For sometime I have wanted to try Firestone Walker Parabola. Firestone Walker is one of the handful of first class breweries who's ales are not available in Michigan. Matt Brynildson seems like a cool guy, and I wanted to check out his brews. After completing a few successful trades this month I could not help but crack one open.
It pours an intense black with minimal head, it was so dark I could not find any light strong enough to penetrate its malty depths. The nose presents oak with a mild ethanol maltiness. Very smooth, chocolate, vanilla, dark fruits, everything you would expect in a first class barrel aged Imperial Stout. At 12.5% this is a very drinkable ale, the ethenol is present but not overwhelming. I am very impressed, it does not stand up to BA Plead the 5th, but it is close, and it's balanced.
Cheers!
It pours an intense black with minimal head, it was so dark I could not find any light strong enough to penetrate its malty depths. The nose presents oak with a mild ethanol maltiness. Very smooth, chocolate, vanilla, dark fruits, everything you would expect in a first class barrel aged Imperial Stout. At 12.5% this is a very drinkable ale, the ethenol is present but not overwhelming. I am very impressed, it does not stand up to BA Plead the 5th, but it is close, and it's balanced.
I am not the least bit disappointed, while a very hyped stout, I feel it lives up to the hype. The outstanding features are the oakiness and the balance. Without a side by side with CBS (which may just happen before too long) it's hard to say, but I think this might just be the most balanced barrel aged stout I have enjoyed.
Cheers!
