A pleasant surprise from the Goose

Bourbon County Stout - 2007
abv = 13%
IBU = 60

A fine American Double / Imperial Stout from Goose Island Brewery in Chicago. Some would say that stouts are meant to drink in the winter. Well I am here to tell you that June is just as good, especially if the weather in Chicago is in the 50's. Last Saturday was a miserable day for a party in Chicago's western suburbs. It was cold, hinting at rain, and generally miserable. It was my nephew's graduation party from 8th grade.

My brother-in-law served me a fine bottle of this nectar. The required sniff test signaled something good. Smoke, bourbon, chocolate, and dates hit my senses. Something good was going to happen. It poured like a fine syrup.

I suppose people would also associate vanilla with this beer, but it brings back memories of a dutch delicacy of whiskey, raisins, and dates. It was pure comfort.

I definitely need to get my hands on some. It does need to age. My guess is that the 2006 is even better.

Try it. You just might be surprised.