Firestone Walker Brewing Release XX Brew for Their Twentieth Anniversary

Firestone Walker Brewing is releasing a special ale called XX to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

The initial blend for the ale was voted on by 17 winemakers who each submitted their own blends. Brewmaster Matt Brynildson said of the process, “It’s always a friendly but competitive gathering. Collectively, the winemakers’ input is invaluable, because they are practicing experts in the art of blending.”

XX is blended from 250 oak barrels and five different beers. “There is just so much going on in this beer,” Brynildson said. “It’s big and complex, with all of these different facets from our barrel-aged program that are so seamlessly integrated. We wanted to produce something really special for our 20th anniversary, and I think we did it.”

Brynildson described the ale’s flavor thusly:

At first there is a burst of brandy soaked cherries, then chocolate cake combined with distinct boozy new American oak notes. The flavor develops full of molasses rich brown sugar and fruitcake with a touch of caramel and cinnamon spice. Overall the beer is silky smooth, incredibly balanced and finishes with a touch of kirsch filled truffle.

XX will be available in limited release starting in November, priced at $23.99 for an individually packaged 22-ounce bottle.