Firestone 16 - Anniversary Ale - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

tectactoe

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Thanks to Jeff for sharing this one with us! Pours a dark-ass brown color, very nearly black with a tan head, small and unobtrusive but lasting for at least half of the pour. The smell is very commanding and powerful, hitting first with a big vanilla-bourbon combination. Oaky, sweet, and full of spicy alcohol. Right from the nose, you know that this beer means serious business. If I had to guess, it smells more powerful than 13% ABV, although 13% is still nothing to scoff at. Nice balance of sweetness and booziness overall.

Wow, the taste is as robust and strong as they come. Thick and syrupy bourbon and whiskey right out of the gate. This one definitely tastes a bit higher than 13% ABV, it's pretty hot, but still remains drinkable given it's sheer power. Sweet brown sugar, sugar coated figs and dates. Very, very boozy vanilla and lots of oak and wood flavors. Moderate amounts of cocoa and toasted caramel in the finish, although the bourbon is still the most prominent thing in this brew. Slightly on the thicker side for the body, mild carbonation.

Whoa, this one will put you on your ass if you don't look out! Very strong and very powerful, yet deceivingly sweet and drinkable at the same time. A nicely crafted brew that I'm glad I got the chance to try. I'd like to see this one with a few years on it and see if the alcohol mellows out a bit, just a touch too hot right now.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 18:39:01 | More by tectactoe

bbadger

Texas

4.75/5  rDev +9.4%

05-18-2013 06:49:17 | More by bbadger

coryking

Missouri

4.25/5  rDev -2.1%

05-17-2013 21:34:40 | More by coryking

FreshHawk

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -2.1%

05-17-2013 13:13:27 | More by FreshHawk

dan027

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +15.2%

05-17-2013 02:33:38 | More by dan027

BradStokley

Maryland

4/5  rDev -7.8%

05-16-2013 19:40:44 | More by BradStokley

standardcherry

Massachusetts

4.61/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle

A: Very dark brown/almost pitch black with a thin white head.
S: Starts of very roasty with some coffee aroma and dark chocolate. Followed by vanilla, bourbon, oak and dark fruits.
T: Not as much coffee as the nose, but there is still some roastiness in there. Tastes a lot like dark fruits (plum) mixed with chocolate and vanilla. Tastes more chocolately than the nose would suggest, almost like a chocolate doughnut. Bourbon and oak blend in very well at the end of this.
M: Medium/thick bodied with light carbonation. Works well with the style.
O: Firestone Walker does not disappoint. This beer is extremely well blended to showcase all of the elements. Dangerously drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2013 05:50:08 | More by standardcherry

Zbeetleman

California

3.75/5  rDev -13.6%

05-15-2013 02:31:58 | More by Zbeetleman

Absolut

California

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-14-2013 17:51:07 | More by Absolut

drewone

California

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-14-2013 07:17:59 | More by drewone

TheRuss9585

Vermont

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-14-2013 00:52:02 | More by TheRuss9585

Rau71

California

4.25/5  rDev -2.1%

05-13-2013 14:08:37 | More by Rau71

bostonryan

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -7.8%

05-13-2013 13:04:08 | More by bostonryan

Lorianneb

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -7.8%

05-12-2013 15:58:23 | More by Lorianneb

jkrug5

Maryland

4.75/5  rDev +9.4%

05-11-2013 20:42:45 | More by jkrug5

mikeburd1128

New Jersey

4.75/5  rDev +9.4%

05-10-2013 22:20:51 | More by mikeburd1128

TammyC2164

Washington

5/5  rDev +15.2%

05-10-2013 21:45:14 | More by TammyC2164

marshmeli

New York

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-10-2013 20:50:56 | More by marshmeli

drlovemd87

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-10-2013 03:21:19 | More by drlovemd87

jkane101

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-10-2013 01:22:00 | More by jkane101

justforrazors

Missouri

4.75/5  rDev +9.4%

05-10-2013 01:21:27 | More by justforrazors

JoninVT

New Hampshire

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-09-2013 21:47:45 | More by JoninVT

caguiar

New Hampshire

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%

05-09-2013 15:49:29 | More by caguiar

ItalianHopHead203

Connecticut

4.75/5  rDev +9.4%

05-09-2013 14:32:59 | More by ItalianHopHead203

aliving1

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +15.2%

05-09-2013 01:13:13 | More by aliving1