Firestone Walker - XVI Anniversary Ale 2012 650ml

"Since founding our brewery in 1996, we have specialized in the rare art of fermenting beer in oak barrels. In the fall of 2006, we released a limited edition, oak-aged strong ale called "10" to commemorate our 10th anniversary, thus beginning an annual autumn rite.

This year we present 16, our seventh release from our anniversary series. 16 is crafted from separate lots produced over several months and years, then carefully blended into this truly unique and complex brew.

Each of the contributing lots was aged in oak barrels, some previously used by American spirits producers, others used in our Firestone Union. Each barrel lent its own bit of soul to the flavor profile, including nuances of tobacco, chocolate and molasses.

Local Paso Robles area winemakers and our brewers collaborated to taste each individual lot and lend their expertise to the final blend. The resulting limited production brew offers immense depth and complexity with long, intense flavors that beg to be sipped and savored.

XVI
XVI is 42% stout with Velvet Merkin, Parabola and “PNC” working together as three roasty toasty friends creating rich cacao, chocolate and mocha flavors together. Helldorado, with flavors of lavender and honey liqueur fold in flowery notes and DDBA delivers its signature American toasted oak, English caramel toffee and light leather nuances. Stickee Monkee lends rich maple syrup, spicy cinnamon, and ripe fig flavors while Bravo adds barrel character and bourbon notes. The addition of Wookey Jack adds wily citrusy hop notes and spicy rye backbone. As this beer sits and breathes in the glass, more rich dusty chocolate, stone fruit and crème brulee characters are revealed as the rich spirit character fades." - Firestone Walker

Style / Variety: Barrel Aged Strong Ale/Stout Blend
Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA
ABV: 13.0%
Vol: 650ml