Goose Island on Barrel-Aging Science, Brewing History, and the 2025 Bourbon County Stout Lineup

<p>Goose Island’s team breaks down what actually changes a barrel-aged stout over time and how they achieve a perfect balance with their adjuncts.</p><p>In this audio-only episode, Crafty Brewers’ Brian Noonan and Cody Gough join WGN Radio host Dave Plier in-studio to discuss this year’s Bourbon County Stout lineup with Goose Island President Todd Ahsmann and Senior Innovation Manager Mike Siegel. They delve into the origins of barrel-aged stouts, Goose Island’s unique place in American brewing history, and why barrel-aged beers taste different every year despite using the same recipe. They also present a guided tasting through the 2025 lineup, with practical tips you can use the next time you sip a high-ABV stout, from serving temperature to mouthfeel to how bitterness, acidity, and sweetness can be “levers” that create complexity. Plus: why ingredients are added after aging, how nut/cocoa/fruit additions are made to stay balanced, the surprisingly risky logistics behind refilling freshly-emptied barrels fast enough to prevent spoilage, and the story behind their limited King Henry II Barleywine release.</p><p><strong>About Goose Island: </strong>A Chicago brewery that has been dedicated to making quality beer for all people and all occasions since 1988. Learn more about this year’s Bourbon County Brand Stout lineup at <a href="https://www.gooseisland.com/bourbon-county-brand-stout" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.gooseisland.com/bourbon-county-brand-stout</a> </p><p>—</p><p>Support Crafty Brewers on our new Patreon page! <a href="https://patreon.com/craftybrewers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://patreon.com/craftybrewers</a></p><p>Learn more about Crafty Brewers and get in touch with us on our official website, <a href="https://craftybrewerspod.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://craftybrewerspod.com</a> </p><p>Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit <a href="https://quantum-podcasts.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://quantum-podcasts.com/</a> to learn more.</p><p>Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygough/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Cody Gough</a>. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Goose Island, Bour