Firestone Walker Brewing is a Californian brewery that is, to my experience, oft-overlooked in the race towards ever bigger, ever hoppier brews. But its Double Barrel Ale is a proven, long-time performer as a session beer, and proof that this perennially underestimated company is capable of truly great things, as they proved again towards the end of 2006 with their anniversary ale known simply as '10.'
A blend of several ales, each aged to varying degrees in wooden barrels of different origins, the '10' is a 12% powerhouse of a brew that not surprisingly offers tremendous complexity, but also impressive balance and, if such can be said about an ale of this strength, a certain degree of finesse. Thanks to the blending, the effects of the barrels are muted, but undeniably present nonetheless, and the characteristics of the composite beers are mingled, but likewise apparent. In short, it is a spectacular example of the expert melding of flavours.
I could go on about the character and taste of '10', but if you're anywhere near where you can get it, you should buy some and taste it for yourself. And if you're not, more descriptives will surely prove only frustrating.
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