2016 BCBS Chicago Release (Black Friday & Beyond)

I would say it would be a poor financial decision but they had vintages at LP Binny's.

 

I scored quite a bit this year and it was my first year getting into buying BC since I'm relatively fresh out of school so $$ was a small concern.

6x 2015 Reg + Box w/ matching bottling date (Nov 9 date, non-infected)
2x 2015 Rare
1x 2016 Coffee
1x 2016 Prop
1x 2016 BW
1x 2016 Reg Case + 1x 2016 Reg bottle
1x 2016 Coffee Box (lol)

 

Yes, had one on Turkey Day.

From one of the interviews I've read, the brewer's idea of Bourbon County is enjoying it with a cigar. And that's what gave her the inspiration.

I have to say, she was spot on in her interpretation. I would also say, that it doesn't necessarily do it for me. Choc-lately and unmistakably bourbon county stout at the start, but it had an ashy, pepper burn on the end that just isn't to my taste.

 

Thank you for your response.

I was at the Black Friday tasting at GI and the brewer essentially said exactly what you had posted. I only had it on draft, but I agree with your assessment and the only thing I would add is the overwhelming smoky nose. It was so strong that it muted out the bourbon and maple. Additionally I thought the maple may have added a little viscosity or body compared to the regular, but I may be mistaken.

 

Yeah, what happened to the maple?!

I am no sommelier, far from it, but agree with your sentiment. And again, not saying it is bad, it really is quite remarkable what the brewer was able to do. Just not my cup of tea.

 

To me the nose was all cocoa, no smoke, no maple in the nose or taste. Have you guys ever smelled a bar of 100% cocoa bakers chocolate? That's what I smelled on the draft version.

 

Can anyone share where to find some regular BCS in NW IN? Was out of state at the in-laws over the holiday weekend and got shafted. Trust me, the turkey wasn't a fair trade... Hoping to pay close to retail, haha, if possible. You can also PM

 

Huh. For me there was no cocoa, it smelled of liquid smoke, 100%.

Out of curiosity, how do you rate Prop '16 out of 5?

 

You are definetly making wise choices with your money fresh out of school.

 

Luckily nothing that high in the Lansing area. But it sold out fast. Much faster than the previous year.

 

Congrats on your first haul, but I would caution against buying anymore 15 bcbs. Even though you got a date that isn't supposed to be infected you never know. Especially with your new found $$

 

Has there been instances of bottled dates of regular not recalled that were infected?

If so... I'm really worried b/c the 2015 regs were $18.99 each, which I guess is reasonable for being 1 year old?

 

Nope. Split gas with my buddies. Was able to get full allocation at Binnys including Rare + a bunch more regular or BW. Got to try Coffee, Rare, and Prop at Fulton St. Finished the trip off by stopping by Odd Sides and picking up Hipster, Hipster Rye and Hazel Nuts. Great trip. Will be back next year also.

 

Fair enough.

 

I really liked it and though it was unique, had it side by side with regular. I'd give it a 4.5

 

Thanks

I even paid 17.99/bottle for my case of 2016 reg. I figured paying nearly double, but not being restricted by a bottle limit, was worth it. I also didn't wait in any sort of line for the 2016 reg case.
But man... the 2016 reg was pretty darn good fresh.

 

Yeah I'd give Reg 4.75, haven't tried coffee yet.

 

I give coffee 4.75, and give regular the same. Haven't had Prop, probably won't. And that's just fine.