Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
Here is your first look at the label for XXVIII – 2024 Firestone Walker Anniversary blend. I will update you when the blend details are available but know that if you are in California or the FW distribution network that you should get a bottle or two even without knowing what is inside the bottle.
North Coast Brewing is one of the “old” breweries that beer people (including myself) sleep on a bit too much, but maybe a 35th anniversary ale will change your mind.
Plus, that it is cool to a fancy wrapped bottle like that.
Remember when we thought of years in terms of the special anniversary beers? and not ranked them as better or worse than 2020? Hopefully, the new Bruery anniversary beer will put our heads back into nicer thoughts. Plus, if you still have a Black Tuesday or your tasting notes on them then you can see which you like better.
For each anniversary, Cellador Ales double ages a beer on stone fruit. The Year One beer (Seconds) had two sets of apricots. The Year Two beer (Tautology), was a mix of nectarines and apricots.
For the book name of Bibliophile they used Rose Diamond Nectarines and Le Grand Nectarines respectively. Each bottle comes with a tag that doubles as a book mark.
The beer is on sale today and to be tasted at their anniversary party this Saturday.
Thought # 1 – Now go find a craft beer bar that is doing a flight of anniversary beers.
Thought # 2 – I think it will make a nice cellar addition with 14, 15 and 16
Thought # 3 – I need to learn how to blend
One of the Beer Search Party’s altar ego’s, (Emphasis on ego) is as the compiler of the weekly L.A. Beer Blast list for Food GPS. In that capacity, I will run across beer name spellings that will make me chuckle and then I will cringe when I make an error.
Well, this beer from La Trappe may be a contender for the most misspelled beer name this year. But that won’t stop me from trying it.
I am one of the lucky who have had a taste of the XV from Firestone-Walker and I am really jazzed about it being released. Due to limited cellar space, I generally buy only one bottle to store. (I have XIV and Parabola) But I liked this one so much, I might get more and I highly recommend getting it. And this coming from a guy who occasionally mocks the Big/Imperial/Double craze.
But here is the rest of the story from Firestone-Walker, “The result of one of the most unique and intriguing beer projects in the world will be released the beginning of November. “XV”, Firestone Walker’s 15th Anniversary Ale, celebrates the founding of the brewery as well as pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
The anticipation and reputation of XV precedes this beer. XV is the culmination of intense blending sessions by local Paso Robles area winemakers to create a complex yet balanced ale. Eight beers were artfully blended together to create this masterpiece.
“I really like what the winemakers bring to the process, they usually go for blends and flavor profiles that brewers never think of,” said Firestone Walker’s Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “That’s why I like bringing them in, it pushes the boundaries of our taste and that’s exciting.”
Past year’s anniversary ales from Firestone have changed the perception of beer. These higher alcohol complex blends are more akin to wine than beer. Like wine, the anniversary beers are vintage releases that can be laid down and aged for years with the flavor profile slowly changing. The secondary market for these beers is similar to wine, with bottles that originally sold for around $20 now fetching upwards of $100 each.
“Who’d have thought a bottle of beer would be valued at $100 plus. It is an affirmation that there is real passion for beer out there,” said David Walker, Co-Owner of Firestone Walker.
Firestone XV will go on sale for the first time on Saturday, November 5 at the Firestone Walker Brewery in Paso Robles. Patrons who purchase 3 bottles or more of this amazing beer will gain access to the brewery’s anniversary party featuring complimentary beer and food tastings, music and more.
“XV” will make its debut across all markets where Firestone beers are sold this fall in limited amounts in 22oz bottles. It will also be made available on draft in select accounts.”
This was the event that I was waiting for, the famed Sean Z Paxton, the Home Brew chef paired with Firestone-Walker’s 15th Anniversary Ale. Welcome to Deconstructed….
Mark off this bucket list item. Dinner created by Sean Paxton. And this was in grand style. All 8 beers that make up the XV anniversary beer from Firestone-Walker. Plus Pale 31 and/or Unfiltered DBA to start with some malted cashews or Moroccan themed popcorn.
The event was held at the Avalon theater across from the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. Great space with old timey movie theater architecture. The downstairs portion got real hot so beer buddy Richard and I hightailed to the more AC friendly upper space to enjoy the evening.
The food (as these photos will show) was plated with care and artistry and the food was just great. Even the items like scallops or peppers that I don’t usually like were done so well that you had to tip your hat even if it wasn’t your thing. 
The winner for me was the lamb tenderloin that was presented on a spoon and was just delicious. Second place goes to the chocolate covered bacon that was so rich and savory.Neither of which are pictured because I still want them all to myself.
So you had great food and then Matt Brynildson walked around and talked to everybody about the beers, David Walker (yes, the Walker) was pouring beer and Sean Paxton made the rounds. 
But let’s briefly get down to the beer:
Sticky Monkey – Big and brassy. Almost whiskey in it’s own right.
Double Double Barrel Ale – mellower but strong in different ways
HellDorado – dark golden gem that was my favorite other than XV
Double Jack – really excellent IPA. Paired well with the sausage
Bravo – another dark, big and bold beer
Bourbon Barrel Aged Velvet Merkin – I still prefer the regular of this
Good Foot – similar to Sticky Monkey but lighter and brighter to me.
Parabola – my least favorite of the night. too medicinal
Then the XV was unveiled. And if you are a fan of the Anniversary ales, this one will surprise you. The Double Jack cuts through the barleywine and barrel aged flavors to make for a demanding brew that is hoppy and hot and rich. I really enjoyed it but it is a huge beer and is best sipped in small portions.
LA Beer Week. The bar has been officially raised.