New Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout 2018 Variants

No real data or anything, it's just seemed that way to me in the past.

Also, I should add that it's felt that way to me when I have bottles as I tend to let them warm for some time before opening them.

 

I had Wheatwine on tap yesterday morning, then cracked a bottle of Bramble Rye last night. I wish I had gotten more of the Wheatwine which was incredible and less of the Bramble which I found to be too tart for my taste. That said, Bramble did get less tart as it warmed somehow. Tonight I'll be having a Midnight Orange, then will have a Vanilla tomorrow. I probably won't get any 2018 Regular since I have some 2017 left.

 

I didn't buy any this year (didn't have a chance at any variants, and would have passed anyway at those prices), yet I still appreciate hearing about how they are showing up. Living vicariously, I admit it.

 

I could send you a video of me drinking the Orange and Vanilla

 

The only one I’ve had so far is the Orange. I did a full review if you’re interested, but if you like chocolate orange balls and those chocolate Grand Marnier liquer bottles wrapped in foil you’ll probably like the beer.

 

I want to Fred Eckert the vanilla and orange.

 

I think it would be interesting to blend the vanilla and orange 50/50. Bourbon County creamsicle?

 

If, you had vocal commentary about what you thought about your experience drinking it, then yes I would watch it. On occasion I watch videos of people drinking certain beers I consider buying, or beer I already enjoy. This is a great example, as I love how his wife's perspective--in a sense--balances out his perspective.

Or, just tell us what you thought about it here? (it's a bit easier then searching for the review on all of the variants).

 

Thanks. Great review. I really like this description, as that is something direct that I can easily relate to: "Grand Marnier liquer bottles wrapped in foil."

 

This looks like a great review of the Vanilla:

 

Just went by my area TW. 3 Cases bramble sitting. 10-15 cases of regular and about 5 wheatwine cases. Interestingly, the wheatwine has a vanilla price/info label and price of $24.99. Website doesn't show wheatwine or vanilla. So maybe they had some yesterday? Tough to gauge online inventory.

Passed on all of them. Went with something else. This variety would mark a tie with what we got 3-4 years back. Past two years, we saw 2 varieties max.

 

I had a bottle of the Vanilla yesterday and it was very good. Definitely a splurge at $25 bucks but worth it for me personally. I will try BCBS and the other variants over the next few weeks. We did not see Bramble at my local. Cheers!

 

Missed several release events back home because of a trip to Virginia. Argh. Going through Williamsburg today and came across the Bottle Shop. Impressive store. Mentioned BC to the sales guy and he smiles and says, “Four bottle limit. How many do you want?” “Huzzah, I’ll take four!” Cheers!

 

I bought two wheatwines in two separate stores both for $14.99, cracked one last night and felt it was absolutely delicious. We are talking 15% ABV with no heat, tons of toffee and plenty of barrel character. I would buy more if I came across it.

 

Someone suggested I post my impressions of BCBS Orange, and here it is;

Bourbon County Brand Midnight Orange Stout, 15.2% ABV. Pours black with a slight brown head. Nose is all orange zest and chocolate. Taste is incredible; sweet orange, chocolate, then bourbon. Outstanding mouthfeel, overall outstanding. Improves even further with warming. By score, this is my new favorite of 626 reviews, bumping CBS.

Of this year's variants, I've had Wheatwine, Bramble Rye, and now Midnight Orange. This is the best of the three, followed by Wheatwine, then Bramble Rye. Vanilla is next up tomorrow.

 

Though this should arguably apply to many/most/all stouts, it should be a punishable offense to drink BCBS Midnight Orange much cooler than room temperature. The nose in particular really blossoms with warming. I often question why I take beers from my cellar, put them in the fridge for 1+ days, take them out, and let them warm substantially before drinking.

 

I am with you on that one. I do it because I get to taste it all the way through the range of temps: from 40ish to room temp. I've done lots of side-by-sides with similar beers where they are roughly equally enjoyable, until they get to cellar temp, and then usually the enjoy-ability of better beer takes off. I think it's an interesting experience.

In this case, now at least you know you like it at near room temp, and now you KNOW there is no reason to wonder, 'What if was a bit colder ...'

 

I've lost track of how many highly rated stouts I've had where at first blush I don't care for them. Then - because I drink slowly - as you say, I experience the beer through the full range of temperatures, and end up revising my opinion. Then I think, doh - let it warm.

 

Drinking Northwoods from last year. Tastes pretty damn good to me.