Winter Barrel Aged Releases

Bourbon Stouts, Holiday Ales & Cozy Taproom Experiences

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Winter barrel aged releases are the crown jewels of American craft beer—complex, warming, and often released just once a year. From Goose Island’s legendary Bourbon County Stout to spiced holiday ales and winter warmers, this season offers rich, high-ABV experiences best enjoyed in cozy taprooms across the country.

Interactive map of winter beer releases (coming soon)

❄️ Why Visit Breweries in Winter?

  • Barrel-aged releases — annual drops like Bourbon County Stout (November)
  • Winter warmers — spiced, malty ales with notes of cinnamon, clove, and dark fruit
  • Fewer crowds — easier booking and more personal attention
  • Cozy taprooms — fireplaces, indoor seating, and educational tastings
  • Holiday events — gift shops, special releases, and festive decor

🌟 Must-Try Winter Releases

Goose Island Brewery – Chicago, IL

BCBS Release

The **Bourbon County Brand Stout (BCBS)** release in late November is a national event. Lines form at dawn for bottles of this iconic barrel-aged imperial stout.

Winter highlight: BCBS variants (Prop Day, Coffee, Vanilla)
Tip: Join the release party for early access and rare pours
Read full Goose Island guide →

Revolution Brewing – Chicago, IL

Eternal Night

Their **Eternal Night** series features barrel-aged stouts with flavors like maple, coffee, and coconut—released November–January.

Winter highlight: Prop Day (December) for rare bottle releases
Combine with: Goose Island for a Chicago stout crawl
Read full Revolution guide →

Sierra Nevada – Chico, CA

Celebration Ale

While known for IPAs, their **Celebration Fresh Hop Ale** (Nov–Jan) and **Bigfoot Barleywine** (Dec–Feb) are winter staples.

Winter highlight: Holiday gift packs and barrel-aged specials
Tip: Book a winter tour for a quieter, more intimate experience
Read full Sierra Nevada guide →

🌨️ Sample Winter Itineraries

  • Chicago Stout Crawl (2 days): Goose Island → Revolution → Half Acre
  • Midwest Winter Escape (4 days): Chicago → Milwaukee → New Glarus
  • West Coast Holiday Trip (5 days): Chico → Santa Rosa → San Diego

Best months: **November through February** — peak release season.

Pro Tips from Michael Thompson

"For BCBS Day, arrive by 6 AM—lines start early. Many breweries offer online lotteries now, so sign up in October. Winter is the best time to ask deep questions—staff have more time to chat. And don’t skip the gift shop: holiday merchandise often sells out by December."

What to Pack for Winter Brewery Tours

  • Warm layers (taprooms can be drafty)
  • Waterproof boots (for snow/ice in Midwest and Northeast)
  • Reusable insulated cup (some breweries allow growler fills)
  • Cash for holiday merchandise (many gift shops are cash-only)

Major Winter Events

  • Bourbon County Stout Day (Chicago, late Nov)
  • Prop Day (Revolution Brewing, Dec)
  • Holiday Markets (nationwide, Dec)

Combine With

  • Christmas markets (Chicago, NYC, Milwaukee)
  • Ski resorts (Colorado, California)
  • Local distilleries (for barrel-aged comparisons)