A Thought On High ABV Beers

Some beers come and go.

Others leave a fingerprint on everything that follows.

This week on Rod J BeerVentures, I had the chance to sit down with a very special beer: DBA (Double Barrel Ale) from Firestone Walker Brewing Company. This isn’t just another release—it’s the first beer Firestone Walker ever brewed, brought back in 2026 to celebrate the brewery’s 30th anniversary. And that alone made this one worth slowing down for.

DBA represents the foundation of what Firestone Walker would eventually become. Long before the brewery was known for its barrel program, Parabola, or anniversary blends, this beer set the tone—showing how barrel character could enhance, not overpower, a well-built ale.

In my review, I approached DBA the way a beer like this deserves to be approached: thoughtfully and without rushing it.

I start with the visual appearance, breaking down how it presents in the glass—from color and clarity to head formation. Those details matter, especially when you’re revisiting a beer with history behind it. From there, I dive into the aroma, letting the beer open up and reveal its subtle barrel influence and malt complexity.

The flavor and mouthfeel are where DBA really tells its story. I walk through how the beer lands on the palate, how the barrel character supports the base beer, and how the mouthfeel keeps everything balanced and drinkable. This isn’t a beer chasing extremes—it’s a beer rooted in craftsmanship and intention.

I wrap things up with an overall impression, stepping back to talk about where DBA fits in today’s beer world and why it still matters in 2026. In an era full of hype releases and trend-driven brewing, revisiting a beer like this is a reminder of how far craft beer has come—and where it started.

A big thank you to Firestone Walker Brewing Company, who sent this beer over courtesy of the brewery for review. As always, all opinions are my own.

If you appreciate beer history, thoughtful reviews, and beers with real stories behind them, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full review on YouTube and, as always, get your beer on.