Goose Island is generating buzz in the craft beer community with the announcement of its 2025 Bourbon County Brand Stout lineup, especially after speculation about whether enthusiasm for the iconic release has dwindled over the years.
This year’s collection includes five unique variants, alongside the classic original Bourbon County Stout, showcasing the brewery’s commitment to innovation.
One of the standout offerings is Cherries Jubilee Stout, a nod to the classic flambéed dessert, aged in cognac casks, imparting rich flavors of dark cherry, soft vanilla, and caramelized citrus.
Another variant, Chocolate Praline Stout, presents a delightful palate of fudge, marzipan, and toffee, as it matures in freshly emptied bourbon barrels.
Proprietor’s Stout takes a distinctive turn by highlighting the flavors of baklava, appealing to those with a penchant for desserts.
Fans will also be pleased to see the much-anticipated return of Double Barrel Stout, aged in two sets of Heaven Hill Distillery Bottled-in-Bond bourbon barrels, which enhances its depth of flavor.
Reserve Stout rounds out the lineup, having been aged for two years in Parker’s Heritage Collection 17th edition rye whiskey barrels—resulting in a complex blend of dried fruit, cocoa, spice, and toasted oak notes.
The Original Stout, hailed as the first beer aged in bourbon barrels since its inception in 1992, remains a fan favorite.
With an average aging time of 12 months, it promises a rich experience of fudge, vanilla, and caramelized sugar, and for the first time, customers will have the opportunity to purchase Original Stout in four-packs of 10-ounce bottles.
All of Goose Island’s 2025 Bourbon County Stouts will be available for sale on Black Friday, November 28—a date anticipated by beer enthusiasts across the nation.
In addition to Goose Island’s launch, the iconic Willis Tower is set to expand its culinary offerings, adding several notable dining options this year.
Among the new establishments is the first Midwest location of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a beloved New York-based scoop shop that will join the vibrant food and retail scene inside the skyscraper.
With plans for more Van Leeuwen locations on the horizon, one such spot is already being developed in Wicker Park at the intersection of Damen and Foxtrot.
Willis Tower will also welcome Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant Cava, which has made waves in Wicker Park, and the California-based Mendocino Farms, set to debut its sandwich offerings in River North this August.
For brunch enthusiasts, there are two enticing new all-you-can-eat options to explore.
TenGoku Aburiya, a Japanese gastropub, newly features a buffet that includes an array of nigiri, maki rolls, meat and veggie skewers, and Korean popcorn chicken among other dishes, available every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $45 per person.
Additionally, TenGoku is offering a special lunch bento box in collaboration with Kanin, featuring coffee-rubbed kalbi through July 25.
Meanwhile, Tao Chicago has launched its own endless brunch option, where patrons can indulge in a carving station with pork belly and Peking duck, plus dim sum bites, sushi, and a chocolate fountain—all available Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $65 per person, with the addition of bottomless mimosas for $35.
Collaborative culinary efforts are also making headlines, as Milwaukee chef Dan Jacobs is set to partner with Joe Flamm at BLVD Steakhouse on August 5.
The event features a special six-course tasting menu, with proceeds aimed at supporting the staff of Jacobs’ popular Cream City restaurant EsterEv, which is currently closed due to flood damage.
Reservations for this unique dining experience, priced at $120 per person, can be made via OpenTable.
Lastly, Wicker Park’s Tortello is introducing an exciting new handheld item to its menu—pizza fritta.
Inspired by traditional Neapolitan street food, these delightful fried pizza dough snacks are filled with burrata from Puglia, diced heirloom tomatoes, and a drizzle of Sicilian olive oil, garnished with fresh basil.
Starting July 25, pizza fritta will be available during both lunch and dinner, further enhancing the culinary landscape of Wicker Park.
image source from：chicago
