Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout – A Decadent Imperial Cookie in a Bottle

Updated → September 2025

Experience the warmth of family baking nights with Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout, a 14.3% ABV imperial stout aged for a full year in bourbon barrels and infused with cocoa nibs, candied ginger, and toasted coconut. This nostalgic brew captures the essence of homemade coconut macaroons in liquid form.

The Bourbon County Legacy

Since its inception in 1992, Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout represents the latest evolution in what has become America's most celebrated barrel-aged stout series. The Bourbon County Brand Stout line pioneered the barrel-aging movement in American craft beer, transforming how brewers and drinkers alike think about imperial stouts. Each year's release has become a cultural phenomenon, with beer enthusiasts lining up before dawn on Black Friday to secure their bottles.

The 2024 Macaroon variant joins a prestigious lineage that includes legendary releases like Proprietor's, Vanilla Rye, and the original Bourbon County Brand Stout. What sets this year's Macaroon apart is its deeply personal origin story and its masterful balance of nostalgia with innovation. The beer achieves something remarkable: it tastes exactly like liquid coconut macaroons while maintaining the robust character that defines all Bourbon County releases.

The Macaroon Story Behind the Stout

The creation of Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout stems from Goose Island employee Paul Spiller's cherished memories of late-night baking sessions with his mother. Those intimate moments in the kitchen, filled with the comforting aromas of toasted coconut and melting chocolate, inspired Spiller to capture that same warmth in beer form. The result is more than just another flavored stout; it's a drinkable memory, a liquid homage to family traditions and the simple joy of homemade treats.

This personal touch resonates throughout every aspect of the beer's development. The brewing team spent months perfecting the ratios of coconut, cocoa, and ginger to recreate the exact flavor profile of fresh-baked macaroons. They tested dozens of coconut varieties before settling on perfectly toasted flakes that would complement rather than overwhelm the bourbon barrel character. The addition of candied ginger provides an unexpected twist that elevates the traditional macaroon profile, adding complexity and preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Year-Long Barrel Aging Process

The journey of Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout begins with a robust imperial stout base that undergoes a full year of aging in freshly emptied bourbon barrels. These barrels, sourced from renowned distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey, impart deep vanilla, caramel, and oak characteristics that form the foundation of the beer's flavor profile. The extended aging period allows the beer to fully absorb the bourbon essence while developing additional complexity through oxidation and wood interaction.

After the initial barrel aging, the beer receives its signature additions: rich cocoa nibs, sweet candied ginger, and carefully toasted coconut. The timing and method of these additions are crucial to preserving their distinct flavors while ensuring proper integration with the barrel-aged base. The cocoa nibs are added first, allowing their bitter chocolate notes to meld with the bourbon character. The candied ginger follows, contributing both sweetness and a subtle spice that brightens the overall profile. Finally, the toasted coconut is introduced at the precise moment to maintain its aromatic oils and prevent any unwanted astringency.

Complex Flavor Profile Breakdown

Upon pouring Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout, you're immediately greeted by an inky black appearance with minimal head retention, typical of high-alcohol barrel-aged stouts. The aroma explodes from the glass with waves of toasted coconut, dark chocolate, and bourbon warmth. Underneath these primary notes, you'll detect hints of vanilla, caramelized sugar, and that distinctive ginger sweetness that sets this variant apart from typical pastry stouts.

The first sip delivers an immediate rush of coconut and chocolate, reminiscent of biting into a fresh macaroon cookie. The mouthfeel is luxuriously thick and chewy, coating the palate with layers of flavor that unfold gradually. Mid-palate, the bourbon character asserts itself with notes of charred oak, vanilla bean, and a pleasant alcohol warmth that never becomes harsh despite the 14.3% ABV. The candied ginger emerges on the finish, providing a subtle spice that cuts through the sweetness and leaves you craving another sip.

The Trinity: Coconut, Cocoa, and Ginger

The genius of Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout lies in its harmonious balance of three key flavor additions. The toasted coconut provides the beer's signature character, delivering both aromatic intensity and a creamy, almost buttery texture that enhances the base stout's richness. Unlike many coconut beers that rely on artificial extracts, this uses real toasted coconut flakes, resulting in a more authentic and nuanced flavor that avoids the suntan lotion notes that plague lesser efforts.

The cocoa nibs contribute a sophisticated chocolate character that goes beyond simple sweetness. These nibs add layers of dark chocolate bitterness that balance the coconut's sweetness while complementing the roasted malt character of the base beer. The interplay between coconut and chocolate creates a Mounds bar-like experience that feels both familiar and elevated. The candied ginger serves as the wild card, adding an unexpected dimension that transforms what could have been a one-note dessert beer into something far more interesting. Its crystallized sweetness and gentle heat provide contrast and complexity, ensuring that each sip reveals something new.

How Macaroon Compares to Other Variants

Within the 2024 Bourbon County lineup, Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout stands out as the most dessert-forward option. While the Original maintains its classic bourbon barrel character without additions, and the Vanilla Rye showcases spicier rye whiskey barrels with Madagascar vanilla, Macaroon goes all-in on the pastry stout concept. Compared to the Bardstown variant, which emphasizes the specific terroir of Kentucky bourbon, Macaroon prioritizes flavor innovation over barrel provenance.

Beer enthusiasts who have tried multiple vintages often compare Macaroon favorably to legendary past variants like Proprietor's 2013 and 2014 or the original Vanilla Rye. The consensus among collectors and reviewers suggests that Macaroon represents a return to form after several years of variants that, while competent, lacked the wow factor of earlier releases. Its approachable flavor profile makes it an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Bourbon County series, while its complexity and balance satisfy even the most jaded beer veterans.

Optimal Serving Temperature and Glassware

To fully appreciate Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout, proper serving temperature is crucial. This beer performs best when served between 50-55°F, slightly cooler than room temperature but warmer than typical refrigerator temperature. At this range, the coconut and ginger aromatics are at their most expressive, while the alcohol remains integrated rather than sharp. Allow the beer to warm gradually in the glass; you'll notice different flavor components emerging as the temperature rises.

Glassware selection can significantly impact your enjoyment of this beer. A snifter or tulip glass concentrates the aromatics while providing enough surface area for the beer to breathe. The curved sides help trap the volatile coconut and bourbon compounds, delivering them directly to your nose with each sip. Pour gently down the side of the glass to minimize agitation; this beer produces minimal head naturally, and aggressive pouring won't change that. Consider sharing the 16.9-ounce bottle between two or three people, as the high alcohol content and rich flavors make this a sipping beer best enjoyed slowly.

Perfect Food Pairings

The dessert-like qualities of Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout make it a natural companion to sweet treats, but don't overlook its potential with savory dishes. For dessert pairings, dark chocolate truffles, tiramisu, or coconut cream pie create harmonious flavor combinations. The beer's sweetness can stand up to rich chocolate desserts while the ginger notes provide contrast to creamy, vanilla-based sweets. Surprisingly, it also pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses, particularly nutty varieties like aged gouda or sharp cheddar, where the sweetness balances the saltiness.

For a more adventurous pairing, try this beer alongside barbecued meats or dishes with Caribbean jerk seasoning. The coconut and ginger notes complement tropical flavor profiles, while the bourbon barrel character stands up to smoky, charred flavors. Hawaiian cuisine, with its blend of sweet and savory elements, makes an particularly apt match given the beer's availability at Vintage Wine Cellar in Honolulu. Consider pairing it with kalua pig or haupia for a true island experience that bridges local flavors with Midwestern brewing tradition.

Cellaring and Aging Potential

While Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout drinks beautifully fresh, it also possesses excellent aging potential. The high alcohol content and residual sugars provide a stable foundation for long-term cellaring. Over time, the coconut character will mellow and integrate more fully with the base beer, while the bourbon notes become more pronounced. The ginger may fade somewhat, but this often results in a more cohesive flavor profile where individual elements blend into a harmonious whole.

For optimal cellaring conditions, store bottles upright in a cool, dark place with stable temperatures between 50-60°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations and excessive movement, which can accelerate oxidation and create off-flavors. Many collectors recommend trying one bottle fresh to establish a baseline, then aging additional bottles for comparison at yearly intervals. Based on experiences with previous Bourbon County variants, Macaroon should continue developing positively for at least five years, with some bottles potentially improving for a decade or more under ideal conditions.

Release Schedule and Availability

The annual release of Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout follows the traditional Black Friday schedule that has become a craft beer institution. Released on the day after Thanksgiving, these beers generate tremendous excitement and often sell out quickly at popular retailers. However, the 2024 release saw improved distribution compared to previous years, making bottles more accessible to casual buyers rather than just dedicated collectors who camp out overnight.

In Hawaii, availability tends to lag behind mainland releases by a few days to weeks due to shipping logistics. Vintage Wine Cellar typically receives their allocation in early December, though exact timing varies yearly. The store's central Honolulu location and established relationships with distributors make them one of the most reliable sources for Bourbon County products in Hawaii. Smart shoppers often call ahead or sign up for the store's notification system to ensure they don't miss out when bottles arrive.

Professional Tasting Notes

Professional beer reviewers and certified cicerones consistently praise Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout for its exceptional balance and authentic flavor reproduction. Common descriptors include: pitch black appearance with no light penetration, motor oil viscosity, explosive coconut and chocolate aromatics, bourbon-soaked macaroon cookie flavor, candied ginger on the finish, full-bodied with low carbonation, and warming alcohol presence without heat. The beer consistently scores in the low-to-mid 90s on rating platforms, placing it among the top-tier Bourbon County variants of recent years.

Blind tasting panels often identify this beer immediately due to its distinctive coconut character, which sets it apart from other barrel-aged imperial stouts. The integration of flavors impresses even skeptics who typically avoid flavored stouts, with many noting that the additions enhance rather than mask the base beer's quality. The consensus among industry professionals suggests this represents one of the most successful executions of a pastry stout concept within the Bourbon County lineup.

Price Point and Value Analysis

At approximately $20-25 per 16.9-ounce bottle, Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout represents a significant investment for a single beer. However, when compared to other world-class barrel-aged stouts or quality bourbon, the price becomes more reasonable. Consider that this bottle provides 2-3 servings of a beverage that required over a year to produce, premium ingredients including real bourbon barrels, and represents the pinnacle of American stout brewing. The experience rivals that of premium spirits or wine at a comparable price point.

Value extends beyond mere dollars per ounce when discussing beers of this caliber. The Macaroon variant offers an experience unavailable elsewhere in the beer market, making direct price comparisons somewhat irrelevant. For special occasions, beer dinners, or sharing with fellow enthusiasts, the memories created often justify the premium price. Additionally, the beer's trading value on secondary markets often exceeds retail price, particularly for well-stored bottles from popular vintages, making it a reasonable investment for collectors.

Hawaii's Craft Beer Scene Connection

The availability of Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout in Hawaii represents the islands' growing sophistication in craft beer appreciation. While Hawaii boasts excellent local breweries producing tropical-inspired ales and lagers, the demand for mainland specialty releases demonstrates the market's maturity. The coconut-forward profile of Macaroon resonates particularly well with local palates accustomed to coconut in both sweet and savory applications.

Vintage Wine Cellar's commitment to stocking limited releases like Bourbon County reflects Honolulu's evolution as a destination for serious beer enthusiasts. The store serves as a bridge between local brewing traditions and mainland innovations, offering residents and visitors access to beers that might otherwise require a trip to the continental United States. This accessibility has helped foster a knowledgeable community of collectors and enthusiasts who gather for bottle shares and tasting events featuring rare beers like the Bourbon County series.

Collector's Appeal and Trading Value

For serious beer collectors, Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout holds significant appeal both for personal enjoyment and trading purposes. The 2024 Macaroon has quickly established itself as one of the more sought-after variants from recent years, with many considering it superior to other 2024 releases. Its relatively wide distribution means it serves as excellent trade bait for rarer regional releases or older vintages that have become scarce.

The beer's distinctive flavor profile and positive reception make it a cornerstone addition to any serious collection. Unlike some experimental variants that divide opinion, Macaroon enjoys near-universal acclaim, ensuring steady demand in the secondary market. Collectors often seek multiple bottles: one to drink fresh, one to age, and potentially others for trading or special occasions. The distinctive label art and connection to the broader Bourbon County legacy add to its display value in any beer cellar or collection.

Smart Purchase and Storage Tips

When purchasing Goose Island Bourbon County Macaroon Stout from Vintage Wine Cellar or any retailer, inspect bottles carefully for fill level and cap integrity. While Goose Island's quality control has improved significantly in recent years, the high alcohol content and residual sugars can occasionally lead to refermentation issues if bottles aren't properly sealed. Look for bottles stored upright in temperature-controlled environments rather than those exposed to temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight.

Once purchased, transport bottles carefully and store them immediately in appropriate conditions. If planning to age bottles, consider creating a simple cellar log noting purchase date, storage conditions, and any relevant batch information. This documentation proves valuable for tracking the beer's evolution and can add value if you later decide to trade or sell bottles. For immediate consumption, allowing the beer to settle for at least 24 hours after purchase ensures any sediment disturbed during transport has time to resettle, resulting in a clearer pour and cleaner flavors.