Place your bets as to who won the blending challenge for this year’s Anniversary Ale from Firestone Walker. Paso Robles wineries: Denner, Halter Ranch, Herman Story, Ledge, Linne Calodo, Lone Madrone, Tablas Creek, Thacher, TH Estate Wines and Saxum competed.
The winning blend—the basis for XXIV—was ultimately created by Winemaker Kevin Sass at Halter Ranch.
XXIV: The Final Blend
Velvet Merkin – Milk Stout – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (27%)
Stickee Monkee – Central Coast Quad – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (26%)
Parabola – Russian Imperial Stout – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (16%)
Smoked Imperial Walkers Reserve – Robust Porter brewed with beechwood smoked malt- Aged in Bourbon Barrels (16%)
Bravo – Imperial Brown Ale – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (11%)
Tequila Barrel Helldorado Blonde Barley Wine – Aged in Tequila Barrels (4%)