Firestone Walker - Velvet Merkin

This was pretty tasty. Super silky. Tons of vanilla flavors from the barrel aging. Doesn't really standout with any ridiculous character but it's super drinkable. Don't think I'd get another bottle but wouldn't turn down a drink. 

Firestone Walker - 16th Anniversary Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This is nice enough. Very drinkable. Maybe a hint of the tequila barrels in the aroma. Its not exactly an imperial stout, but I'm not quite sure what to call it. Thin, not dominated by roasted malts, but there are chocolate notes there. Barrel aging definitely comes through. Certainly good, but I wouldn't get it again for ~$20 it cost. 

Firestone Walker - Wookey Jack

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Yup. Its a black IPA. Its good. Is it that much better than Black Cannon or whatever the 21st Amendment one is called that I'd continually spend $8 a bomber for it? Probably not.

I also don't get much rye, its overshadowed by the roast malts and hops. 

Firestone Walker - Firestone XV Anniversary Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

So after not seeing this in stores when it was released last year (2011), I was a little surprised to see it at the expensive beer store in the neighborhood this week just as the XVI is also being released. After my positive experience with their DDBA, I figured I'd give this a shot too.

Very much in the style of a barrel aged barleywine. Some slight roasted malt notes in the finish. Vanilla and bourbon is very prevalent. Not overly alcoholic for the 12% abv. 

Firestone Walker - Double DBA

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

I was pretty skeptical that this would be good. The barrel aging isn't completely ridiculous here. Its much better than Backwoods Bastard, another beer with a lower alcohol %. Much better than some of the barrel aged barley wines I've had. I'd recommend it as a barrel aged non-stout.

Firestone Walker - Sucaba/Abacus

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Got better as it warmed up, but I don't think bourbon barrel aged barleywines are always my thing. Don't think I'd buy this again. The barrel aging just dominates any of the base beer.

Firestone Walker Parabola

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This is pretty enjoyable. Balanced, for a barrel aged beer. I'd buy it again.

Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
[Mandy had the first sip] You're really going to like this [said with a bit of contempt in her tone of voice].

Firestone Walker - Double Jack

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This is pretty good. Nice citrus hops taste. Right amount of bitterness. I'd buy it again on draft.

Firestone Walker Bouble Barrel Ale

Hmm. Not sure how to describe it. Kind of a dry tea-like bitterness. Its enjoyable.