Firehall Brewery – Smokin’ Tumbleweed Whisky Blonde

Firehall Brewery – Smokin’ Tumbleweed Whisky Blonde Review

Back in December of 2022, Sid Ruhland of Firehall Brewery got together with the distilling group at Tumbleweed Spirits in Osoyoos to collaborate on his barrel-aged releases. If you remember in 2021, he collaborated with Dubh Glas Distillery and filled a few of their recently emptied barrels with his Holy Smoke Stout. That beer ended up winning him two awards at the 2023 Fest of Ale, including Judges Choice – Best in Show!

This time around, Sid used his ever-popular 5.2% Backdraft Blonde as his beer base of choice, and in mid-January of 2024, the collaboration was bottled and kegged. The Smokin’ Tumbleweed Whisky Blonde on draught may be hard to find now, but if you live in the Osoyoss, Oliver, or Penticton areas you might just be lucky and find a bottle or two on the shelves, or at Firehall and Tumbleweed. If you can, grab at least two bottles and put one aside to cellar.

This barrel-aged beer was aged for 12 months on 50% bourbon and 50% rye oak and ended up being a whopping 10.3%. It pours a clear, golden/copper colour with just a thin layer of head. The aroma is intense whisky with notes of cherry, apple, and some vanilla. It may be complex in flavour but is deceptively easy to drink. Best served in a tulip or whisky snifter glass, served at 5o -55 degrees F temp, to allow those flavours to intensify and enjoy with your favourite cheese or dessert.