Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale

Brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Style: English Pale Ale
Paso Robles, California USA

The DBA pours a clear red appearence. Aroma of wood and slight hops. I noticed a very sweet malty and "woody" taste. I did not enjoy finish, which was a bit flat. The beer is drinkable, but boring.

12oz Stubby This was sent as an extra in a recent trade with errantnight, thanks again Derek! Double Barrel pours amber with glowing ruby highlights when backlit. A minimal head of one finger grew on the pour and fizzled rather quickly to a ring and a few spots. The head was slightly off white and didn’t have much sticking power. The aroma of this beer is unique and interesting. There’s a good deal of malt present in the form of caramel and a touch of toffee but the hop profile is what stands out to me. After each swirl I’m greeted by a spicy hoppiness that mingles with a surprising tangerine citric quality. The tangerine is something I don’t come across very often but I really enjoy it, even though it only comes up after each swirl. The flavor doesn’t quite live up to the aroma. It’s much more malt oriented. The hopping comes through on the finish and adds a nice layer of bitterness but malt rules the roost. Caramel and toffee are the main subjects and a hint of alcohol chases all other flavors on the swallow. Medium bodied with a surprisingly high amount of carbonation. The carbonation gives the body the right density but gets a little too prickly the more I drink. The hopping does leave a small but growing bitterness as I drink. There are a couple minor flaws that could be easily fixed with a few small tweaks but this is still an easy beer to but away and is very session worthy. This is a solid beer from Firestone Walker. My score probably doesn’t show it but I did enjoy this beer. Good flavor and easily drinkable. Thanks for another good brew Derek.

On tap at Barneys Beanery. Pours a translucent golden amber with a smaller off white head that left some lacing. Aroma of citrus, lightly spicy hop notes, caramel, nuts and iced tea. Flavor of tea, caramel, noble hops, light citrus and light hop bitterness.

strong aroma of dense malt that belies its low ABV. certainly biscuit style notes come to mind quick, but the appearance is a bit weak: orangish hue is very translucent and the mouthfeel is very wet and sloppy. palate is gone at the speed of light, but not in a crisp, dry manner...moreso along the lines of dilution.

On tap at the Paso Robles Inn. poured a nice clear red color with a thin white head. Good malty aroma with a hint of hops. Flavor was very malty, a bit nutty, some biscuit dough. Very smooth beer but maybe a bit watery. Good drinker though.

Bottle. Musty fruity nose with soft caramel hues. Gradient copper body with a sticky, lacing, immovable tanned head. Taste is basic caramel and an absolutely lovely hop presence: caressing flowers; light citrus and pine; musty, sweaty resin-equivalent with faint spice, though not a large dose; a little orange cleanser to keep you awake. Lightish body with a smooth body, some earth, and a faint touch of corn. Low bitterness, dry finish. A refreshing, mild session, a joy!

One of my go-to beers when I’m at the grocery store and the selection blows. A classic session beer, DBA is clean, refreshing and easy to drink. $6.99 a six pack. Can’t go wrong there.

From a 22 oz bottle purchased locally. Aroma is malty with just a slight hint of wood. Color is a clear amber, very deep orange with a half inch beige head. I get malt then a little oak, followed by earthy hops and then a little chocolate and a touch of roast in the back. A little lingering malt in the finish with out being sweet. There is so much going on in this beer. I really enjoy it.