Firestone Walker Brewing Company Abacus (365 Day 179)

By scot in 365 Days of American Craft Beer, Beer on Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Firestone Walker Abacus

My cousin is always kind enough to be on the look out for American craft beer out of his wonderful brewing state of California. He usually goes to a beer store and immediately calls me, walking up and down each isle looking for something that catches my fancy. I realize how blessed I am to have someone willing to do that for me as I don’t know how readily I would return the favor. 😉

His last visit netted me Abacus by Firestone Walker Brewing Company amongst others. Ever since then he has been asking if I have tried the Abacus. I have always replied no as I usually like to cellar “big” beers and let them age. I broke down and told him I would have it over the three day weekend.

I obviously cannot predict what this beer will taste like in the future but it is fantastic at the moment. Easily one of the best aromas I can associate with an American barleywine. The bourbon barrel aging has given the beer subtle hints of oak, vanilla, and of course bourbon which mesh well with the caramel and toffee malts. Fruits also come out as does heating booziness that you can feel all the way into the pit of your stomach. Highly recommended beer that exceeds the recommendation. Enjoy!

Aroma: 10, Taste: 10, Look: 9, Drinkability: 9, Overall: 9.5

Useless Fact: At the court of Louis XIV, prestige was measured by the height of the chair one was allowed to sit in. Only the King and Queen could sit in chairs with arms