Rumor Mill: Virginia Distillery & Goose Island Beer Release New Whiskey / 17 Beer Pros Honored

American Craft Beer|November 7th, 2025|

a bottle of Virginia Distillery Co. The Brewer's Coalition series whiskey standing upright next to a whiskey glass along with Goose Island Bourbon County beer bottle lying on its side, spilling a small amount of liquid. The scene is lit dramatically, highlighting the bottles and glass against a dark background.

(Courtesy Virginia Distillery & Goose Island Beer )

After striking Double Gold with their first collaboration, Virginia Distillery and Goose Island Beer are back for another round… We’ve that, “Words to Drink By” and more.

Virginia Distillery & Goose Island Beer Release New Whiskey

After striking Double Gold with their first collaboration, Virginia Distillery Co. and Goose Island Beer Co. are back for another round. The Virginia-based whisky maker announced the second edition in its Brewer’s Coalition series — a project pairing American Single Malt whisky with casks from iconic breweries.

This year’s release, The Brewer’s Coalition Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Cask Finish American Single Malt Whisky, once again blends Virginia Distillery’s malt whisky expertise with the rich, stout-soaked character of Goose Island’s famed Bourbon County barrels.

The 2024 edition drew major acclaim, earning Double Gold and 95 points at the 2025 Global Whisky Challenge. For the encore, the distillery filled just 20 barrels that once held Bourbon County Brand Stout. The whisky spent more than five years in ex-bourbon casks before finishing in those stout barrels, emerging at 100 proof with layers of dark chocolate, roasted malt, vanilla cream, and toffee.

A new twist this year: a Single Barrel version bottled at cask strength, available only through select retailers, offering an even bolder expression of the collaboration.

“The first Goose Island release was one of the most talked-about whiskies in our Brewer’s Coalition lineup,” said Gareth Moore, Virginia Distillery Co.’s CEO. “We’re thrilled to bring it back for a limited encore.”

Goose Island’s Senior Brand Manager, John Zadlo, echoed the excitement. “We’ve spent decades aging stouts in bourbon barrels, and seeing those same barrels take on new life with Virginia Distillery is incredibly rewarding. They’re doing for American Single Malt what we set out to do for barrel-aged beer — push the craft forward.”

Words to Drink By

“I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.” – Elon Musk South African-born businessman known for his leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, and X

(Courtesy Beer Institute)

The 2025 “Best In Brew” Honors

On November 5, the Beer Institute held its annual BEST IN BREW Honors in Washington DC to celebrate the brewers, farmers, and manufacturers behind the $471 billion beer industry.

From growing the commodities used in beer to brewing, packaging, marketing and managing supply chains, the awardees exemplify what makes a career in the beer industry rewarding.

And (drum roll, please) the 2025 BEST IN BREW honorees are…

Marcus Brown	Lead Maintainer	Ball Corporation
Jason Champoux	Vice President of Crop Production	Yakima Chief Ranches – Yakima Chief Hops
Amelia Chaves	Senior Director, Supply Chain Planning	HEINEKEN USA
Pete Denoia	Supply Chain Director	Allagash Brewing Company
Sara Goucher	Senior Director, eCommerce	Molson Coors Beverage Company
Doug Heimos	Packaging Manager	Anheuser-Busch
Mike McGahren-Clemens	Cellar Manager	Asahi Beer USA – Octopi Brewery
Darrel Miller	Operations and U.S. Procurement Site Director	RahrBSG
Keith Miller	Director of Brewing Operations	FX Matt Brewing Co
Susie Mulqueen	Senior Lab Technician	John I. Haas Inc.
Fabiola Pasquel	Vice President, Procurement	Constellation Brands
Jay Steioff	General Manager, Great Lakes Region	Mark Anthony Brands Inc.
Mike Sutton	Vice President, Craft Brewery Sales	Hopsteiner
Ellen Taberski	Director of Contract Manufacturing	FIFCO USA
Matt Trim	Vice President, Global Operations	MicroStar Logistics
George Ward	Senior Director, Off-Premise Division	The Boston Beer Company
Bradley Young	Head Brewer	Cape May Brewing Company

“Congratulations to this year’s Beer Institute BEST IN BREW honorees. This recognition is a testament to their passion, innovation and dedication to advancing the U.S. beer industry,” said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. “From grain to glass, these industry leaders ensure beer continues to be a cornerstone of our economy, our communities and our culture. We are proud to celebrate the 2025 class of BEST IN BREW honorees, their achievements and the role they play in keeping beer vibrant and strong.”