Each autumn, beer lovers throughout the United States look forward to the launch of Goose Island Beer Co.’s Bourbon County Brand Stout collection, an annual event that has become a hallmark of craft brewing since 1992. This Chicago-based brewery, known for pioneering the first bourbon barrel-aged stout globally, remains a leader in producing strong, intricate beers. The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Collection, available on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, features six distinct stouts that highlight the brewery’s expertise in aging barrels, creative ingredients, and collaborations with renowned distilleries. From the classic Original Stout to special editions such as the Proprietor’s Stout, this year’s selection is a tribute to skill, taste, and heritage.
For 2025, Goose Island presents a groundbreaking addition: the Bourbon County Brand Original Stout is now sold in 10-ounce four-packs, marking the brewery’s first time offering this format. This new option allows for more convenient enjoyment of the iconic stout in smaller servings, ideal for savoring by oneself near a fire or sharing during a beer tasting with friends. Although the recipe stays faithful to its origins, the smaller bottles provide greater versatility, whether you’re pairing it with a robust meal or giving it as a gift to a beer enthusiast. The 2025 collection continues this progress, with each version designed to emphasize the deep, complex flavors that develop from aging in meticulously chosen barrels.
Image credit: Goose Island
Bourbon County Brand Original Stout: The Enduring Icon
The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout continues to be the core of the collection. Aged for an average of 12 months in a mix of newly emptied bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey, this imperial stout offers a luxurious experience. You can anticipate rich flavors of fudge, vanilla, cherry, cocoa, toasted almond, and caramelized sugar, all combined with a smooth, silky texture. The perfect harmony of sweetness and depth makes it a flexible beer, great for savoring slowly or enjoying with desserts such as chocolate cake or smoked meats. The new 10-ounce four-pack, now available nationwide in bottles and on tap, allows fans to experience this iconic beer in fresh ways, whether for relaxed evenings or memorable events.
Cherries Jubilee Stout: A Flavorful, Refined Variation
The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout draws from the traditional dessert, combining the stout’s strong personality with refined tastes. This version begins aging in bourbon barrels, giving it hints of oak, vanilla, and baking spices, then finishes in cognac barrels for extra sophistication. The brewers then incorporate Montmorency cherries, citrus, and panela (unprocessed cane sugar), resulting in a beer that features rich cocoa, lively dark stone fruit, and a caramelized citrus finish. Sold nationwide in 16.9-ounce bottles and on tap, this stout is ideal for a warm evening or a festive celebration, thanks to its smooth feel and fruity flavor.
Chocolate Hazelnut Stout: Rich and Flavorful
For those seeking indulgence, the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout is a top choice. This imperial stout, aged in newly emptied bourbon barrels, enhances the inherent roasted malt and dried fruit characteristics of the Original Stout. The inclusion of cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, and dates delivers a luxurious, dessert-style taste with notes of fudge, toasted marzipan, and gooey toffee. Sold in 16.9-ounce bottles and on draft throughout national markets, this stout is a favorite for those who appreciate strong, nutty flavors. Serve it with a charcuterie board or savor it as a sweet treat on its own.
Owner’s Stout: A Unique Beverage Found Only in Chicago
Only available in the Chicago area, the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout is a tribute to the city that gave rise to Goose Island. Drawing from brewer Colby Magratten’s recollections of homemade baklava, this strong stout is aged in bourbon barrels and includes walnuts, pistachios, cassia bark (a spice similar to cinnamon), and honey. The outcome is a beer that evokes a dessert experience, featuring notes of caramelized honeycomb, comforting baking spices, and roasted, candied nuts. Sold in 16.9-ounce bottles and on tap, this exclusive Chicago release is a must-try for residents or tourists seeking something truly one-of-a-kind. Its nutty warmth and gentle sweetness make it ideal for cold Midwest nights.
Double Barrel Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Stout: Strong and Full-Flavored
The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Stout exemplifies the strength of teamwork. Goose Island worked with Heaven Hill Distillery, a company known for its premium bourbon, to produce this intense imperial stout. Aged in two batches of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond bourbon barrels, this beer features notes of toasted marshmallow, rich vanilla, and a strong oak finish. The double-barrel aging method enhances the bourbon’s impact, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy whiskey. It can be found nationwide in 16.9-ounce bottles and on tap, and is best enjoyed slowly to fully experience its intricate layers.
Parker’s Heritage Reserve Stout: A Treasured Beverage for Enthusiasts
Completing the lineup is the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Parker’s Heritage Reserve Stout, honoring the heritage of Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Parker Beam. This imperial stout is aged for two years in barrels from the Parker’s Heritage Collection 17th Edition 10-year-old rye whiskey, a highly sought-after cask. The prolonged aging brings forth deep layers of cocoa, dried fruit, marzipan, and subtle rye spice, resulting in a thoughtful beer that rewards those who take their time. Available nationwide in 16.9-ounce bottles and on tap, this stout is a must-have for collectors, ideal for enthusiasts who value the blend of beer and whiskey artistry.
A Legacy of Innovation
Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Stout was first introduced in 1992 to mark the brewery’s 1,000th batch. It was a daring experiment that initially failed to qualify for the Great American Beer Festival due to its unique characteristics. The partnership with Heaven Hill Distillery is especially significant. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 established a high benchmark for American whiskey, and Heaven Hill has been producing outstanding bourbon since 1939, which is evident in their Double Barrel and Parker’s Heritage Reserve stouts. Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll points out how the rye whiskey barrels enhance the stout’s chocolate and coffee flavors with traditional baking spices, resulting in a well-balanced drink.
Why You Need to Get These Stouts
For enthusiasts of beer, the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Stout collection provides a variety of options to suit every taste, ranging from the accessible Original to the special Proprietor’s Stout. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or just discovering the series, these brews are designed to be enjoyed, shared, and appreciated. Be sure to note Black Friday, November 28, 2025, and check with local stores, taprooms, or Goose Island’s distribution methods for availability, as these exclusive releases often disappear fast. Whether you’re opening a 10-ounce bottle of Original Stout or tasting the rare Parker’s Heritage Reserve, Goose Island’s 2025 selection delivers memorable experiences for those who love strong flavors and traditional skill.
