Firestone Walker Parabola 2026
13.4% ABV | 12 oz | 18th vintage | Bourbon-barrel-aged Russian imperial stout — Firestone Walker Parabola 2026 is the 18th annual vintage of the barrel-aged stout that helped define the style: a Russian imperial stout aged 12 months in bourbon barrels — a blend of 10-year Henry McKenna and 9-year Elijah Craig barrels.
Brewed in Paso Robles, California, Parabola is released once a year and built to evolve: massive roasted malt character wrapped in a full year of bourbon-barrel influence. Each vintage is dated and collectible, and the 2026 release continues the program's reputation as one of America's great barrel-aged stouts — a fixture of any serious rare and top-shelf beer selection.
Tasting notes
Near-black with a dark tan head. Dark chocolate, espresso, and charred oak on the nose with vanilla and bourbon warmth. The palate is huge and velvety — fudge, roasted malt, coffee, caramelized sugar, and warming alcohol — finishing long with bittersweet chocolate and oak.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 18th vintage — the benchmark bourbon-barrel imperial stout
- 12 months in bourbon barrels — Henry McKenna + Elijah Craig stock
- 13.4% ABV — built for sipping and cellaring
- Dated annual release — collect verticals across vintages
How to serve it
Serve at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a snifter, not ice-cold — warmth unlocks the chocolate and bourbon. Drink now or cellar; vintages evolve gracefully for years.
Frequently asked questions
What is Parabola?
Firestone Walker's annual bourbon-barrel-aged Russian imperial stout — a strong, dark, barrel-matured ale released in dated yearly vintages since the late 2000s.
Can I age Parabola?
Yes — the high ABV and barrel character let vintages develop in the cellar for several years. Store upright, cool, and dark.