Review – Gin Rickey from Firestone Walker

Long time readers of the blog will know two things. One, that I am a fanboy for Firestone Walker and two, that I like me some gin. And when I saw that the barrel wizards of Paso Robles has a gin barrel-aged beer, I was on it opening weekend.

With a hearty barley wine base, I figured it would be a knockout. The base is fine, offering a nice, almost creamy texture. But the lime is not there, overcome by an Indian spicing that is new to my beer drinking experience but is too heavy handed to let anything else shine. I would add though that this might, if handled with care, be an interesting dessert pairing due to the alcohol level.

Tusk & Grain

I saw the name Tusk & Grain when I was compiling last week’s LA Beer Blast (which you best be subscribed to). Confused by a name that was unfamiliar, I asked my contact about it and found out it is a Saint Archer barrel-aging project.
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T&G will be going by the creed of….”Our brewers hand select the most sought after barrels, and use only the highest quality goods in the design and execution of their vision for these beers. We hope you will enjoy the bountiful flavor, complexity, and texture in each pour.”

The first beer in the series a blend of stout and barleywine will be on tap at Blue Palms tomorrow night.