This year, Goose Island’s 2026 Bourbon County Stout celebrates the unique relationship between the beer and barrel with seven barrel types and six distinct expressions. They explore the journey of the beer as it is influenced by the spirit it once held. Celebrating the oak, the char, and the craft of the barrel itself.
The spirit forward selections are the 2026 Bourbon County Brand Toasted Barrel Rye Stout with the char and grain influence of rye barrels, and the caramelized sweetness that comes from toasting. While the 2026 Bourbon County Brand Triple Oak Barleywine marries the sweet, dried fruit character of barleywine across three oak expressions.
“This year we are showcasing the barrels, highlighting for beer lovers exactly what a barrel and its characteristics add to our beer, in every single bottle, across the entire lineup.”
The more food forward offerings are in the 2026 Bourbon County Brand Tiramisu Cask Finish Stout and 2026 Bourbon County Brand Apple Crisp Stout. Where the first invokes a rich, coffee-forward indulgence of the dessert; the second leans more into baking spice notes of cinnamon and clove.
To complete the family, 2026 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor's Stout highlights the fire and wood caramelization process that is the defining feature of the family of offerings. As well as 2026 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout aged in a blend of freshly emptied barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey.
2026 Bourbon County Brand’s 2026 collection keeps the barrel the star and elicits something unique and distinct.