My goal is not to have more than five years worth of the Anniversary beers from Firestone Walker. So each year, I open the oldest bottle and do a review. Here are my thoughts on XVI….
16 is so smooth. There is quite a lot of sugar which feeds into the Christmas theme for sure. Silky in texture with lots of mellow bourbon notes to it. I am getting chocolate covered caramel. Maybe Creme Brulee. Way too easy to drink. I have to pace the sips to make sure that I try some warmed up. Not very sharp or carbonated. Actually pairs quite well with some Kahlua infused cookies from the neighbors.
As a bonus, here is a mini-review of the 2017 blend…
It pours a pitch black and really smells sugary. I would say more bourbon glaze than spirited ABV. It is almost rum-like in character. It is pretty one dimensional but it is a really tasty dimension to be sure. The 11.8% alcohol is well masked here.