Firestone 23 - Anniversary Ale
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

4.13/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

More syrupy sweet than some previous iterations of Firestone Walker anniversary beers, and that's saying something. Thankfully, no gin barrels were involved this year, but I honestly don't get as much barrel character as I'm expecting, period. Still quite enjoyable, a nicely complex strong ale, but not what I've come to expect from the past. Based on the enclosed package notes, my impression is that the velvety smoothness has come at the expense of being as adventurous and bold as previous entries.

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4.29/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Pours deep dark brown with reddish tint when held to the light. Thin tan cap that disappears quickly, leaves nice leggings when swirled. Aroma is rich, a blend of caramel, vanilla, coconut, dark malts, and booze. Flavor is all the flavors of the nose and more. Sweet but not cloyingly so. Feel is silky, lightly carbonated. Overall a very fine (overpriced) beer.

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4/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled 10/16/19; drank 11/22/19 @ the Yarchives.

Black appearance; some purple hues when held to the light.

A rough pour yielded a small tan head; decent lace.

Oak, cream & mild milk chocolate notes in the nose.

Thick, creamy mouthfeel.

Oak & cream flavors up front; mild milk chocolate & faint booze heat notes on the finish. As this warmed, a strong caramel note emerged.

This is a step up from last year, but it's not a stunner.

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4.66/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75

Dark brown ale with a small brown head. Dark enough that it is nearly light proof.

Smells strongly of coconut and vanilla. Whiskey and oak scent. Vanilla and grape scents. Strong brown sugar and caramel. Scent of Rum. Very complex. Scent of leather and tobacco. Complex as hell.

Starts out mildly sweet and creamy with a strong vanilla and coffee after taste. Taste of berry pops out unexpectedly. Distinct alcohol burn in back of throat. Taste of creme brulee and a cheesecake taste to it. Taste of coconut and chocolate. Taste of acid, there was a Chardonnay barrel in there somewhere. Taste of wine in the finish. COMPLEX.

Mouthfeel is good and thick.

Overall another home run for Firestone and their annual Anniversary Beer!

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4.37/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Bottle: Obtained @ the FW XXIII Anniversary Party

Appearance: Dark-brown color with some deep ruby highlights. The beer has a medium-sized beige head that gradually faded to a ring. Another nice looking FW anniversary beer.

Smell: Moderate Bourbon, moderate brown sugar/toffee notes, and mild vanilla notes. The barrel elements are definitely present but the nose is not really forward.

Taste: The palate features Bourbon notes, brown sugar/toffee, mild vanilla notes, and tannic oak notes from the bal-aging. The beer starts off somewhat sweet and finishes quite a bit drier than the past couple of FW anniversary beers. Like FW XX and FW XXI, FW XXII, and FW XXIII features a mellow finished taste profile right out the gate. The alcohol presence is very subdued per past FW anniversary beers.

Mouth-feel: On the lighter side of medium bodied with a medium level of carbonation.

Overall: The Firestone Walker Anniversary beers are some of my favorite American Strong Ales and this one continues that trend. The blending process always results in a unique beer and even though I need the blending components it's interesting how they interact. this one is a bit drier than the past couple of years but still tasty.

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