Last week a couple of friends came over for an impromptu tasting of a few Goose Island Bourbon County gems. One friend is moving and needed to clear out his beer fridge and I was more than happy to help. Any time I need a reminder of how good the Bourbon County variants are, I just dig into my stash and try an older bottle. We started with a 2012 Bourbon County Cherry Rye, a bottle I’ve been saving for a while. The cherry flavor was still prevalent and mixed well with the chocolaty stout. We also sampled a 2014 Vanilla (thanks Kevin). It was amazing, and the vanilla flavor was strong but not overpowering. The highlight of the night was a tasting of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Bourbon County Coffee Stouts (props to Erik). I tried the 2015 a few weeks ago and loved it. But, as a testament to how well BCCS ages, it couldn’t hold a candle to the older brews, which were rich and extremely smooth. Cellaring bottles takes patience, but it’s well worth it when you finally open a prized bottle or two.
Grynder’s List of the Best of 2015
Beer guru Tom “Grynder” Ciula sent out his list of the best of 2015 last week. The man knows his stuff and it’s always an interesting rundown. His list is comprehensive and includes 30 favorites. Grynder’s favorite of the year was a Toppling Goliath SR-71 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. It’s not one that many of us get a chance to taste, but his silver medal winner, Lakefront Barrel-Aged Organic Beerline Barleywine, was one that’s more accessible. Third place went to New Glarus R&D Gueze Vintage 2014. Well done, Grynder.
Barley Pop of the Week
I have limited experience with the barrel-aged brews occasionally produced by Greenbush Brewing, and last year’s discovery of barrel-aged Dystopia Imperial Stout was a revelation. The brewery in Sawyer, Michigan recently released Delusion a cream stout aged in either Templeton rye or Koval whiskey barrels. Both versions are outstanding, and combine a rich stout flavor with a slightly boozy finish. If you happen to be in southwest Michigan over the holidays, stop by Greenbush and pick up a four pack.
Quick Taps
Merry Christmas to my two or three readers. I hope that everyone out there has a fine holiday weekend, and here’s hoping that Santa leaves some tasty brews under the tree.
Tickets for Central Waters’ 18th Anniversary party, taking place on January 30, sold out in minutes last weekend. Cheers to Central Waters and all of the lucky attendees.
Want to get festive? Try and see how many of CraftBeer.com’s 12 Beers of Christmas.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Dec. 22: Ballast Point is helping Draft & Vessel celebrate the shortest day of the year. Several Victory at Sea varieties, including barrel-aged and peanut butter options, will hit the tap lines alongside other Ballast Point staples at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 22: Head to Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) at 5 p.m. for a whopper of a Christmas party. Free food, beer flights and a great tap list make for merriment.
Wednesday, Dec. 23: Join the Milwaukee Beer Society for a tasting of the 12 beers of Christmas, as brewed by club members, at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) from 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 26: Sample stouts, perfect for the holiday season, at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
