Bourbon County, the renowned lineup of stouts from Goose Island Beer Co., undergoes a unique aging process in barrels to develop its distinct flavors. One of the variations in the Bourbon County lineup is the “Cask Finish” stout, which spends a year in former Angel's Envy bourbon barrels before another year of aging in Ruby Port wine barrels. This intricate barrel aging process imparts complex flavors and aromas to the stout, resulting in a truly exceptional drinking experience.
The initial aging in Angel's Envy bourbon barrels adds layers of rich and intense bourbon character to the stout. These barrels, which have previously held Angel's Envy bourbon, contribute flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the beer. The bourbon notes are robust yet balanced, creating a harmonious blend with the stout's base flavors. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the depth and complexity that the Angel's Envy barrels bring to the Bourbon County stout.
After spending a year in the bourbon barrels, the stout is then transferred to Ruby Port wine barrels for an additional year of aging. This secondary aging process adds another dimension to the beer, infusing it with the unique characteristics of the Ruby Port wine. The Port barrels contribute flavors of cherry, spice, and cocoa, which meld beautifully with the existing bourbon and stout flavors. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
The choice to use Ruby Port wine barrels for the second phase of aging is a brilliant one. Port wine is known for its rich, fruity, and slightly sweet profile, and these qualities are transferred to the stout. The cherry notes from the Port barrels complement the dark malt flavors of the stout, while the spice and cocoa undertones add complexity and depth. This combination of flavors creates a truly indulgent drinking experience.
As a sommelier, I have had the pleasure of tasting many barrel-aged beers, and the Bourbon County lineup stands out for its meticulous barrel selection and aging process. The use of Angel's Envy bourbon barrels followed by Ruby Port wine barrels is a testament to the brewers' commitment to creating a unique and exceptional stout. The result is a beer that showcases the best of both worlds – the richness of bourbon and the elegance of Port wine.
Bourbon County stouts are aged in a two-step process, starting with Angel's Envy bourbon barrels and finishing in Ruby Port wine barrels. This careful selection of barrels and extended aging period allows the stout to develop complex flavors of bourbon, cherry, spice, and cocoa. The combination of these flavors creates a truly remarkable drinking experience that is sure to delight any beer enthusiast.