Firestone 23 - Anniversary Ale
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

4.04 1/16/2022

4.17 12/24/24

Review: 2578
Name: Firestone 23
Brewery: Firestone Walker
Location: Paso Robles, CA
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 11.5%
Canned: 2019
Date: 29 March 2026
Initial Impression:
After enjoying Firestone Walker Anniversary Ale XIV, expectations were high for this vintage bottle. At six years old, I was especially curious to see how it had developed over the years.
Appearance:
Served at 54°F in a stemless tulip. Pours deep brown with faint garnet highlights at the base (approx. SRM 34), mostly opaque. A creamy tan head forms with above-average retention, gradually receding with minimal lacing. Rich, polished, and very inviting.
Aroma:
Highly complex and layered. A prominent roasted malt character leads, with notes of char, dark chocolate, and coffee. Supporting elements include molasses and dark fruits (plum, fig, raisin). Barrel influence shows through with bourbon, oak, vanilla, and light leather. Additional nuances of tobacco, earth, toasted bread, and a faint floral note (jasmine) emerge. Subtle papery oxidation is present, alongside a hint of vinous character, adding depth rather than detracting from the ale.
Flavor:
Mirrors the aroma with excellent integration. Roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, and molasses form the core, supported by dark fruit (raisin, fig, date), vanilla, and oak. Mid-palate brings caramel, toffee, and a touch of nuttiness, along with char and light Maillard richness. Subtle vinous and floral notes add complexity. A mild papery oxidation note is noticeable but contributes to an aged, Old Ale–like character rather than reading as a flaw.
Mouthfeel:
Medium-plus body with medium-low carbonation. Smooth and slightly tannic, with a drying quality from oak and age. Finishes warm, but not overly hot.
Overall Impression:
An impressive showing for a six-year-old strong ale. The oxidation is evident but integrates well, lending a character reminiscent of an aged Old Ale. Barrel, malt, and aged qualities are well-balanced, with a pleasant tannic dryness and controlled warmth. While the hop character has naturally faded, enough structure remains to support the beer—a deeply enjoyable, contemplative sipper.

On tap at Firestone Walker

I bought this beer in 2020 for $13.29 at my grocery store back in 2020. They did not sell out and are now trying to sell off their remaining stock for $5.00/bottle. I could not resist and picked up three of these @ $5.00. The four year old beer held up well. Served in an Ommegang chalice glass. Pours a dark brown color with a one finger high tan head. Plenty of carbonation for a four year old beer. Can pick up the barrel on the nose. Taste is dark fruit, vanilla and oak. Medium mouthfeel. Overall my gamble on buying a four year old beer paid off. This is a sipper and perfect for a cold day.

12 oz bottle from Brewers Haven. Mahogany pour, fizzy tan head. Sweet aroma, raisins, woody, warm boozy notes. Taste begins with the sweetness, plums, prunes, raisins, woody accents before the rising heat catches up and finishes it. Slick, smooth, velvety. Nice sipper.

 

Addictive barrel blend and dark fruit goodness.

12 ounce bottle, 2019 vintage, 10/16/2019 stamped on the bottle so I'm assuming that's the bottled on date. Served in a tulip, the beer pours dark brown with about an inch or so tan head. Head retention and lacing are both good. The brew smells like dark fruit, raisin, caramel and brown sugar. Taste is pretty much just like the aroma, but there's also some bready malt, vanilla, chocolate, nuts and dark bready flavors noticeable too. Mouthfeel/body is full, it's slick, creamy and a bit smooth with a good amount of carbonation. I liked this brew, although I wish I could have tried it fresher but only bought this one about a month ago so I really can't complain at all. I'd buy another bottle if I got the chance, worth trying if you're able to!