Bardstown Bourbon Co. Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout (111.4 Proof)

Nose - Quite perplexing, honestly. A very unique aroma, not something I've encountered before. I detect cocoa powder and a significant musty funk. As it opens up, I get more of a "green" profile and abundant floral notes. Some kind of herbal note, perhaps green tea? Also, a strong artificial chemical scent. Taste - Better than the nose, that's for sure. Lots of chocolate here. Old oak is also coming through. There's a Fruit Loops/Fruity Pebbles note too. I'm getting quite a bit of rye on the finish, with lots of spice. Overall - (For the record, Bourbon County Stout is one of my all-time favorite brews. It's not what it used to be since InBev acquired Goose Island, but I still look forward to it annually.) Try before you buy. While decadent at times, this is massively overpriced. I'm very thankful to have tried this whisky, but I have to be brutally honest: I'd struggle to pay $100 for this, let alone over $160 (#moneygrab).

As a big fan of Bourbon County, it was exciting to see this arrive in the Chicagoland area. The aroma is unlike what I expected. It's honey, oak, some baking spice, perhaps a touch of coffee. The flavor is similar but wow, it's a spicy bourbon with a unique flavor journey. It begins with that honey and chocolate sweetness, then hits hard with spice, and finishes quite long with dark chocolate. For fans of Bourbon County, it might be worth considering, but I'm uncertain at $170. Definitely enjoyable and distinctive, but pricey.

I preferred this after about 10 minutes with an ice cube, though I wouldn't call it "hot" straight up. A really smooth whiskey. I feel the Bourbon County barrel adds some faint cocoa notes, perhaps? It's hard for me to pinpoint. I will say I enjoyed this. Nice and smooth going down.

A prominent barrel and cherry character is present. The conclusion offers a pleasant bitterness, reminiscent of unsweetened baking chocolate. I'm a fan of BCS, and this enjoyable collaboration truly delivers some comparable tastes.

The influence of Goose Island Bourbon County is very noticeable. It has a chocolatey, almost cola-like finish. Quite distinctive.