Goose Island's Bourbon County Vanilla Stout #4 of 2010 by Paste Magazine

Goose Island came in number four on Paste magazine's best beers of 2010 with its Bourbon County Vanilla Stout. Unfortunately, it's the only entry from Chicago on the list, but that might have to do more with distribution than quality. Even though there is a lot of great brewing going on in the city (however new some may be) and the explosion of quality beer bars in the city, I feel that Chicago gets the short stick on the national stage. It'll probably take some time before the Old Style connotation of the city wears off. Unfortunately, many tourists to the city only get to certain parts that are overserved by draconian distribution laws that favor the big brewers over regional craft breweries. A visitor to Navy Pier or Wrigleyville will probably see more Old Style and Miller on tap that Goose Island, Half Acre or even Bells and Three Floyds.

Still, a tip of the pint to Goose Island for consistently making great beer and leading the charge of Chicago on the national stage of beer drinkers.