Firestone Walker (2025)

Parabola 2025 just released. The description:

For the 2025 edition, Parabola spent a full 12 months maturing in an exquisite selection of bourbon barrels from two renowned distilleries: 12-year Elijah Craig and 11-year Henry McKenna. The result? A rich and complex imperial stout that delivers intense flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, vanilla, and roasted coffee, all wrapped in a velvety smooth finish. The bourbon influence brings a deep oak character, subtle caramel sweetness, and just the right amount of warmth to make each sip an experience worth savoring.

I just purchased a six pack (shipping). Last year was probably my favorite year. High hope for this year.

On a side note, I always struggle with the shopping experience on their web site. Plus, there doesn't seem many choices over the past 4-6 months when I'm looking for their BA Beers.

Oh well, I screwed up and waited too long to pull the trigger on their Anniversary Ale...

 

Heading down to Long Beach for Thanksgiving week. Plan to stop at both Buellton and Paso Robles on the way home. Anyone know if they still their special releases (box beers) at the stores? Anniversary should be out.

 

Seems to me that Parabola has gotten even better the last couple of years.

 

So, I was able to stop by both FW Buellton and Paso Roble on the way home from Thanksgiving. In short, I spent a lot of money. In Buellton, I got a taster of their Anniversary XXIX. May be it was being thirsty after driving about three hours, but holy crap, it was good.

Here is my list:

Buellton

• 2022 Imperial Walker Reserve (2)
• Anniversary XXIX (6)
  
• Wookey (6 pack)

Paso Robles

I walked into their beer cooler and almost passed out. Box beers galore, and even better, they had Collective Choice (club) singles from the past couple of years.

• 2021 PNC - Imperial Buckwheat Stout in Bourbon, Brandy, and Tequila Barrels
• 2024 ParAmburana (had a few at home still, but love this beer)
• 2024 PaRyebola - Imperial Stout aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels (I'm a sucker for Rye beers)
• 2024 Collective Choice - Blended Ale with Amburna & Coffee, Aged in Bourbon and Chocolate Bitters Barrels
• 2022 Let it Loose (Side Project Collab)
• 2025 Damian Barleywine - Bourbon Barrel-Aged English Style Barlewine Ale
• 2024 Mellow Mind Contorol (Omnipollo Collab) - BA Imperial Stout with Vanilla Beans, Coconut, and Graham Cracker
• 2025 Uber Moni Gruber - Double BA Imperial Stout with Vanilla Beans, Coconut, Hazelnut, and Coffee
• 2025 Merlin's Melange - Blended Milk Stout with Cinnamon & Vanilla (normally I wouldn't get this, but it came recommended from the FW Dude)
• 2025 Midnight Merkin - Stout with Vanilla, Cocunut, Cocoa Nibs & Almonds
• 2025 Fourth Meal at Graceland - Blended Stout with Marshmellow, Torched Bannana, and Peanut Butter
• 2025 Parabloid - Imperial Stout aged in Elite Bourbon Barrels

I had to stop because there was seriously another 12 bottles more that I wanted to purchase. Between my LA run (Smog City, Monkish, RIIP, and Green Cheeks), my beer is full and I had to use the top shelf of my indoor fridge.

Life is good!