2021 Bourbon County Classic Cola Stout

 Beer Of The Day: 2021 Bourbon County Classic Cola Stout

Why would anyone spend that kind of money for beer, the great international proletarian intoxicator?

Who would drink beer that doesn't look, taste, smell, or feel like Your Daddy's Beer?

Who has the answers?

To paraphrase Kris Kristofferson's character in the 70's remake of A Star Is Born, "I don't even understand the questions..."  

But I know what I like. I like a big, bold, barrel aged, thick, almost syrupy imperial stout. The great modern Winter Warmer. A hearty feet up by the fire with the dog on the rug a fire in the fireplace and a glass in your hand kind of drink. We're not slaking a thirst, we're satisfying a crave.

Goose Island made it's mark introducing us to these complex and powerful barrel aged stouts. Many have followed in their footsteps, but I still expect great things from them (complexities of corporate ownership notwithstanding. Make good tasting beer, I'll drink it.)

Having had the opportunity to spend some heard earned dough on the entire 2021 lineup, I convinced myself to take keyboard in hand a record this year's BCBS results. First up, the "Cola Stout".

By the numbers:  BOTD: 2021 Bourbon County Classic Cola Stout

Goose Island Brewing, Chicago, IL. 
https://www.gooseisland.com/
Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with lime and orange juice and zest, coriander, cassia bark, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla
2021 BCBS Variant
Available in 16.9 oz. bottles
14% ABV

Like all Barrel Aged beers, this is not highly carbonated. It pours nearly black, with a vestigial head, brown at the edges when held up to light, opaque due to its density despite its clarity. Those of you familiar with the base BCBS will find it immediately familiar, with bourbon/oak notes over a dark stout base. I'm not picking up the spices, or am I? A sip tells more. Sweet, rich, viscous, coating one's palate with stouty goodness. Because I know this is a variant, I am looking for the "Cola spices", but if this was a blind test, would I taste them? I'm not entirely sure. To be certain, this is a good Barrel Aged Stout, full stop. But for me the Cola-ness is not coming through strongly. Of course, Cola is dark, sweet, etc...

It is a great winter warmer and worthy of the BCBS label. But if you're looking for a unique and distinctive flavor, well, stay tunes. We have more variants to sample.

Untappd Rating - 4.05

My Rating - 4.50

Prost!