Goose Island Announced New Bourbon County Stout Variant

The brewery revealed a sixth, limited-edition stout featuring an 18.7% alcohol content.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Beer

Bold vector editorial illustration of stacked oak barrels in a dark brick warehouse, referencing the aging process of a rare beer. — Goose Island Beer Co. has introduced the Triple Barrel Stout, a 18.7% ABV variant for its 2026 Bourbon County collection. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Goose Island Beer Co. has unveiled a sixth variant for its 2026 Bourbon County Brand Stout collection, known as the Triple Barrel Stout. This new release joins the previously announced lineup of five variations.

Why it matters

The limited availability of this new stout stems from the use of a small, specific selection of barrels. It offers enthusiasts a unique expression of the brewery's annual flagship release.

The Triple Barrel Stout features an imperial stout base brewed with rye and aged in three distinct bourbon barrels for three years. Each bottle contains 16.9 ounces of the 18.7% ABV liquid.

The players

Goose Island Beer Co.

This Chicago-based brewery is well-known for pioneering the Bourbon County Brand Stout series.

Fulton Street Brewery and Taproom

This location serves as a primary hub for Goose Island beer production and retail sales.

Salt Shed Brewpub

This Chicago venue serves as one of the two designated retail sites for the new beer release.

The details

The complex flavor profile is achieved through a three-year aging process involving three different types of bourbon barrels. The rare stout will be accessible for purchase online as well as at two specific physical locations in Chicago.

July 21, 2026: Goose Island initially announced five variants for the 2026 collection.
November 27, 2026: The Bourbon County Brand Triple Barrel Stout becomes available for purchase.

Culture Shift

This release reflects the broader craft beer industry trend of creating high-ABV, barrel-aged collector items that drive annual consumer excitement. It positions the brand as a leader in the premium stout market by leveraging long-term, multi-barrel aging techniques to create rarity.

Chicago residents can purchase the bottles in person at the Fulton Street Brewery and Taproom or the Salt Shed Brewpub starting in late November. Buyers should prepare for high demand as the limited quantity is tied to the unique nature of the aging barrels.

The takeaway

Collectors of rare stouts should plan to act quickly on the November release date due to the limited quantity of this triple-barreled product. The extended aging process highlights the brewery's focus on experimental barrel-aging techniques for its annual flagship brand.