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 MasterSki:
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Reviewed by MasterSki from Canada (ON)

4.37/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Thanks to Chris (spycow) for contributing this one to the FW "vertical" - much appreciated. I've had this beer a number of times over the past few years, and I always felt it was quite hot out of the gate. Let's seem what 2.5 years has done. Served in a Hill Farmstead tulip glass.

A - A finger of tan foam settles to a thin ring of bubbles, with a wisp on top. The body is a dark brown color with a hint of transparency when held to the light.

S - Chocolate, roasted grains, burnt sugars, oak, vanilla, anise, light oxidation, and hints of smoke, charred woods, and dark fruits.

T - Taste has mellowed quite a bit since it was first bottled. Very stout-like in some respects with chocolate and vanilla flavors, but with some malted wheat and sherry-esque oxidation, as well as hints of dark fruits and brown sugar. Not much oak, spirit character, or alcohol at this stage.

M - Smooth medium-full body, lower carbonation, sticky finish and residual feel. Some mild warming after a few ounces, but nothing out of character for a 12% barrel-aged blend.

D - This has settled down quite nicely, and IMHO at this stage in time is on par with the 10 (although a touch behind the 13). I'd say this is probably at or just past its prime. It's getting a bit sweet for me to drink large quantities but I still found it quite enjoyable to sip on. A very good barrel-aged strong ale from the boys at FW that never quite reached the highs of some of the other offerings but seems to be aging quite gracefully. Drink 'em while you got 'em.
May 15, 2011
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
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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
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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