Into The Starkness
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Pitch black opaque body, finger of medium brown foam that is sustained. Getting bourbon backed dark chocolate, roasted malt, leather, licorice, toffee and vanilla. Taste hits with bitter dark chocolate, great barrel character, a hint of licorice and a kiss of vanillin. Unapologetically true to style, though the depth is medium. Feel is warm and boldly large without being compromising, a sipper that is velvet soft.

12 ounce bottle into a snifter. A 2024 release, had 4/6/25.

Pours an opaque dark brown, with a quarter inch foamy head and light foamy lacing. Aromas of chocolate, some bourbon and vanilla, light roast malt, light licorice. Smells herbal and a bit smoky. Flavors of chocolate, bourbon, roasted malt, some vanilla, light oak, a little licorice. Has an herbal taste. Smooth, a touch creamy, a very good fuller body, well carbonated.

An excellent example of the style. Bright aromas and flavors with a great body and feel. The barrels are sufficient, but would have liked a stronger presence. Overall, this is a really solid effort.

Black, thin foam.

Roasted malt.

Earthy bitterness, some harshness like espresso and dark chocolate. Could use some sweetness, IMO, or more bourbon or barrel.

Expected more carbonation but not unpleasant.

Bottle pour - dark as a moonless night with short chocolate milk head leaving scattered lacing. Nose is sweet and slightly boozy. Taste follows with a mix of sweet-ish coffee drink flavors and a bit of boozy barrel wood lingering on the finish.

 

Pouring temp. 50.3°
Blackest porter I have ever seen. Tan head that fades fairly quickly to just a glass gripper. Nose is is cocoa and light bourbon.
Taste is mostly sweet, chocolate with a follow through of coffee. Very caramel macchiato flavors to hint. Everso small amount of warmth on throat.