The last remaining 22-ounce bottles of &#822010C by Firestone Walker Fine Ales are now selling for as much as 10 times the suggested retail price, said a spokesman for the Paso Robles-based brewery.

Brewery officials first learned about the phenomenon earlier this year when someone reported seeing a bottle of &#822010C priced at ,50 at an independent liquor store.

Since then, people have reported the beer selling for ,100 at other independent retail outlets, brewery officials said.

&#8220It/s not something that we encourage or condone,C said proprietor Adam Firestone. &#8220However, once the beers leave the brewery, there is little we can do regarding price.C

He attributed the price to the brew/s high quality and limited quantity.

Firestone Walker/s &#822010C was released last fall as a limited-edition, oak-aged strong ale commemorating the brewery/s 10th anniversary.

It consisted of 10 separate batches brewed and aged over a 10-month period. Brewmaster Matt Brynildson sought input from local winemakers in developing the final blend. Only 500 retail cases were produced. The beer sold out almost immediately.

Firestone Walker Fine Ales specializes in oak barrel-fermented ales, a variation on the classic Burton Union brewing method that originated in 19th century Britain.

June 30, 2007