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 r...
