Shaw’s Crab House and Goose Island Debut their First-ever Barrel Stout Collaboration
Sip on this exclusive brew
The partnership between Shaw’s Crab House and Goose Island runs deep. In fact, Shaw’s was the first restaurant in Chicago to pour Goose Island beer on draft. Over the years, the two iconic brands have collaborated in countless ways – from inducting Goose Island founder John Hall into Shaw’s Oyster Hall of Fame to creating the fan-favorite S.O.B. (Shaw’s Oyster Bar Pilsner) beer currently on draft at the bar today.
The partnership has reached a new milestone: Shaw’s first-ever Goose Island Barrel Bourbon Stout. To celebrate, Shaw’s and Goose Island are hosting an exclusive launch party on Wednesday, June 24, at the Goose Island Barrel House. Guests will enjoy Goose Island beers on tap, Shaw’s favorite bites, guided Barrel House tours, and the opportunity to be among the first to taste and purchase the new Barrel Bourbon Stout.
Purchase tickets to the Shaw’s x Goose Island launch party here.
Read on to discover how Shaw’s selected the final blend and brought this one-of-a-kind collaboration to life.
Step 1: The Tour
The Shaw’s team traded their signature uniforms for safety vests and goggles and headed behind the scenes at the Goose Island Barrel House. The group explored the sprawling facility, learning firsthand about the barrel-aging process, the history of Goose Island’s award-winning Bourbon County Stouts, and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Step 2: The Tasting
Following the tour, the team gathered in Goose Island’s cellar for a blind tasting of six different barrel-aged stouts pulled directly from the barrel. Without knowing which beer was in each glass, team members evaluated the aroma, flavor profile, mouthfeel, and finish of every sample before casting their votes for the final selection.
Step 3: The Selection
The Shaw’s team selected a stout aged for more than a year in freshly emptied bourbon barrels. The rich, full-bodied imperial stout is layered with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and caramelized sugar. Each sip reveals complex flavors of fudge, molasses, toffee, almond, and dried fruit, balanced by a velvety mouthfeel and gentle bourbon warmth. At more than 14% ABV, this decadent stout is meant to be savored slowly, allowing its flavors to evolve and unfold as it warms in the glass.
Step 4: Celebrate!
With the final selection made, it was time to raise a glass and celebrate. The team toasted to the collaboration and began planning the official launch party where guests will have the chance to experience the finished product for themselves.
Join Shaw’s and Goose Island on Wednesday, June 24, at the Goose Island Barrel House for this one-night-only event featuring Goose Island beers on tap, Shaw’s favorite bites, Barrel House tours, and the first opportunity to taste and purchase Shaw’s exclusive Barrel Bourbon Stout.
Purchase tickets to the Shaw’s x Goose Island launch party here.
