Russian River Toronado 25th Anniversary Beer: Deconstructed

Last week, Toronado hosted a small, back-room gathering to celebrate their 25th anniversary and debut Russian River Brewing's anniversary tribute beer. In addition to sampling the finished product, guests were treated to a flight of the 6 component brews, and even invited to create their own blends to compare with the Toronado 25th Anniversary beer. As if that weren't enough, Sean Paxton (aka, 'The Homebrew Chef'), crafted 7 small courses to pair with the beer samples. Highlights included a pate made with pork marinated in the Toronado 25th Anniversary beer and sausage made from pork cold smoked in Russian River Consecration barrel staves and currants soaked in Toronado 20th Anniversary beer.

Russian River's brewer Vinnie Cilurzo shared the details of this milestone brew with us. Without further ado, a glimpse into the mind of a brewing genius:

Toronado 25th Anniversary Beer: Final Blend

Sonambic (4%) - Barrel-aged 15 months. Purpose: primary acidity, aroma, flavor. Description: acidic, grapefruit, spice.

Blonde Ale (16%) - Barrel-aged 8 months. Purpose: bring down acidity, add balance. Description: malt, oak, mild acidity, sweetness

Strong Pale Ale (36%) - Barrel-aged 12 months. Purpose: acidity, aroma, flavor. Description: acidic, brettanomyces, spice, complexity.

Ale Aged with Currants (28%) - Barrel-aged 8 months. Purpose: add mild acidity, fruity aroma, fruit-driven flavor. Description: acidic, oak, fruitiness.

Strong Dark Ale (12%) - Barrel-aged 12 months. Purpose: add mild acidity, color, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel (body). Description: acidic, toffee, and oak.

Baltic Porter (4%) - Barrel-aged 10 months. Purpose: add color, mild acidity, aroma, and flavor. Description: chocolate, roasted character, and mild acidity.