King Henry II

The King Returns

In 2022, Bourbon County Brand Rare Stout—a bold imperial rye stout—was laid to rest in not one, but two sets of regal bourbon barrels. At Goose Island, we typically use bourbon barrels only once for Bourbon County Stout, but experience has taught us those barrels still have more to give. Back in 2011, we released King Henry—a beer that inspired the creation of this latest evolution: a barrel-aged English-style Barleywine. 

When we emptied the barrels that once held Bourbon County Rare, we immediately refilled them with a decadent English-style Barleywine. Over the course of a full year, the beer absorbed the deep flavors of the barrel and the lingering chocolate richness of the Rare stout that came before it. 

After twelve months in those storied casks, King Henry II emerged with layers of rich malt character, evoking notes of crème brûlée with toasty sweetness—an opulent expression truly worthy of its name. 

Releases on Black Friday at Goose Island Properties only.