Goodwood Brewing Co. COO & Brewmaster Joel Halbleib Talks Goodwood Bourbon Barrel Stout

We spoke with Goodwood Brewing Co. COO & Brewmaster Joel Halbleib about Goodwood Bourbon Barrel Stout.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
Myself and brewer David Pierce worked on this recipe together. 

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
My favorite aspect is the balance between the fresh malts, bourbon, char and oak. The blend is perfect in my book.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
We like to keep it simple for our customers to know what they are drinking. Bourbon Barrel Stout says it all. 

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
It is a bit strong for island heat! Seriously, it is a very good brew but one beer for the rest of my life… No beer fills that role.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
American Stout and fresh bourbon barrels blended to perfection. 

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
It was my first week on the job as a professional brewer. The brewmaster came to me and told me we need a bourbon barrel-aged stout. He gave me some American Stout and asked me to come up with a blend and aging range that produced an exceptional brew. Two months later the brew went into production.  

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Desserts!!!  Yes, yes it is over the top, but man, oh man: Caramel-drizzled apple pie, or cherry pie with a glass of Bourbon Barrel Stout is simply sublime. Try it before you judge me! 

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