Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robles, California) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Old Man Hattan – “an eccentric barrel-aged mashup of two classic cocktails: the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan” – in mid-July.

Originally introduced “last year as a brewery-only Black Friday limited release”, Old Man Hattan has now returned to act as one of only six Proprietor’s Vintage releases from Firestone Walker in 2019.  Meant to mimic the character of both an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, Old Man Hattan starts with a base beer consisting of “a blend of signature Firestone Walker component beers, including Velvet Merkin, Bravo and Stickee Monkee aged in whiskey barrels.” Things then take an interesting turn when that base beer is introduced to “select lots of Parabola and Helldorado that were aged in barrels previously used to mature cherry, orange and aromatic bitters.”  Weighing in at smooth but warming 10.5% ABV, Old Man Hattan comes together to be a “barnstorming beer that exhibits pronounced whiskey notes while artfully expressing essences of both the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan cocktails.”

“Old Man Hattan is really true to its dual influences,” said Eric Ponce, Firestone Walker’s barrel program manager. “On the nose, you get hints of cherry, orange and clove spice. It’s extremely smooth and drinkable, with traditional whiskey characters of tobacco and bitter chocolate.”

 

He added, “If you’re a fan of the Old Fashioned, Manhattan or other whiskey-based cocktails, you’re going to love this beer.”

Old Man Hattan is scheduled to roll out in mid-July and plans to hang around only as long as supplies last.  You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in individually boxed 12-ounce bottles at select craft beer-focused establishments located in North Carolina, Texas, California and throughout the rest of Firestone Walker’s expansive distribution territory. Prost!

Vital Information for Old Man Hattan from Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Proprietor’s Vintage; mid-July 2019
Style – Strong Ale (blended)
ABV – 10.5%
IBUs – 30
Treatment – A carefully blended ale that unites a base beer consisting of a blend of signature Firestone Walker component beers – including Velvet Merkin, Bravo and Stickee Monkee aged in whiskey barrels – with select lots of Parabola and Helldorado that were aged in barrels previously used to mature cherry, orange and aromatic bitters
Availability – 12 oz. bottles (individually boxed)
Beer Finder – https://www.firestonebeer.com/find/