In the world of craft beer, certain names resonate with an air of reverence and anticipation, capturing the hearts and palates of enthusiasts across the globe. One such name that has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and a captivating history is Bourbon County Brand Stout (BCBS). From its inception to its present-day iterations, BCBS stands as a testament to the artistry of brewing and the relentless pursuit of flavor perfection. As we delve into the captivating narrative of BCBS, we’ll also unveil the highly anticipated 2023 releases, showcasing the evolution and creativity that continue to define this iconic stout.
The story of Bourbon County Brand Stout began in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, at the revered Goose Island Brewery. In 1992, Brewmaster Greg Hall embarked on a daring experiment, inspired by the rich and complex flavors of bourbon barrels. He envisioned a stout that would marry the robust character of the dark ale with the nuanced elegance of bourbon, resulting in a sensory masterpiece. Hall’s imagination and desire led to the very first Bourbon barrel aged stout a breakthrough that still reverberates through the brewing industry to this day.
The early years of BCBS were marked by an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and a thirst for innovation. With each release, Goose Island’s brewing team sought to perfect the art of aging stout in bourbon barrels, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that resonated with beer aficionados. The marriage of roasted malts, caramel, and the distinctive notes of bourbon formed the foundation upon which BCBS would build its legacy.
A defining feature of BCBS’s journey is its penchant for experimentation and exploration. The introduction of variants added new dimensions to the stout’s flavor profile, captivating palates and pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing. These variants pay homage to the stout’s heritage while inviting beer enthusiasts to embark on a tantalizing voyage of taste.
The original BCBS remains a testament to the timeless allure of the stout. With its deep, dark hue and intricate fusion of bourbon and roasted malt flavors, BCBS Original encapsulates the essence of the brewery’s vision. At an ABV that often exceeds 14%, this classic stout warms both the body and soul, making it an ideal companion for contemplative evenings.
Past incarnations of the highly regarded brew included memorable flavors that only grow richer and deeper with age. Of those variants some of the most celebrated were:
BCBS Coffee: A Symphony of Aromas
For those who revel in the decadent marriage of coffee and stout, BCBS Coffee variant is a dream realized. The infusion of freshly roasted coffee beans infuses the stout with a rich complexity, offering a tantalizing balance of bitterness and sweetness. With each sip, one is transported to a realm where dark malts and coffee beans dance in harmonious synchrony.
BCBS Vanilla: Elegance in Every Sip
BCBS Vanilla variant elevates the stout to new heights of opulence. Whole vanilla beans impart a velvety smoothness, creating an exquisite balance between sweet and robust flavors. The result is a liquid indulgence that beckons to be savored, capturing the essence of luxury in every sip.
BCBS Mon Chéri: A Cherry-Kissed Delight
BCBS Mon Chéri variant is a symphony of flavors, where dark chocolate, cherries, and bourbon converge in a mesmerizing dance. The juxtaposition of rich cocoa and tart fruit creates a sensory experience that evolves with every sip, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
2023 Releases
This year the brewery another stellar release on its traditional launch date the day after Thanksgiving otherwise known as Black Friday (get it stout is black…). Joining this year’s base release will be:
BCBS Eagle Rare Two-Year Reserve Stout
According to Goose Island’s website, this amazing release marries flavors of robust oak, vanilla, and toasted almond. But the truly remarkable attribute of this brew is that it is aged for two-years in carefully selected and recently emptied 10-year-old American oak barrels sourced from Eagle Rare in Kentucky.
BCBS Angel’s Envy Two-Year Cask Finish Stout
With flavors of cherry, spice, and cocoa, this variant promises to be deliciously complex. Add to this the fact it rested in Angel’s Envy barrels for a year and then in ruby port barrels for another and Bourbon County is sure to have a hit with this stout.
BCBS Bananas Foster Stout
This returning variant features notes of bananas, toasted almonds, brown sugar and cinnamon. Over the years the brewers increased their knowledge of and skill for working with bananas culminating in this decadent brew that is fit as a follow up to any rich meal.
BCBS Backyard Stout
Nostolgia for a childhood of picking berries in his own backyard led senior innovation manager Mike Siegel to bring the first iteration of this stout to pass. This year the team at Goose Island amped up the berry flavors by adding boysenberries and marionberries to the mix. The resulting brew features flavors of cocoa, vanilla, and berries.
BCBS Proprietor’s Stout
Perhaps the most difficult to obtain and therefore most sought-after variants is Proprietor’s Stout. The reason for the clamor is that the beer is only available in the Chicago market surrounding the brewery. Proprietor’s is aged in bourbon barrels with raisins, cassia bark, brown sugar, toasted rice, and other natural flavors.
The history of Bourbon County Brand Stout is a narrative of artistry, innovation, and a ceaseless pursuit of excellence. From its inception as a daring experiment to its current status as a global phenomenon, BCBS has carved an indelible mark in the world of craft beer. As we anticipate the release of the 2023 variants, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of brewing. With each sip of BCBS, we pay homage to the legacy of Goose Island Brewery and toast to the uncharted horizons that await the future of this iconic stout.
