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 hoppymeal:
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Reviewed by hoppymeal from Michigan

4.47/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours black with a good sized dark tan head that very slowly chunks down. Aroma is a nice big bourbony aroma, some definite alcohol is evident by the booziness in the smell. Also, some cola, caramel, and vanilla sweetness. A swirl produces some nice notes of leather and aged dark fruits, raisins etc. Taste is full of a vanilla sweetness, it is up front and a good portion of the way thru the taste. Some booziness and a drying woodiness towards the finish. Some strong licorice characteristics are present throughout as well. Mouthfeel is medium to heavy in body, carbonation creates a nice soft and creamy feel, some biting and warming alcohol in the finish. The alcohol is definitely big, but is balanced by the big flavors and feel, and never becomes disproportionate. Just like ten and eleven before it, this is an excellent beer. This beer needs no ageing, it is drinking great in the present.
Jan 02, 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
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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
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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
Photo of HuskyinPDX
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