Firestone Walker Brewery - Anniversary Ale XXVI (2022)

BREWERS, WINEMAKERS, & THE ART OF BLENDING The time has come for “XXVI”—the latest edition of our storied Anniversary Ale, blended each year with the help of local winemakers. Our collaboration with local winemakers dates back to 2006, when Matt was tasked with creating the inaugural Anniversary Ale to mark Firestone Walker’s 10th anniversary year. Ever since, the Anniversary Ale blending session has become an annual summer rite at the brewery. “I’m not aware of any other beer that is blended like this, from so many distinct components,” Brewmaster Matt says. “That’s why we bring in the winemakers—they are, by nature, practicing experts in the art of blending.” This latest Anniversary Ale is driven by two barrel-aged stouts, but it’s much more than that. It has this perfect balancing point with a lot of spirits barrel character, and there’s an underlying freshness that elevates the mouthfeel. The result is an impossibly complex blend loaded with bourbon-accented flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and butterscotch.