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Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Review

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout - Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Review
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout - Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Review
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Review
The Quick Version
The Goose Island Bourbon County Stout - Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve is a masterfully aged stout, boasting a blend of roasted malts, caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit flavors with a warm bourbon finish. It pours deep brown with a creamy body, offering a smooth, decadent mouthfeel and a complex aroma of oak, spices, and toasted brown sugar. This variant is a must-try, delivering a truly remarkable tasting experience.
ABV: 14.50%
Brewery: Goose Island Beer Company (AB-InBev)
Reader Rating189 Votes
4.1

Exploring the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve

Aged to Perfection: Two Years in Ten-Year Eagle Rare Bourbon Barrels

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve boasts a rich lineage, meticulously aged for two years in rare ten-year Eagle Rare Bourbon barrels. This aging process infuses the stout with authentic American craftsmanship, bringing forth a unique flavor profile.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors

The Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve presents a luxurious aroma that combines smoky malt, oak, vanilla, and maple with hints of licorice and bourbon. On the palate, expect a rich blend of roasted sweet malt, caramel, and molasses or syrup. The flavor palette is enhanced by dark fruits like plums, prunes, and raisins, along with chocolate undertones and a warm bourbon finish.

Appearance: A Visual Delight

Pouring this stout reveals its rich black color and creamy body. It has a deep, dark, nearly opaque brown hue with a small tan head that settles into a ring, accompanied by a small island of film, making for an enticing visual experience.

  • Color: Deep, dark brown
  • Head: Small tan head
  • Body: Heavy and creamy

Mouthfeel: Smooth and Decadent

With every sip, the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve offers a robust mouthfeel. The medium-bodied stout is modestly carbonated, delivering a sweet, warming, and slightly spicy mouthfeel. It finishes smoothly with a hint of afterburn, leaving a lasting impression.

Aroma: A Complex Bouquet

The aroma of this exceptional stout is a complex bouquet featuring:

  • Roasted malts
  • Vanilla
  • Cola and toasted brown sugar
  • Oak, anise, and spices

Overall Impression

The Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve is a decadent treat for beer aficionados. Although it has a bite at the finish, it remains a remarkable variant with its rich, full body and complex flavor profile. Its smooth finish with caramel and bourbon notes is particularly noteworthy.

Summary Table

Attribute Description
Color Deep, dark brown
Aroma Roasted malts, vanilla, cola, toasted brown sugar, oak, anise, spices
Body Heavy and creamy
Flavor Roasted sweet malt, caramel, molasses, vanilla, dark fruits, chocolate, bourbon
Finish Warm, smooth, with a hint of afterburn

The Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve is a standout choice for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of finely aged bourbon barrel stouts. Its rich and complex profile offers a remarkable tasting experience that is hard to forget.

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Author

Ethan Parker is a seasoned craft beer aficionado with a palate fine-tuned through years of exploring breweries worldwide. As the founder of Brew Scoop, he blends his passion for storytelling with his extensive knowledge of brewing techniques and beer culture. Ethan’s dedication to the craft beer community is evident in his efforts to educate and connect beer lovers while advocating for sustainable brewing practices.