While bourbon drinkers are drawn to their signature spirit, those charred barrels often find a second or third use. Goose Island, who created the world’s first bourbon barrel-aged stout, partners with various distillers to create their annual releases. For 2025, Heaven Hill Distillery brings its heritage, flavor and point of view to two of this year’s offerings, which will be the highlight of this annual release.
The connection between whiskey and beer is a complex one. Although both beverages are forever tied to American history, it is the craft that can unite the two different worlds. Both distilleries and brewmasters balance a nod to the past with a sense of innovation to keep drinkers engaged with every new offering.
For Goose Island’s 2025 Bourbon County release, the two Heaven Hill offerings celebrate the importance of complexity. Each one opens a conversation to the importance of aging and its impact on flavor. From double aging to longer maturation, the reality is that time is just as vital as the ingredients used.
Heaven Hill and Goose Island celebrate their storied partnership
This year, Heaven Hill had a hand in two items, 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout and 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout. The Double Barrel Stout uses its Bottled-in-Bond barrels while the Reserve Stout features the 17th Edition Parker’s Heritage 10-year-old rye whiskey barrels.
According to Mike Siegel, Senior Innovation Manager, Goose Island Beer Co., “At Goose Island, we consider the barrel to be an ingredient—and not just any barrel. We seek out the best and prioritize relationships with the distilleries that craft them. Heaven Hill produces world-class whiskey across a range of brands, including several we’ve partnered with for Bourbon County over the years, such as Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, Larceny, and Rittenhouse Rye.
“This year, we’re releasing two new beers aged in their barrels: one highlighting the distillery itself with Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, and another aged in barrels from the Parker’s Heritage Collection 10-year 17th Edition Rye Whiskey—one of their most prized annual releases, and a barrel we’ve long hoped to work with for Bourbon County.”
Offering some insight into the partnership, Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller, Heaven Hill said, “This is another great collaboration with our friends at Goose Island. The rich sweetness of the stout pairs beautifully with subtle rye whiskey influences from the ten-year-old barrels. Classic rye baking spice notes complement the chocolate and coffee notes in the beer.”
While the 2025 Bourbon County Stouts have yet to be released, Goose Island offered a glimpse into the flavor profiles for the two offerings.
The 2025 Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Stout will have a predominate oak note. The double finish allows the stout to capture the signature flavor.
Additionally, the warm vanilla adds both a sweetness and a comforting note. With some burnt sugar from the toasted marshmallow, this stout will be a perfect end to a hearty meal. Whether it is a perfectly cooked short rib or even a simple roast, the layers in this particular offering deserve contemplation.
The other offering, 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout, which uses the 10 year 17th Edition Rye Whiskey, has the spicy qualities that drinkers expect from the rye. Without being overpowering, it highlights the other flavors.
Given that this stout has significant aging, it has more concentrated flavors. From the traditional cocoa to a touch of dried fruit, the beer is both surprising and familiar. Even a hint of marzipan will have people talking about the complexity.
At present, neither offering has a determined ABV. Both offerings will be available in 16.9 oz bottles and on draft throughout the U.S. These releases, alongside the full 2025 Bourbon County line-up, will be available in November 2025.
Read the full article at Heaven Hill Distillery Collaborates with Goose Island on a New Release
