The Goal: To create complexity centering on oak, in a multitude of forms, by brewing high gravity beers in complementary styles, aging them in different barrel formats and then blending them together to achieve new harmonious flavors.
The Puzzle: To blend these various components (or lots) to create a synergistic whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. This was done with the help of a small team of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County winemakers who are practicing experts in the art of blending.
The Inspiration: Firestone Walker’s oak brewing tradition and our connection with winemaking. More specifically: a study of the Port wine (solera) tradition and how it could be applied to brewing.
The Barrels: The individual lots were aged in oak barrels, most of which were hand selected from premium Kentucky spirits producers by Tom Griffin, an expert in the art of bourbon barrel beers. Each barrel lent its own unique influence to the final blend.
Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer
ABV:
10.00%
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Paso Robles, California