Firestone Walker | Anniversary XXIX (29) Ale Beer Review

When Firestone Walker drops a new Anniversary Ale, it’s more than just a beer—it’s an experience. In this video, I’m reviewing Firestone Walker Anniversary XXIX Ale, and I’m breaking it down the way beer fans want it: visually, aromatically, and sip by sip. I start with the appearance, because this beer makes a statement the moment it hits the glass. I talk through the color, the head, and the overall presentation, and how those visual cues set expectations for what’s to come. Sometimes the beer tells you a lot before you even lift it to your nose—and this one definitely has something to say. From there, I spend time with the aroma, letting it open up and evolve. I share what I’m picking up, how the barrel influence comes through, and how those aromatics connect to Firestone Walker’s blending approach. This is one of those beers where the nose alone can keep you hanging out with the glass longer than expected. When it comes to the taste, I slow things down. I walk through initial flavors, mid-palate transitions, and the finish, highlighting how balanced—or bold—those flavors feel. I also focus on mouthfeel, talking about body, texture, carbonation, and how smooth or warming the beer feels as you sip. Finally, I give my overall thoughts—how Anniversary XXIX comes together as a complete beer, who I think will appreciate it most, and whether it delivers on what fans expect from this legendary series. Huge thanks to Firestone Walker Brewing Company for sending this beer over for review, allowing me to give it a proper, thoughtful tasting. If you’re curious about this release, wondering if it’s worth tracking down, or just enjoy deep beer conversations, you’ll want to watch this one. Let’s talk beer—get your beer on. Other key details about this beer: About The Blending: XXIX | The Final Blend Parabola (13.6% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (32% of blend) Barrel Details – 10yr Henry Mckenna and 9yr Elijah Craig Imperial Stout OG=34.22P FG=9.7P IBU=55 Color=Midnight Our beloved Parabola recipe aged for 12-16 months in Bourbon barrels. Massive amounts of Roast Barley, hopped with Styrian Golding and Hallertau Tradition. Velvet Merkin (9.1% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (20% of blend) Barrel Details – 11yr Henry Mckenna and 12yr Elijah Craig Milk Stout OG=21.9P FG=5.3 IBU=30 Color=Black Velvet An old friend from the barrel program which goes into barrels as a 5.5% ABV milk stout and comes out as a complex and rich 9% velvety fudgy delight. Brewed with oats and milk sugar. Hopped with 100% Oregon-grown Fuggle. Frau Gruber Blend (12.8% ABV) Aged in Bourbon barrels (15% of Blend) Barrel Details – 12yr Elijah Craig Pastry Stout (non-adjuncted stock) OG=40P FG=20.2P 259 Color= Black Hole This massive beer is left over barrel stock from our first collab with Frau Gruber (Heavy Souls). The beer used in the blend has been aging for 24 months in 12yr Elijah Craig barrels and was the biggest beer we had ever brewed at the time. Helldorado (13.9% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (15% of blend) Barrel Details – Heaven Hill Blonde Barleywine OG=27.1P FG=2.8P IBU=11 Color=Golden Blonde We brew this beer to allow the blenders the opportunity to adjust viscosity and color. Lean and focused to express barrel character, hopped with Styrian Golding. DDBA (9.0% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (10% of blend) Barrel Details – 10yr Henry Mckenna and 9yr Elijah Craig Imperial Special Bitter OG=27.8P FG=7.9P IBU=26 Color=Ruby A double version of our flagship DBA, fermented in oak barrels and aged for at least 12 months in Bourbon barrels. Stickee Monkee (12.8% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (5% of blend) Barrel Details – 10yr Henry Mckenna and 9yr Elijah Craig Central Coast Quad OG=29.37P FG=7.78 IBU=35 Color=Walnut Round and full-bodied Quad brewed with Belgian Candi Sugar and Mexican Brown Sugar. Bravo (11.4% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (3% of blend) Barrel Details – 6yr Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon Imperial Brown Ale OG=25.2P FG=3.4 IBU=35 Color=Deep Brown The OG - A longtime beloved base beer used to blend our Barleywines. Old school and lean. Hopped with Brave and Styrian Golding hops. 12 months in barrel. The team that created the winning blend that became “XXIX” Niels Udsen – Castoro Cellars Pete Slosberg – founder Pete’s Wicked Ale Bob Garcia