Firestone 12 - Anniversary Ale
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Firestone 12 - Anniversary AleFirestone 12 - Anniversary Ale
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From:
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
 
California, United States
Style:
American Strong Ale
ABV:
12%
Score:
97
Avg:
4.37 | pDev: 9.61%
Reviews:
188
Ratings:
305
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Jun 03, 2023
Added:
Nov 09, 2008
Wants:
  345
Gots:
  59
No description / notes.
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Ratings by augustgarage:
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Reviewed by augustgarage from California

4.37/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Sampled multiple small pours into a snifter as part of a vertical at the Firestone Anniversary party at Blue Palms. Matt, the brewmaster was standing over my shoulder for much of the time, answering my questions about barrel types, blending, etc.

Cordovan and burgandy body, with copper and carnelian highlights. Dark liquid, but good clarity. Small head that disappears rapidly, though there is a smattering of lacing. There seems to be an inverse relation between collar size and leg formation - the older the anniversary ale, the thinner the collar and more dense the legs.

12 is still pretty fresh, with juicier aromatics than 10 or 11 at this point. A little sweeter than previous blends, the nose is still packed full of bourbon elements: vanillin, toasted coconut, leather, and fine pipe tobacco. A touch of citrus, and some complexity from hops - though the herbal aromas are consumed by the overall vinuous and barrel scents.

As with all of the blends, bigger than the sum of the parts. Using Parabola as the base, 12 strikes me as sweeter, smoother, more quenching, and more robust than previous blends. Barrel notes are evident, but may bloom with more age. Dates, plums, figs, licorice, leather, and hops on the palate. Everything slowly evolves and grain dances in and out of the mix (oats, along with elements of a spicy wheat wine - Opal peeking out). The finish yields lots of tobacco, suggesting Pappy Van Winkle barrels were involved. Lovely.

Rich velvety texture, and very slightly tannic - excellent medium-bodied feel overall.

One of the best tasting of the anniversary ales, but the flavor profile keeps shifting beneath your feet - a frustrating delight.
Nov 21, 2009
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.49 by Cpmitchno1 from Virginia

Jun 03, 2023
Photo of brewandbbq
Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

4.29/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Properly cellared bottle.

Pours dark brown with a short-lived head of tan. Minimal retention or lacing. Bourbon, raisins, cocoa, and vanilla in the nose with a hint of smoke. Medium bodied with a tacky, chewy mouthfeel. Boozy raisins with toffee, figs, and caramel on the palate. Finishes with bourbon, oak, and vanilla.
Nov 09, 2021
Photo of scootny
Reviewed by scootny from New York

4.32/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A super dark brown liquid that looks black. Wisp of carbonation on top after the small head fades. A little lacing and syrupy stick traces of the what is obviously a thick brew.

Nose is sweet with lots of dark fruits and thick toffee like malt construct. Bourbon and vanilla flow into cherries and pepper from the fusel vapors.

Taste is surprisingly barleywine like. With huge notes of toffee and dark fruits. The bourbon gives an added depth and complexity that offers vanilla, cherries and oak. Also the lovely surprise of a mocha like chocolate coffee infusion that I guess comes from a base brew that leans in the direction of a RIPA but not quite. while there is definitely some heat it is tamer than you might expect and is well integrated into the overall profile. Hops are very well done, with earthy fuggles being a large presence. Finish is longish with notes of alcohol, dates, raisins and the sweet brown bread in a can from B&M.

Feel is thick and syrupy with a mild and tingly carbonation. Surely a sipper. Surprisingly easy to drink.

After 10 years thesis a great treat. Lovely.
Apr 15, 2018
 
Rated: 4.85 by gratefulbeerhead from Indiana

Dec 26, 2016
 
Rated: 3.75 by suckaj from Florida

Oct 27, 2016
Photo of Can_has_beer
Rated by Can_has_beer from Texas

3.67/5  rDev -16%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
For a FW Anny, this is pretty harsh. It did not hold too well. It's better than the 11, but has seen many better days. Consumed June 2016.
Jun 06, 2016
 
Rated: 4.5 by jkane101 from New Jersey

Jul 11, 2015
Photo of greg4579
Rated by greg4579 from Pennsylvania

4.36/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
The old girl was still kicking. At this age it has everything to do with handling. I would not let this go too far longer.
Jun 11, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by ShadyRigglesbee from Indiana

May 16, 2015
 
Rated: 4.65 by johnpalisi from New Jersey

Mar 19, 2015
Photo of lillitnn92
Rated by lillitnn92 from Virginia

3.12/5  rDev -28.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Weird notes on smell and taste
Jan 20, 2015
Photo of atrocity
Rated by atrocity from Virginia

2.98/5  rDev -31.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3
Too far oxidized for this one.
Jan 19, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by skyroach from California

Dec 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by olradetbalder from Sweden

Nov 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Sanderson from Washington

Sep 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.4 by wethorseblanket from California

Sep 18, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by HaveUSeenMyCellar from California

Aug 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by OMsweetOM from California

Aug 17, 2014
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Rated by HuskyinPDX from Washington

4.5/5  rDev +3%
Bottle opened on 6.21.14

Smooth bourbon, sweet dark fruits, chocolate, nice.
Aug 15, 2014
Firestone 12 - Anniversary Ale from Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 97 out of 100 with 305 ratings