Abacus, Batch 1

Tasting phenomenal.

Compared to the Parabola Batch 1 I had a couple months back which was still good but distinctly faded, the Abacus was distinctly aged but not off or diminished. Sherry notes and light oxidation melding gorgeously with full, rich malt and a subtle undercurrent of vanilla. Just fantastic.

Far and away the tastiest bottled, barrel-aged Firestone Walker beer in this age range I've had.

Different than what it is fresh, and I imagine there are still plenty who would prefer it so (and I wouldn't say as a matter of course that it was strictly speaking any better or even preferable to me in this aged state, just a different and exciting animal at this age that reminds me why I do tuck beers away from time to time).

Carry on.

 

The whiskey notes definitely faded in preference to flavors imparted by the wood.

 

Meh. I've got plenty more Parabola and it's going downhill. I've got plenty more 14 and it's gone downhill, to say nothing of anything earlier.

But yeah, it's easier to make sweeping generalizations, I agree.