Ep 146 - Beer Of The Year, Poured And Proven

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Five rare blends. Twenty-two finalists. One crown. We crack open a vertical of Firestone Walker Anniversary ales and use them as the perfect lens to examine what makes a barrel-aged beer truly special: thoughtful blending, patient aging, and clarity of intent. With winemakers shaping the components and ratios, each Firestone bottle tells a story—bourbon, brandy, and tequila barrels playing supporting roles while stouts, barleywines, and wheat wines harmonize into a single, seamless voice.

We start by revisiting past champions and the standards they set, then dig into the 2025 field. Central Waters stands out for radical transparency—naming barrels and months—and shows how extra time in Heaven Hill can turn heat into harmony. Prairie brings pastry done right, where banana foster, marshmallow, and Mexican chocolate ride roast and oak instead of sugar. Boulevard surprises with an ice-distilled imperial brown that climbs to 18.2% ABV without going hot. Cross’s Feathered Drumline proves rye barrels can be bold and balanced. Through it all, we keep a close eye on how barrel provenance, blend composition, and aging windows shape mouthfeel, finish, and drinkability.

Our Firestone tasting offers a masterclass. The 24th is plush cocoa and marshmallow; the 25th threads in a tasteful tequila shimmer; the 26th adds a wine-kissed dryness that lifts the profile; the 27th pivots with a Munich wine twist; and the 28th shows promise that time will likely unlock. When the dust settles, we name our top three for 2025 and tip an honorable mention to the pumpkin barrel-aged standout that refuses to be a novelty.

If you love barrel-aged beer—or want to learn how to choose bottles with confidence—this one’s for you. Listen, compare your notes to ours, then tell us your winner. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves big beers, and drop a review so more beer nerds can find the show. Cheers to warm campfires and cold beers.

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