Goose Island Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023
Goose Island Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023 – 2023 Vintage Limited Release Imperial Stout | Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, Illinois
Goose Island Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023 is a rare and exceptional 2023 vintage release from Goose Island Beer Co. — the legendary Chicago craft brewery that pioneered the bourbon barrel-aged stout category with the original Bourbon County Brand Stout in 1992, forever changing the landscape of American craft beer. The annual Bourbon County release has become one of the most anticipated and celebrated events in the craft beer calendar — a collection of limited, barrel-aged imperial stouts that sell out within hours of release and command devoted collector attention from beer enthusiasts across the country.
The Backyard Stout 2023 is a distinctive and evocative variant in the Bourbon County lineup — a rich, complex imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels and inspired by the flavors of a classic backyard gathering: the warmth of summer, the smoke of a grill, and the sweet, caramelized richness of outdoor cooking and entertaining. As a 2023 vintage release, this bottle has had additional time to develop and integrate since its original release — making it a particularly compelling acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the way Bourbon County stouts evolve and deepen with age.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich and complex with dark caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, a hint of smoke, dark fruit, and the warm, inviting character of a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout that has had time to develop and integrate — an immediately compelling aromatic profile with the added depth that vintage aging delivers
- Palate: Full-bodied, velvety, and beautifully layered with dark caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, dark fruit, a subtle smokiness, and a warming bourbon barrel character that builds and evolves with remarkable depth and complexity — a barrel-aged imperial stout of exceptional quality and genuine vintage character
- Finish: Long, warming, and deeply satisfying with lingering caramel, oak, dark fruit, and a persistent bourbon warmth — the hallmark of a truly exceptional, vintage Bourbon County release of the highest quality
Key Highlights
- ✔ Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023 — a distinctive and evocative variant in Goose Island’s legendary annual Bourbon County release, inspired by the warmth, smoke, and caramelized richness of a classic backyard gathering
- ✔ 2023 vintage — a prior vintage release that has had additional time to develop and integrate since its original release, offering the added depth and complexity that Bourbon County stouts develop with age
- ✔ Bourbon barrel aged — aged in bourbon barrels that impart the rich caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak character that defines the Bourbon County house style
- ✔ From Goose Island Beer Co. — the Chicago craft brewery that invented the bourbon barrel-aged stout category in 1992 and remains the benchmark against which all barrel-aged imperial stouts are measured
- ✔ Rare 2023 vintage availability — with the 2023 release long sold out at most retailers, this is a genuine opportunity to acquire a bottle of one of the most celebrated annual craft beer releases at a premium vintage price
- ✔ 16oz can — a must-have for Bourbon County collectors, vintage craft beer enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a rare prior vintage of one of the most celebrated limited release barrel-aged imperial stouts in American craft brewing
- ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping
How to Enjoy
Goose Island Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023 is best enjoyed slightly warmed from refrigerator temperature — allow the can to rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before opening to allow the full aromatic complexity of the bourbon barrel character and the vintage’s additional development to open up. Pour slowly into a large tulip or snifter glass, leaving a small head, and allow it to breathe for a few minutes before nosing. As a vintage release, the Backyard Stout 2023 is best appreciated as a contemplative sipping beer — savored slowly in small pours to fully appreciate its extraordinary depth and the additional complexity that time has added. For food pairings, Goose Island Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023 pairs beautifully with smoked and grilled meats, dark chocolate and cocoa desserts, aged and hard cheeses, BBQ and caramelized dishes, and fine cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Bourbon County Backyard Stout and what inspired it?
The Bourbon County Backyard Stout is a variant in Goose Island’s legendary annual Bourbon County lineup — inspired by the flavors and atmosphere of a classic backyard gathering: the warmth of summer, the smoke of a grill, and the sweet, caramelized richness of outdoor cooking and entertaining. The bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout base is crafted to evoke those flavors — dark caramel, toasted oak, a hint of smoke, and the warm, inviting character of a summer evening spent with friends and family. It is one of the more evocative and thematically distinctive variants in the Bourbon County annual release.
Does Bourbon County Stout improve with age?
Yes — Bourbon County Brand Stout and its variants are among the most age-worthy beers produced in American craft brewing. The high alcohol content, rich malt base, and bourbon barrel character create a beer that continues to develop and integrate over time — with the sharp edges of fresh release softening, the fruit and chocolate notes deepening, and the overall complexity increasing with additional cellaring. The 2023 Backyard Stout has had additional time to develop since its original release, making it a particularly compelling acquisition for those who appreciate the added depth and integration that vintage aging delivers.
Where can I buy Goose Island Bourbon County Backyard Stout 2023?
You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.