Firestone Walker 18 - Drink now or age?

When it comes to any beer, yes even those styles in which are good for aging, I would drink it fresh. Unless you can get a another bottle to age easily (or the brewery buts a "best after" date on it aka Deschutes.), why bother aging it, especially if you've never had it fresh? I mean, you don't even know what you don't like about the beer that age could potentially fix, for lack of a better word. And besides, Firestone Walker's barrel aged beer are 99% percent of the time perfect out of the gate. Aging them would only dull their flavor.

 

Agreed 100%

 

He must have been talking about 17, 18 has way less hoppy components.

If he really is talking about 18 I could not disagree more, too. I've had 3 bottles of 18 so far, and am cellaring a 4th. I'm not sure how long I can resist drinking that 4th, probably because it's 38% Parabola.

 

nope def 18
ive had it thrice now.
it's terrible.
worst part is, unlike the rest of these that ive had, it's thin.
but that's just one opinion.

 

Had a vertical of 15,16,17,18 with friends over the holidays. 15 was my personal fave, with 18 and 17 close second. We all agreed that 18 had potential to be amazing in a few years, but we aren't master beer tasters by any stretch. OTOH, I don't mind a little (little) oxidation so YMMV.

As for sending it back to get your money, must have been a bad bottle or batch. I bought 6 and the two (and ones at FW Anni event) were drinking great. Of course, tastes are subjective!

Cheers!

 

Drink now.

 

Yes the guy who said it was the worst in the series, I have heard different. About to trade for one here soon.

 

I always suggest trying every beer fresh, unless you've already had it before.

 

Absolutely superb right now. Drink.

And you do have the option to drink twice: trade.

 

I have had 15 twice and 16 twice. Both times, I enjoyed the more aged version much better. I always try to track these beers down and based on the first two I have had, I will always let them age at least a couple years.

 

Drink now. I also agree that 18 is their weakest release yet and to me is to Parabola heavy. IMHO, these beers do not age well after 1-2 years. FW15 is way past it's prime already.

 

Really? I disagree I had 14 & 16 2 weeks ago and they were delicious

 

Another vote for drink now if it's your only one. I've had 2 already and it's fantastic. Good thing I bought 6 all in all

 

+1 now
but really.. I think it's a win-win situation
18 was the best in the series when fresh, but I've never had a FW anny that tasted worse when aged

 

I opened my 14-18 recently with some buddies and 14 was still very good, but showing oxidation and I probably wouldn't wait another year to open it. The sweet spot for most of FW BA beers is around 2-3 max imo. I really enjoyed 18 but don't see it getting much better after a year or two, other than losing some heat.

 

My general rule of thumb is I only age something if I have multiples. 9 times out of 10 I prefer a beer fresh, no matter what the style.

I've had the pleasure of both fresh and aging for a couple of the FW anniversary beers and prefered all fresh (not that aged wasn't delicious, though.)

 

I've had all of the series since 11th Anniversary. I'd argue this is the very BEST of the series. Agree to disagree I guess. ;-) Cheers!

OP - Drink now...

 

Peer pressure aside, it truly is fantastic. I'm sure some age couldn't hurt, but I agree with someone else that said unless you have two, definitely give it a try now and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

Agree. It's going down by the end of the month....besides, I have another available via trade

 

Perfect! Enjoy!