Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
There are quite few breweries in the cider space, but maybe it is time to let a winemaker in. I have had a few Thacher wines and their spread in Paso Robles is so calming. And if we get back on track by June next year, maybe I will be buying wine and cider.
Looks like the Anniversary Blend for 2019 is the start of a blending dynasty. According to a recent press release from Firestone Walker, “for the second year in a row, the winning team included Sherman Thacher and Daniel Callan of Thacher Winery, as well as Will Freeman and Phil LaMontagne of TH Estate Wines. They all walked away with the coveted “cardboard crowns” that are accorded to the winners each year.”
And in the e-mail were the details of the blend…..
XXIII: The Final Blend
Stickee Monkee aged in Bourbon Barrels (28%) – Central Coastal Quad
Parabola aged in Bourbon Barrels (28%) – Russian Imperial Stout
Bravo aged in Bourbon Barrels (20%) – Imperial Brown Ale
Bourbon Barrel Helldoradoaged in Bourbon Barrels (15%) – Blonde Barley Wine
Velvet Merkin Aged in Bourbon Barrels (5%) – Milk Stout
Tequila Barrel Helldoradoaged in Tequila Barrels (4%) – Blonde Barley Wine
It is cool that there is a double dose of Helldorado in this years mix, maybe they have other Helldorado barrels to make a single Blonde Barley Wine blend? As is custom on BSP, I will review the new beer as well as the beer from six years ago.
Firestone Walker should televise their annual Anniversary Blending Battle for the Cardboard Crown. Each year the stakes are high, the competition is fierce and sometimes you encounter unknown obstcles.
This year Brewmaster Matt Brynildson eliminated the use of hoppy beers in the blend. And XIX is comprised of only four beers: Parabola, Stickee Monkee, Bravo, and Velvet Merkin.
Brynildson “… was concerned that hoppiness might begin to encroach on the intended style of the Anniversary Ale, so [he] eliminated the temptation.”
13 winemakers participated under the more stringent rules with Sherman Thacher and Daniel Callan of Thacher Winery creating the winning blend which is…..
Parabola Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout / Aged in Bourbon Barrels / 33.33% of Final Blend
Stickee Monkee Central Coast Quad / Aged in Bourbon and Whiskey Barrels / 33.33% of Final Blend
Bravo Imperial Brown Ale / Aged in Bourbon and Brandy Barrels / 16.6% of Final Blend
Velvet Merkin Traditional Oatmeal Stout / Aged in Bourbon Barrels / 16.6% of Final Blend
And now that you are partway to the car, ready to buy, you will need to be a little patient because XIX will be available in select markets across the United States starting in November. The suggested retail price is $23.99 for an individually boxed 22-ounce bottle.