WOW! I don’t even know where to begin with this one! Technically, this is not a holiday beer but it’s generally available starting in December. Goose Island does have a Christmas Ale, though, which is why I’m not counting this as a holiday brew (though it should count for two since it has a ridiculously high ABV). This beer is almost not a beer at all. It’s a very dark and very complex brew and as you can guess from the name, is aged in bourbon barrels. I pours black as a winter night and has the aroma of a fine bourbon mixed with an awesome stout. The taste is absolutely amazing. It has very distinct oak, roasted malt, bitter chocolate and charcoal smoke flavors with a strong bourbon kick at the end. It finishes a little on the dry side, but is a very intense beer.

If you don’t have any plans for the next couple hours, pick up a 12oz. bottle and enjoy the hell out it. Just remember, this is a 13% ABV beer. One will make you feel good; two, euphoric; three will kick your ass.

^* For some reason, the bottle says 13% and Goose Island’s website says 11%. I’m going with what is on the bottle, plus it definitely feels like 13%.