Bourbon County Double Barrel Stout 2025 16.9OZ

Overview

• Brewery: Goose Island Beer Co. — collaboration with Heaven Hill Distillery.

• Style: Imperial stout, double-barrel aged. Specifically aged in two sets of freshly emptied Heaven Hill “Bottled-in-Bond” bourbon barrels. 

• ABV: 17.4 % — the highest in the 2025 Bourbon County lineup. 

Flavor & Tasting Notes

• Prominent notes: toasted marshmallow, warm vanilla, and a strong oak finish — thanks to the barrel treatment.

• On taste: reviewers note a “velvet fudge” undertone, plus a pronounced bourbon character. One described the beer as “if you put this under my nose … I’d think it was just straight bourbon.”

• Finish: dry and somewhat powdery — a bit like a spoonful of cacao-heavy hot chocolate (or “powdered chocolate milk mix,” per one tasting note).

Release & Availability

• 2025 lineup release date: drops on Black Friday, 2025 (November 28). 

• Format: 16.9-oz bottles (and draft) for this Double Barrel variant. 

• Distribution: nationwide — in select markets. 

What to Know (Especially if You’re Considering Buying/Tasting)

• Because of the high ABV (17.4 %), this stout leans very heavy in bourbon-like alcohol heat. If you’re new to barrel-aged stouts or prefer more balanced beers, sip slowly — maybe split a bottle with someone else.

• The “double barrel” treatment magnifies bourbon and oak character, so think oak-forward, vanilla, marshmallow sweetness, and a dry oak finish — less dessert-sweet, more bourbon-barrel intensity.

• 16.9 oz is a substantial pour — the kind of pour many treat like a whiskey pour rather than a typical beer.