Year of New Beer: Bourbon County Brand Caramella Wheatwine, Goose Island Beer Co (Chicago)

Written By: Dion on 11/28/2020

I don't really eat many caramel apples, and I've definitely never had one soaked in bourbon...until now. Smelling like the absolute epitome of fall, this one puts forth apple pie, cinnamon, caramel, and a modest bourbon on the nose. When there's this much going on in a beer, it's easy to get artificial and overpowering with some of the elements. In this case, the ingredients are handled with a deft hand, as the apples and cinnamon combine with the bourbon to present as a warmed cider, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla lingering in the background. Rich caramel hits early and remains prevalent throughout. Unbelievably subtle alcohol for 14%. This is unlike any of the other Bourbon County variants over the last 10 years. Definitely not going to be to everyone's liking, but I found it to be an extremely enjoyable sipper.