Goose Island in Chicago, Illinois is one of the premier stout brewing breweries in the country. Their line of barrel aged stouts are even better. From the classic BCBC to the highly regarded,expensive, and now retired Bourbon County Rare these stouts make up what can be the best stout portfolio in the world. Today though we are not reviewing one of the former, but another from the long list of award winning barrel aged stouts offered by Goose Island, Bourbon County Vanilla. This beer like Rare is now retired and never to be made again. I have had the pleasure to have tried all the BCBS beers except for the Rare, and until then I am gonna have to say that BCBVS is by far my favorite. The combination of the barrel treatment and the vanilla beans make for an extreme stout with a huge taste profile. Furthermore, BCBVS is a heavy hitter like all great barrel aged stouts should be. Clocking in at 13% abv this beer when fresh packs some heat, but as you age it it realy begins to mellow out and become smoother and mellow. Bottled in 22oz bottles and priced anywhere from $13-$15 when it was released, this beer was a steal. If I lived in Chicago when this rolled out I would have bought a truck load of this stuff. Bourbon County Vanilla is best enjoyed in moderation and small servings, a pour of 6oz goes a long way as this beer should be sipped and not chugged. This beer should also be consumed out of the proper glassware. A snifter or goblet is just what this beer needs and this will also allow you to enjoy the beer at a whole different level. In the end, this beer is a must try for any craft beer lover. If you have the means go out and get it; it wont be easy as you can't buy it anymore at any bottle shop, you'll have to either go the trading route or if you want to spend top dollar an auction site.Color: Thick, almost jet black. A tan, creamy film forms atop of the beer after the pour. Light lacing is left behind with no head retention at all.
Nose: What else Vanilla! Caramel and a strong bourbon aroma float around. In the background hints of caramel and hazelnut appear. Coffee tons are apparent once the beer warms up. after awhile in the glass.
Palate: Big and full bodied. A tad boozy from the 13% abv, but its not a beer killer. The drinkability is damn good and the carbonation a bit low, but not a deal breaker. Vanilla assaults your tongue from the get go, then the bourbon influence washes it away leaving behind the taste of caramel, chocolate, and espresso. Some minor oak character comes through as the explosion of taste subsides.
Finish: Warm and long with a sweetness. A great combination of bourbon and vanilla linger as the beer slowly goes down the hatch. Definitely a winner and a super presentation of a barrel aged stout.
Rating: 95/100
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