Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Sir Isaac's Stout 500ML

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Sir Isaac's Stout 500ML is a 13.9% ABV bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout brewed with Black Mission figs and graham crackers. Scoring a 4.53 out of 5 on BeerAdvocate, this limited variant stands among the most celebrated entries in the annual Bourbon County lineup.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout  |  Brewery: Goose Island Beer Company

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, has anchored its reputation on the Bourbon County Brand Stout series since the original debuted in 1992 as one of the first American bourbon barrel-aged beers. Sir Isaac's Stout distinguishes itself through the addition of 10,000 pounds of Black Mission figs and graham crackers to the base imperial stout, which is aged for an average of 12 months in bourbon barrels stored in a non-climate-controlled barrel house — allowing seasonal temperature swings to push the beer in and out of the wood for deeper extraction. The recipe was inspired by brewer Melissa Alleguez's childhood memories of stealing fig cookies from her grandmother's cookie jar during summers on Lake Michigan, translating that nostalgic flavor into a barrel-aged format.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet molasses and dark chocolate lead, followed by layers of dried fig, raisin, and a warm bourbon-soaked oak character. Subtle hints of vanilla and anise emerge as the beer warms in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich with caramel and toffee, giving way to a mid-palate dominated by medium-roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and concentrated Black Mission fig. Graham cracker sweetness weaves through the bourbon and oak backbone, creating a layered profile that recalls the fig-cookie inspiration behind the recipe. Dried date and raisin add density without cloying the palate.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering char, molasses, and a touch of citrus-like brightness from the figs. The bourbon barrel influence persists through the close, leaving oak tannins and a gentle anise note.

How to Drink Sir Isaac's Stout

Serve at 50–55°F in a snifter or tulip glass to let the complex aromatics open fully; this is a sipping beer meant to be savored slowly. A small pour of two to three ounces at a time allows the flavors to evolve as the temperature rises. While Sir Isaac's is best enjoyed on its own, it also works as the base for a Stout Float paired with vanilla bean ice cream, amplifying the graham cracker and fig sweetness. A Black Velvet variation — blending a small measure with dry sparkling wine — provides an unconventional contrast of effervescence against the stout's weight. For a dessert-cocktail crossover, use a splash in a Bourbon Stout Affogato, pouring espresso and Sir Isaac's over gelato for a layered after-dinner indulgence.

Best For

• Sharing after a holiday dinner as a dessert course replacement
• Gifting a barrel-aged beer collector during the annual Bourbon County release season
• Vertical tastings alongside other Bourbon County Brand variants
• Pairing with a curated cheese and chocolate board for a tasting event

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sir Isaac's Stout taste like? Sir Isaac's Stout delivers a rich, dessert-forward profile of dark chocolate, caramel, and concentrated Black Mission fig layered over bourbon barrel character, oak, and graham cracker sweetness. Dried fruit, molasses, and a subtle anise note add complexity throughout.

How does Sir Isaac's Stout compare to Revolution Brewing Deth's Tar? Both are Chicago-brewed, barrel-aged dark stouts, but they diverge significantly in concept: Sir Isaac's leans into fruited, dessert-driven territory with figs and graham crackers at 13.9% ABV, while Deth's Tar is a barrel-aged oatmeal stout built around roasted malt intensity and a silkier body without adjunct fruits. Sir Isaac's skews sweeter and more complex in its layering, whereas Deth's Tar emphasizes straightforward barrel-and-roast character.

Is Sir Isaac's Stout good for sipping neat? Absolutely — at 13.9% ABV with a dense, layered flavor profile, Sir Isaac's is designed to be sipped slowly from a snifter at cellar temperature, much like a fine digestif. The flavors continue to evolve and deepen as the beer warms.

Where is Sir Isaac's Stout made? Sir Isaac's Stout is brewed by Goose Island Beer Company in Chicago, Illinois. The bourbon barrel aging takes place in Goose Island's non-climate-controlled barrel house, where seasonal temperature fluctuations naturally influence the maturation process.

What foods pair well with Sir Isaac's Stout? Dark chocolate truffles complement the stout's cocoa and fig character. Blue cheese like Roquefort matches its intensity and sweetness. Pecan pie mirrors the caramel and toffee notes. Smoked brisket provides a savory counterpoint to the barrel-aged richness. Fig-and-walnut crostini echo the core fruit ingredient directly.

What sizes does Sir Isaac's Stout come in? Sir Isaac's Stout is released in a 500ML bottle, the standard format for Goose Island's annual Bourbon County Brand Stout variant series.

Is Sir Isaac's Stout worth the price? Sir Isaac's positions as a premium limited-release barrel-aged stout, and its 4.53 BeerAdvocate score, use of 10,000 pounds of Black Mission figs, and annual scarcity place it firmly in the collectible tier of American craft beer — strong value for enthusiasts seeking distinctive Bourbon County variants.

Why Sir Isaac's Stout?

Among the many Bourbon County Brand variants Goose Island releases each year, Sir Isaac's earns distinction through its specific origin story and ingredient commitment — 10,000 pounds of Black Mission figs is not a token addition but a defining structural element. The 4.53 BeerAdvocate score reflects genuine critical appreciation, not just hype. Where many barrel-aged stout variants rely on pastry-style sweetness alone, Sir Isaac's balances its graham cracker and fig profile against the drying tannins and char of extended bourbon barrel aging. It is a variant that rewards patience, whether consumed fresh or cellared for gradual evolution.