Firestone Walker Bravo Barrel Aged Brown Ale

Brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Paso Robles, California USA

My god this an amazing beer. And all I have to say is that I disagree with highlandlad in many ways. Had 2, 8 ounces glasses of this amazing brew and I can’t believe its not bottle yet. Pours black with no head. Nose is super bourbon with a lot of nice sweetness. Taste is exceptional, a true bourbon beer, Epic, EPIC, EPIC. The bourbon really works with the beer and its not boozy, its very balanced between alcohol and flavor. So damn good!

It’s evident from the ratings that this years is a lot better than years past. This monstrosity pours brown with a thick halo of light tan, somewhat lacy. Nose is literally insane..thick as fuck for a brown ale of any kind, with big notes of bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar, and chocolate but super thick and creamy beyond belief. Flavors are like the nose...thick, creamy vanilla custard, chocolate mousse, soft but evident bourbon. This is by far the best brown ale that I have come across. holy shit.

Its hard to believe this is a brown ale. The only thing similar I have had is Hakusekikan Brown Ale, which is equally as nice IMO. Dark brown color, molassess, brown sugar, truffles, caramel, brandy and milk chocolate come off the nose. The mouth reminded me of a top notch espresso with ample caramel syrup and frangelico, dusted with cinammon. Slight oaky character that doesn’t add or distract. Cinammon chocolately finish. Amazing. Age has helped this beer. Alcohol is not noticable at all.

on tap at the SD strong ale fest 06. lots of carmel, brown sugar, molasses, alongside some vanilla, carmel ,and some wood and nuts. decently mellow. probably my fave of the fest

On tap at Firestone night at Stone Bistro. I loved this beer. Poured a Dark brown with light tan head. Hugely bourbon, with rich biscuity malt, vanilla, oak, molases, and notes of dark fruit. It’s like bourbon soaked sweet bread. The alcohol is warming, but I didn’t think it was overpowering.

This was probably my favorite beer at the San Diego Strong Ale Fest. It pours clear dark reddish brown color. The flavor starts out roasty like a brown ale but the sweetness of barrel aging takes over and it finishes brown sugar sweet. Very nicely done

Triple Rock Gravity Firkin Fest. Deep amber/ brown color with an ivory head. Chocolate and bourbon aromas. BIG chocolate flavors- like a candy bar in a glass. Somewhat lactic and hot. Tons of bourbon. Lingering chocolate/ musty finish. A nice Barley Wine.

Tasted on tap at the 2006 Pizza Port Strong Ale Fest. This brown ale pours a medium brown color. Small sized white foamy head. Aroma is brown sugar, caramel and bourbon. A medium to full bodied brown ale. Malts are caramel, brown sugar, molasses and vanilla. Lots of bourbon flavors. Some wood. Some of the brown ale character, but the malts are somewhat overwhelmed by the barrel flavors. A very interesting beer, a nice meld of malts and wood and barrel aging. Hides the alcohol well. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is sweet.