Some barrel aged beers aim for balance, while others lean fully into indulgence. Heavy Souls clearly falls into the latter camp, embracing rich barrels, layered sweetness, and a dessert like profile that is meant to be savored slowly. This is a beer built for quiet evenings and small pours, where each sip has room to unfold.
Heavy Souls
Firestone Walker Brewing Company Heavy Souls pours a thick, deep black from the bottle. A small amount of fizzy dark brown foam forms on top and quickly fades, leaving behind an oily sheen that clings to the glass after each sip.
The nose is led by big bourbon character, mingling with creamy vanilla and nutty pecan and hazelnut notes. There is a subtle warmth present, along with touches of dark chocolate and caramel that round out the aromatics and hint at the richness to come.
On the palate, creamy caramel malt opens things up before giving way to an abundance of nutty pecans. Hazelnuts follow shortly after, adding depth, while generous vanilla helps dry the finish just enough to keep the sweetness from lingering too long. The bourbon barrel plays heavily throughout, bringing assertive bourbon flavor and oak character with every taste. It remains sweet and luxurious, with only a light touch of alcohol heat showing on the tip of the tongue.
Full Of Soul
Heavy Souls is a decadent barrel aged offering that delivers exactly what it promises. Rich, nut forward, and barrel driven, it is a beer best enjoyed slowly and intentionally, rewarding patience and attention with layers of flavor that linger long after the glass is empty.