Review – Firestone 11

From Firestone Walker Brewing Co. – Eleven was crafted by Brewmaster Matt Brynildson and his team in separate lots over 18 months. After extensive trials, the lots were carefully blended to create a unique, harmonious and ageworthy brew. Each of the lots was aged in American oak barrels, many of which were previously used and matured by premium American spirits producers. Each barrel lent its own bit of soul to the flavor profile, including nuances of tobacco, leather, spice and molasses.

Firestone Walker Brewing Co. – Eleven – 22oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 11% alcohol. Purchased at Lone Hill Liquor, Glendora, CA.

Appearance: Poured from a 22oz bottle into a Stone Brewing goblet. The color was of industrial strength coffee. I could not see any carbonation at the top of the glass, or throughout the glass for that matter. Had a pin stripe of a head at the top.

Aroma: Vanilla candy, possibly vanilla tootsie rolls. As the glass warms up, the scent gets stronger, where you can pick up faint hints of bourbon.

Taste: Vanilla bean, sweet barley wine, fine bourbon cut with an ice cube.

Mouthfeel: Very sticky, a tad carbonated. Bourbon action throughout my mouth, minus the alcohol warmth.

Drinkability: Very tasty, but if I were to compare apples to apples, Firestone 10 is way more complex. However Firestone 11 is very enjoyable, and might grab a new audience with its vanilla presence. At $18 a bottle, this would be something to save and savor for a special occasion.

last edited 6/21/09