Every November on the day after Thanksgiving, we celebrate the American consumerist tradition of Black Friday by waiting in line at big box stores and occasionally erupting into fisticuffs over LCD TV deals. That day also marks the release of Goose Island Beer Co.’s annual Bourbon County Stout lineup, a fan favorite that has achieved cult-like status in the beer world over the years.
We have the early details to share, and there are some exciting new variants on the way. Bourbon County Stout first came out more than 30 years ago in 1992, but the Chicago brewery started releasing it as a collection of variants in 2010, the year before it was acquired by beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev. The through line of these stouts are that most of them are aged in used whiskey barrels that come from well-known distilleries like Heaven Hill , James B.
Beam Distilling Co ., Angel’s Envy , and Buffalo Trace . Those casks were used this year as well, but there’s a new partner for one of the variants— Bardstown Bourbon Company , the fantastic operation located in the heart of bourbon country that contract distills, sources barrels, and produces its own excellent whiskeys.
“Our 2024 Bourbon County Brand family takes us on a compelling journey in barrel aging,” said senior brand manager John Zadlo in a statement. “This year’s lineup is an exploration of the unique ways we at Goose Island highlight the story of grain in our barrel-aged beers.” This comes after last year’s relea.
