Firestone Walker XIX Anniversary Ale
From Firestone Walker – “We went back to the basics this year,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “We offered the winemakers a smaller number of barrel-aged beers to work with, and we eliminated the option of blending in our hoppy stainless steel finished beers. They were surprised at first, but it resulted in a rich and complex beer that is centered on barrel-aged flavors.” In the past, as many as nine component beers were incorporated into the final Anniversary Ale blend. However, this year’s Anniversary Ale—called XIX—is comprised of four beers: Parabola, Stickee Monkee, Bravo, and Velvet Merkin.
Firestone Walker Brewing – Firestone Walker XIX Anniversary Ale – 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 13.8% abv.
Appearance: Pours a silky black with a vanishing white head.
Aroma: Sweet woody booze, dried dark fruits, huge whiff from a box of dark chocolate truffles.
Taste: Cola, roast, oak, whiskey, some smoke, umami, licorice. Finishes oaky and roasty.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied not thick not syrupy. Easy carbonation.
Overall: Not surprising, this is a big bold, flavorful sipper. I am amazed how Firestone Walker can brew and blend such high gravity beers that finish so smoothly. This is definitely ready to drink now. If I were to pair this, it would be with a red meat dish rather than dessert, or make this beer the dessert itself.
