The brewing brainiacs at Firestone Walker have gotten more and more artistic with their barrel-aged Proprietor’s Classic Collection lately. Along with the tried-and-true classics like Parabola and Stickee Monkee, the brewery has launched a number of restricted version, cocktail-inspired brews. We lined one of many first of those, Outdated Man Hattan, again in 2019, in addition to a pair of agave spirit-inspired ales simply final fall. At the moment, we’re exploring two new editions; Kentucky Mule, which hit cabinets in 2021, and a newer launch, Gold Rider.
First, some background from Firestone Walker on Kentucky Mule:
The journey of this beer started once we blended two equal plenty of our signature Bravo brown ale and Helldorado blonde barley wine, each aged for 18 months in premium Kentucky bourbon barrels. We then infused this mix with hand-diced Fiji-grown ginger in addition to recent California lime zest and juice, completely accentuating the beer’s bourbon-inspired flavors of vanilla and maple syrup. The result’s a real Moscow Mule-style sipping expertise with a uniquely American twist.
And a bit about Gold Rider:
Impressed by the Sidecar Cocktail. The story of Gold Rider started once we brewed a base beer with an infusion of Central Coast white wine juice. After fermentation, we aged the beer in 500-liter French Cognac barrels for 2 years, with a separate portion matured in orange bitters barrels. Lastly, we integrated a contact of fresh-squeezed lemon juice to raise the expertise. The result’s a particular barrel-aged beer whose elements and flavors faithfully mirror the expertise of having fun with a basic Sidecar.
Let’s verify them out!
Firestone Walker Kentucky Mule – This one pours a golden amber with a fluffy vanilla head that rapidly dissipates. The aroma is mildly malty with extra vibrant lime and candy, candied ginger coming by. I detect a little bit of inexperienced agave, as properly, from the Helldorado base. On the palate, the mix of Bravo and barley wine has created a pleasant medium-bodied brew, with loads of the residual sweetness from the barley wine and a number of the darker caramel and toffee notes of the Bravo coming by. As with the aroma, the palate is dominated by these brighter components. Notes of candy lime juice and earthy ginger arrive from the get-go and linger right into a end accented by candy malt and gingery spice. Refreshing stuff, if a bit heavy-handed with the zester. 13.5% abv. B+ / $11 per 12 oz bottle
Firestone Walker Gold Rider – Gold Rider pours a uncooked honey colour with a minimal tan-hued head. Fruity from the outset, the aroma is vibrant and juicy with lemon zest, orange slices, and a raisiny sweetness. A little bit of bitter herbs and refined barrel notes, nearly leathery at instances, add a pleasant distinction. The palate is wealthy with a weight and texture not not like a barleywine and a equally intense taste profile. Huge, candy notes of grape juice and recent squeezed lemonade give method to a extra mellow toffee sweetness, nonetheless accented by a little bit of tart citrus. The end is lengthy with honeyed malt and lemon candies. Described as a “high-concept hybrid beer.” I’m undecided what that’s. However that is fairly good. 11% abv. A- / $11 per 12 oz bottle