aged for 2 years in 11 & 12 year-old Elijah Craig barrels, this is a complex brew that will leave both your mouth and brain, stupefied. Sweet and thick on the pour, leaving a small head that quickly disappears. In the mouth, a smorgasbord of flavors- hazelnut, coffee, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, sorghum molasses, and heavy bourbon wallop induce a near-orgasmic experience in the mouth. Silky-smooth swallow, and a heavy oats & smokey chocolate finish. This is quite literally, sex in a bottle.
Nov 08, 2020
4.85/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Since it's a time for celebration, I decided to pull this one out. Aged for 2 years in 11 & 12 year-old Elijah Craig barrels, this is a complex brew that will leave both your mouth and brain, stupefied. Sweet and thick on the pour, leaving a small head that quickly disappears. In the mouth, a smorgasbord of flavors- hazelnut, coffee, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, sorghum molasses, and heavy bourbon wallop induce a near-orgasmic experience in the mouth. Silky-smooth swallow, and a heavy oats & smokey chocolate finish. This is quite literally, sex in a bottle.
Nov 08, 2020
CraftFan5 from New Jersey
4.94/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
29 September 2020 - Beer #189
Price: $29.99 at Food Emporium on 8th Ave in Manhattan
Appearance: 4 - you know, it's not completely black. Blacker than the Reserve Rye, and the head is a bit darker, but it's not completely black.
Nose: 5 - wow, this is powerful stuff! Massive barrel, and tons of dark fruit. Smells like bourbon dipped chocolate covered figs.
Taste: 5 - exactly like the nose. There's this deep barrel quality. It never gets too sweet, and there's even a bit of smoke on the very back end.
Mouth: 5 - just a sip fills your whole mouth and almost chokes you. Well played.
Overall: 5 - my first crack at this one. So glad I have another tucked away.
Cheers!
Oct 02, 2020
4.94/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
29 September 2020 - Beer #189
Price: $29.99 at Food Emporium on 8th Ave in Manhattan
Appearance: 4 - you know, it's not completely black. Blacker than the Reserve Rye, and the head is a bit darker, but it's not completely black.
Nose: 5 - wow, this is powerful stuff! Massive barrel, and tons of dark fruit. Smells like bourbon dipped chocolate covered figs.
Taste: 5 - exactly like the nose. There's this deep barrel quality. It never gets too sweet, and there's even a bit of smoke on the very back end.
Mouth: 5 - just a sip fills your whole mouth and almost chokes you. Well played.
Overall: 5 - my first crack at this one. So glad I have another tucked away.
Cheers!
Oct 02, 2020
briandgilbert from Illinois
4.71/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Wow this has a punch! Strongest smells and booziest BCBS of 2019.
L-jet black
S-let it air a bit after opening and it get more rich, strong
T-strong bourbon bite and intense, love it.
F-not thick as oil like some, drinks easy, must sip it to enjoy
This is a tie to me of the variants along with the Proprietors, is just as good less strong with more sweetness to it.
Apr 24, 2020
4.71/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Wow this has a punch! Strongest smells and booziest BCBS of 2019.
L-jet black
S-let it air a bit after opening and it get more rich, strong
T-strong bourbon bite and intense, love it.
F-not thick as oil like some, drinks easy, must sip it to enjoy
This is a tie to me of the variants along with the Proprietors, is just as good less strong with more sweetness to it.
Apr 24, 2020
Sparty1224 from Michigan
4.77/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Serving: 1 Pint, 0.9 Fl. oz. bottle poured into a 2015 GI BCBS snifter. Bottled on 7/10/19, making this a little over 8 months old at this point.
A: Pours that classic BCBS motor-oil back color. No head whatsoever.
S: I'm sure I could tell the difference side-by-side, but this smells very similar to Regular. Maybe a touch less sweeter and with a bit more bourbon/oak aroma.
T: Very rich chocolate, like 90% dark cocoa. Dark fruits, raisins, figs. Finish is with a shade of vanilla, certainly some nice bourbon notes.
M: About on par with Regular, but maybe a hair thinner in the body, sadly. Maybe due to the extra time in barrels?
O: So I believe this is the first time GI did a 2-year Reserve. The closest thing I think of would be maybe Rare, as in it's a different barrel, but a special, much older one. I never had OG Rare, and wasn't a huge fan of 2015 Rare, so I wasn't too hyper for this. However, this year's Reserve Rye was amazing, so I couldn't wait for this. I certainly like it more than 2015 Rare, it's not as oaky or smoky as that was. This seems like it got more careful attention. It's sort of like Regular on steroids, a touch more boozy, thinner, more potent. Yet, it sort of lacks the fluffiness and sweetness and richness of Regular. While this may not top it's base beer, it's still a great venture into the art of the barrel.
Recommendation: If you've had Regular, don't feel like you're totally missing out. But if you're a more hardcore Bourbon lover, this is really worth checking out if you can't track one down.
Mar 23, 2020
4.77/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Serving: 1 Pint, 0.9 Fl. oz. bottle poured into a 2015 GI BCBS snifter. Bottled on 7/10/19, making this a little over 8 months old at this point.
A: Pours that classic BCBS motor-oil back color. No head whatsoever.
S: I'm sure I could tell the difference side-by-side, but this smells very similar to Regular. Maybe a touch less sweeter and with a bit more bourbon/oak aroma.
T: Very rich chocolate, like 90% dark cocoa. Dark fruits, raisins, figs. Finish is with a shade of vanilla, certainly some nice bourbon notes.
M: About on par with Regular, but maybe a hair thinner in the body, sadly. Maybe due to the extra time in barrels?
O: So I believe this is the first time GI did a 2-year Reserve. The closest thing I think of would be maybe Rare, as in it's a different barrel, but a special, much older one. I never had OG Rare, and wasn't a huge fan of 2015 Rare, so I wasn't too hyper for this. However, this year's Reserve Rye was amazing, so I couldn't wait for this. I certainly like it more than 2015 Rare, it's not as oaky or smoky as that was. This seems like it got more careful attention. It's sort of like Regular on steroids, a touch more boozy, thinner, more potent. Yet, it sort of lacks the fluffiness and sweetness and richness of Regular. While this may not top it's base beer, it's still a great venture into the art of the barrel.
Recommendation: If you've had Regular, don't feel like you're totally missing out. But if you're a more hardcore Bourbon lover, this is really worth checking out if you can't track one down.
Mar 23, 2020
ktr5010 from Illinois
4.96/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
What bourbon county can and should be. Pours a black hole dark. Smells like an exclusive cigar lounge made solely from leather, used bourbon barrel staves, tobacco leaves, and roasted malt. Tastes about the same as it smells. Smooth with a slight kick from the 2 years in a barrel. A poor man's more refined Rare '15.
Mar 09, 2020
4.96/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
What bourbon county can and should be. Pours a black hole dark. Smells like an exclusive cigar lounge made solely from leather, used bourbon barrel staves, tobacco leaves, and roasted malt. Tastes about the same as it smells. Smooth with a slight kick from the 2 years in a barrel. A poor man's more refined Rare '15.
Mar 09, 2020
wisrarebeer from Wisconsin
4.68/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On tap at the Clybourn brewery for USD 8/6 ounces. Incredible beer and amazing on tap. Dark, roasted, vinous, great lacing and smooth like I never expected for a beer with this abv.
Feb 18, 2020
4.68/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On tap at the Clybourn brewery for USD 8/6 ounces. Incredible beer and amazing on tap. Dark, roasted, vinous, great lacing and smooth like I never expected for a beer with this abv.
Feb 18, 2020
REVZEB from Illinois
4.68/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Typical bcbs viscous black body, no head, brown edging. Smells of wood with character, bourbon, vanilla, fudge, rustic earth, slight rye and smoke, and leather. Taste is right there with the best in the series, extremely barrel forward but in showing it off doesn't get too boozy, nice balance in that regard. Wood and bourbon so expressive before re-submerging into the depths of the other flavors from the stout. Get some caramel, dark fruit and slight marshmallow in the mix as well. Has booze heat but does not burn. Feel is thick, chewy, barrel forward, and well balanced. The wife loved it
Jan 22, 2020
4.68/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Typical bcbs viscous black body, no head, brown edging. Smells of wood with character, bourbon, vanilla, fudge, rustic earth, slight rye and smoke, and leather. Taste is right there with the best in the series, extremely barrel forward but in showing it off doesn't get too boozy, nice balance in that regard. Wood and bourbon so expressive before re-submerging into the depths of the other flavors from the stout. Get some caramel, dark fruit and slight marshmallow in the mix as well. Has booze heat but does not burn. Feel is thick, chewy, barrel forward, and well balanced. The wife loved it
Jan 22, 2020
mickyge from Massachusetts
4.54/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark brown/ black and thick with little to no head
Aroma is of coffee and oak
Taste is deep with notes of chocolate, coffee and alcohol
It’s a mouth full with a touch of alcohol burn in the finish
Overall it is what you expect from a barrel aged Goose Island Stout , solid and tasty
Jan 17, 2020
4.54/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark brown/ black and thick with little to no head
Aroma is of coffee and oak
Taste is deep with notes of chocolate, coffee and alcohol
It’s a mouth full with a touch of alcohol burn in the finish
Overall it is what you expect from a barrel aged Goose Island Stout , solid and tasty
Jan 17, 2020
bbtkd from South Dakota
4.52/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Goose Island BCBS Two-year Reserve 2019, 14.9% ABV. Pours black and thick with no head. Nose is lighter chocolate and vanilla, plus bourbon. Taste is strong chocolate, light vanilla, some coffee, moderate bourbon, with some sweetness, some bitterness, and heavier bourbon heat. Excellent mouthfeel, overall world-class.
Jan 05, 2020
4.52/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Goose Island BCBS Two-year Reserve 2019, 14.9% ABV. Pours black and thick with no head. Nose is lighter chocolate and vanilla, plus bourbon. Taste is strong chocolate, light vanilla, some coffee, moderate bourbon, with some sweetness, some bitterness, and heavier bourbon heat. Excellent mouthfeel, overall world-class.
Jan 05, 2020
jheimbigner from Washington
4.71/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
pours a black with a mocha head that leaves minimal lacing. Nose is of fudgey brownie batter, marshmallow, bourbon barrel. Taste is rich sweet chocolate, marshmallow, vanilla, bourbon. Feel is luscious, thick, minimal carb, coats the mouth nicely, minimal heat. Wow! what a great stout, much better than 2019 regular. It is rich, both in flavor and feel, and a complex nose.
Dec 31, 2019
4.71/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
pours a black with a mocha head that leaves minimal lacing. Nose is of fudgey brownie batter, marshmallow, bourbon barrel. Taste is rich sweet chocolate, marshmallow, vanilla, bourbon. Feel is luscious, thick, minimal carb, coats the mouth nicely, minimal heat. Wow! what a great stout, much better than 2019 regular. It is rich, both in flavor and feel, and a complex nose.
Dec 31, 2019
BEERchitect from Kentucky
4.7/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Adding to its mystique the Bourbon County Brand Stout continues its outlandish complexity in taste, texture and aroma with the select 25th Anniversary eleven year Knob Creek bourbon barrels to bring out a "once-in-a-lifetime" uniqueness in boozy flavor.
The 2019 edition of Bourbon County Reserve Brand Stout pours with the familiar color (or lack thereof) of onyx, the viscosity of motor oil, and with the stillness of matured madeira. Mesmerized in its lavish scent, the nose is stricken with espresso, whisky spice, dark chocolate, oaken nuance of char and boldly fortified, aged wines. Its flavors bring a decadent maltiness of dark and roasted malt sugars redolent of blackstrap molasses, chocolate covered espresso bean, candied hazelnuts and burnt marshmallows to the tastebuds early and often on the tongue.
As those devilish malt flavors reach full saturation of the middle palate, its sweetness is unrelenting, weaving in the bourbon soaked oak flavors that begin to share their secrets from caramel, vanilla, whisky spice, coconut and stone fruit. As robust flavors of sherry, madeira, port wine and brandy begin to bring a savory, saucy sense of oxidation to a leathery acidity twinge before the sweet roast turns the corner with a strong fudgy suggestion and cherry chocolate. Woodsy, bourbony and a spicy tanginess leads to a piquant but sweet finish that exits the palate like death by chocolate cake, tiramisu and port wine, in much the same vein as previous Reserve variation.
Absurdly full once more, rich and unforgiving on the sweet tooth, the beer's strong dessert-like character lingers indefinitely into the next sip as the bourbon spice, wine must, peppercorn, powdery leather and fruity tobacco nuances continue to develop sip after sip, as the palate acclimates to the stout's power and the warming beer reveals more secrets with every return to the snifter.
Dec 13, 2019
4.7/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Adding to its mystique the Bourbon County Brand Stout continues its outlandish complexity in taste, texture and aroma with the select 25th Anniversary eleven year Knob Creek bourbon barrels to bring out a "once-in-a-lifetime" uniqueness in boozy flavor.
The 2019 edition of Bourbon County Reserve Brand Stout pours with the familiar color (or lack thereof) of onyx, the viscosity of motor oil, and with the stillness of matured madeira. Mesmerized in its lavish scent, the nose is stricken with espresso, whisky spice, dark chocolate, oaken nuance of char and boldly fortified, aged wines. Its flavors bring a decadent maltiness of dark and roasted malt sugars redolent of blackstrap molasses, chocolate covered espresso bean, candied hazelnuts and burnt marshmallows to the tastebuds early and often on the tongue.
As those devilish malt flavors reach full saturation of the middle palate, its sweetness is unrelenting, weaving in the bourbon soaked oak flavors that begin to share their secrets from caramel, vanilla, whisky spice, coconut and stone fruit. As robust flavors of sherry, madeira, port wine and brandy begin to bring a savory, saucy sense of oxidation to a leathery acidity twinge before the sweet roast turns the corner with a strong fudgy suggestion and cherry chocolate. Woodsy, bourbony and a spicy tanginess leads to a piquant but sweet finish that exits the palate like death by chocolate cake, tiramisu and port wine, in much the same vein as previous Reserve variation.
Absurdly full once more, rich and unforgiving on the sweet tooth, the beer's strong dessert-like character lingers indefinitely into the next sip as the bourbon spice, wine must, peppercorn, powdery leather and fruity tobacco nuances continue to develop sip after sip, as the palate acclimates to the stout's power and the warming beer reveals more secrets with every return to the snifter.
Dec 13, 2019
GuyFawkes from Illinois
4.34/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
2019 vintage; drank 12/5/19 @ Hannah's.
Black appearance.
Minimal dark tan head; almost no lace.
Marshmallow, milk chocolate, vanilla, oak & mild bourbon heat notes in the nose.
Chewy, thick mouthfeel.
Vanilla, oak, marshmallow & milk chocolate flavors; mild bourbon heat emerged as this warmed.
A worthy variation on the classic original; probably not worth buying a bunch of these, due to the price, but one is certainly worth attaining.
Dec 07, 2019
4.34/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
2019 vintage; drank 12/5/19 @ Hannah's.
Black appearance.
Minimal dark tan head; almost no lace.
Marshmallow, milk chocolate, vanilla, oak & mild bourbon heat notes in the nose.
Chewy, thick mouthfeel.
Vanilla, oak, marshmallow & milk chocolate flavors; mild bourbon heat emerged as this warmed.
A worthy variation on the classic original; probably not worth buying a bunch of these, due to the price, but one is certainly worth attaining.
Dec 07, 2019
Radcpa from Washington
4.52/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very dark appearance with slight tan head that dissipates quickly. Aroma is a very pleasant blend of bourbon and dark fruit. Taste is also very smooth pleasant dark fruit and bourbon.
Dec 07, 2019
4.52/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very dark appearance with slight tan head that dissipates quickly. Aroma is a very pleasant blend of bourbon and dark fruit. Taste is also very smooth pleasant dark fruit and bourbon.
Dec 07, 2019
dafla67 from Pennsylvania
4.63/5 rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark black. Roasty aroma of vanilla, caramel, chocolate & bourbon. Taste has an immediate, strong boozy factor along with vanilla and fruits. Feel has the usual BCBS. Incredible stout.
Dec 03, 2019
4.63/5 rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark black. Roasty aroma of vanilla, caramel, chocolate & bourbon. Taste has an immediate, strong boozy factor along with vanilla and fruits. Feel has the usual BCBS. Incredible stout.
Dec 03, 2019
bobhits from Kentucky
3.71/5 rDev -20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
OK so aged 2 years in the knob creek 25th anniversary barrels, possibly the worst bourbon I have ever had, and that's a shocker given how great knob creek generally is. Lets see if beer ages better than the spirit in those god forsaken casks.
Pouring this one it might be a half shade darker than the normal bourbon county stout. Honestly though at this point bourbon county stout needs no review on looks. it's a 5 and as perfect as a stout can be.
Nose - roast chocolate, coffee beans, light citrus hop notes, vanilla, caramel, custard, creme brulee. Just a nice nose, not an overt bourbon note and that's a shocker given the 2 years in the barrels.
Taste - surprisingly alcohol forward. Dark fruits, raisins, plumbs, port wine, oak, vanilla, artificially sweet liquorice. The roots of bourbon county stout are all over this one, but it's bringing a lot more dark fruits and oak to the table. Less of the molasses and deep dark notes.
Mouth Feel - honestly it's over carbonated. A few years in the bottle should fix this however. There's still alcohol heat but it's got a nice creamy thick mouth feel as well.
Overall - man, this is a disappointment. This is just a lesser beer than their namesake. Age is going to greatly improve this one, but this remains a serious disappointment.
Nov 29, 2019
3.71/5 rDev -20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
OK so aged 2 years in the knob creek 25th anniversary barrels, possibly the worst bourbon I have ever had, and that's a shocker given how great knob creek generally is. Lets see if beer ages better than the spirit in those god forsaken casks.
Pouring this one it might be a half shade darker than the normal bourbon county stout. Honestly though at this point bourbon county stout needs no review on looks. it's a 5 and as perfect as a stout can be.
Nose - roast chocolate, coffee beans, light citrus hop notes, vanilla, caramel, custard, creme brulee. Just a nice nose, not an overt bourbon note and that's a shocker given the 2 years in the barrels.
Taste - surprisingly alcohol forward. Dark fruits, raisins, plumbs, port wine, oak, vanilla, artificially sweet liquorice. The roots of bourbon county stout are all over this one, but it's bringing a lot more dark fruits and oak to the table. Less of the molasses and deep dark notes.
Mouth Feel - honestly it's over carbonated. A few years in the bottle should fix this however. There's still alcohol heat but it's got a nice creamy thick mouth feel as well.
Overall - man, this is a disappointment. This is just a lesser beer than their namesake. Age is going to greatly improve this one, but this remains a serious disappointment.
Nov 29, 2019
Rristow from Ohio
4.56/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Tasted at Prop day. Pours black with beige head. Aroma and taste of cocoa, molasses, caramel and coffee. Thick and chewy. Great mouthfeel. Would like to try them head to head but I think I like the last 2 reserve years a little better. Still very well done.
Nov 19, 2019
4.56/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Tasted at Prop day. Pours black with beige head. Aroma and taste of cocoa, molasses, caramel and coffee. Thick and chewy. Great mouthfeel. Would like to try them head to head but I think I like the last 2 reserve years a little better. Still very well done.
Nov 19, 2019
michaelsmith11 from Illinois
4.71/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This was one of my favorites of the 2019 variants. This one was very oakey both in aroma and taste. There was a fudge like taste from the chocolate and the barrel was very prevalent.
Nov 19, 2019
4.71/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This was one of my favorites of the 2019 variants. This one was very oakey both in aroma and taste. There was a fudge like taste from the chocolate and the barrel was very prevalent.
Nov 19, 2019
Bourbon County 2 Year Reserve Brand Stout (2019) from Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer rating:
98 out of
100 with
67 ratings
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