Head brewer Matt Brynildson and Firestone owner David Walker Firestone Walker, one of the most decorated breweries in American craft, has combined ownership with Duvel Moortgat of Belgium. Get to know folks, understand what makes them tick, respect their perspectives (another reason for walking about). PASO ROBLES Tucked behind Firestone Walker Brewing Company is what co-founder David Walker playfully calls the "solar system" a 2.1-megawatt array that will offset a majority of the brewery's energy usage. Not many beers brewed in the US have an origin story that equals Firestone Walker's Double Barrel Ale, aka DBA. Yes, I would like to receive emails from Draught Lines. David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker Brewing Company, discusses the the curious, passionate and at times, precarious past 25 years of the company. He also proposed to his missus this year yet more brilliance it must be the beer. Get the best tips for in-planning, new, and growing breweries. (function(){var _fbq=window._fbq||(window._fbq=[]);if(!_fbq.loaded){var fbds=document.createElement('script');fbds.async=true;fbds.src='//connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbds.js';var s=document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(fbds,s);_fbq.loaded=true;}_fbq.push(['addPixelId','1158348600846769']);})();window._fbq=window._fbq||[];window._fbq.push(['track','PixelInitialized',{}]); David Walker founded Firestone Walker Brewing Company with Adam Firestone in 1996. At that time, West Coast hop bombs were all the rage. Will there be more wine and beer hybrids to come? Sort by: Global Friends You. Firestone Walker's main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The distance we have travelled is elegantly illustrated in my final beer: Luponic Distortion, which we could have never conceived of 20 years ago. Their talented brewer, Steven Pauwels, a Belgium himself, created Tank 7, an 8.5% Belgian farmhouse ale with citrus mid-palate and peppery finish. Firestone Walker Brewing Company brewed its first beer in 1996 in a small facility rented from the Firestone Vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County. Immediately upon meeting David Walker, you notice hes a little different from mostother American craft-brewery owners. But Messrs. Firestone & Walker you guessed it, the founders of the highly acclaimed Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in true American pioneering fashion, would blaze a completely new trail. Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering regional craft brewery located on the coast of California. I certainly could see adding to the Rosalie line, featuring other grape varietals or even other locally-grown fruits. We started brewing it in 2012 and only served it in three counties along the California coast. Does that perspective set you apart from other breweries? Founded in 1996 by Adam Firestone (aka the Bear) & David Walker (aka the Lion), Firestone Walker Brewing Company began as a small brewery with roots in wine country on California's. David Walker explains why. We wanted the image of Rosalie to represent that easy California lifestyle. Its fun, but sophisticated and goes well with a warm evening outdoors. From the very start we took an estate wine approach, not to mention all the knowledge Adam had acquired working in the family business. Firestone Walker's main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. April 30, 2021. . Owners Adam Firestone and David Walker purchased the SLO Brewing Company located in Paso Robles, CA. Firestone Walker announced Thursday that the "family-owned brewery with hands-on proprietorship" is . Its a beer that, as Merlin puts it, is an ever-evolving mix of experimental hops, designed to deliver mind-blowing flavors that break the rules with each new release. Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale: The Beer That Started BeerAdvocate, Over the Rainbow? Our ownMatt Brynildson (aka Merlin). We have made our fair share of mistakes and will hopefully continue to learn. Then we used hibiscus to create a consistent ros hue. Firestone Walker's main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Lion joined hosts Harrison Hickok and Kyle Roderick to chat about how our 26-year-old brewery continues to innovate, remain sustainable, and lead the charge in the pursuit of the perfect beer. Located in Paso Robles, California, Firestone Walker will continue to operate independently, said owners David Walker and Adam Firestone in a release. He said that great things can happen when brewers and vintners collaborate. There are 46 other people named David Walker on AllPeople. And whats the story on your other big release this year, Mind Haze IPA? Craft brewers are responsible for this revolution, but sadly, dont own the rights to it, so I am sure the international brewers will slowly climb onboard and maintain dominance. The original brewery was located on a family vineyard in Los Olivos, California.Their first beer, Double Barrel Ale, was made in a patented variation of the Burton union system. Instead, they've laid layer atop layer over 25 years to add reach while improving quality. D.L. So to have perfect-tasting beer in the market at all times would be a worthy goal. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. Firestone Walker David Walker recently joined a special episode of Untappd's, "Drinking Socially"podcast. I have waxed lyrical about this beer many times, and it needs no introduction or explanation. Weve been working with local winemakers to blend our Anniversary releases for ages, so when we realized we were now blending disciplines with Rosalie, we felt it was important to continue that history and local connection. Firestone Walker's main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. Thanks to the sustained expansion of craft brewers, it is not hard to find someone doing it better or differently, and you can reach out to them for advice or simply admire from afar. Firestone Walker, the renowned craft brewery from Central California known for its pale ales and barrel-aged beers, celebrates its 20th anniversary later this year. Yes. Tune in and let us know what you think! That said, I eventually found solace in a bottled beer called Redhook ESB, conjured up at the original Fremont Brewing next to Brouwers Cafe (the scene of many a stinky night). Itsfirst release was Double Barrel Ale, an English-style ale made using a Burton Union system that had beenjury-rigged on thebrewing floor. Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale Turns 25. Our ownMatt Brynildson (aka Merlin). Ive always loved the melodic tone of the song, so we decided it would be a good fit. As their popularity has exploded, so has the number of products that claim to be ross. David Walker founded Firestone Walker Brewing Company with Adam Firestone in 1996. Head of QC since 1998, Jim had been romancing wild yeasts since his college days, and it was now time to shed his lab coat and begin to take the brewery on a wild ride. Founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker in 1996, Firestone Walker Show More See All. D.L. The history: Walker is a British expatriate and the husband of Adam Firestone's sister. Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery with operations in Paso Robles, Buellton and Venice, California. And whats the story on your other big release this year, Mind Haze IPA? This 7.6%-ABV strong ale with a sweet finish had wandered south from its birthplace inBurton-upon-Trent, and it left me glowing and firmly intrigued. Craft brewers will always flourish next to them and hold the high ground with consumers. What I do know is what has worked for us at Firestone Walkernot the quick fix here or the lucky break there, but rather the principles, practices, and revelations that have borne the test of time. Firestone Walker is a three-time Great American Beer Festival winner. The future is unknown and unlimited. Dont underestimate the value of a casual greeting, a relaxing beer, a celebration, and outreach in tough times. I could have been standing amongst the hops in Yakima. Its this authenticity that sets Rosalie apart. Every brewery, every region, every circumstance is different, and that makes me even more allergic to dispensing advice. We like that approach: take our time to get to know a style, then develop our interpretation once we really dig in and can visualize its place in our portfolio. Why Queer Beer Is Important, Top 50 Most Rated Breweries on BeerAdvocate for 2020, Black-Owned Breweries in the United States, Introducing Brewmasters Reserve from Firestone Walker, Objectives and Beer Results (OBRs) for 2021. (Photo: boulevard.com), Moving into our 20th year has been one hell of a ride, and only makes me wonder what the next chapters hold. Our imperial IPA Double Jack was born shortly thereafter as Merlin became tired of my cravings for Maharaja. From the moment we released this beer, I knew our beer was now entering another chapter, and that my palate was chasing it. By D.J. Firestone Walker participated in the local Coats for Kids drive last December, with staff donating coats and the brewery . We develop beers in styles that we as brewers love and respect. Copyright 1996-2022 BeerAdvocate. Adam Firestones family has been making wine in Paso Robles for three generations and I married a California girl and followed her here, where I began growing grapes as a profession. Its also dry, like the best ross. Some years later, and after more right decisions than wrong, the brewery gained a solid foundation as one of California's leading craft brewers. D.W. Like a classic ros, it has bright fruit flavors and luscious acidity. The original brewery was located on a family vineyard in Los Olivos, California. It had been neglected for many years as we poured all our attention into our Paso Robles brewery. Last year, he helped Firestone Walker partnerwith the famed Belgian brewery Duvel Moortgat. Fittingly, Firestone Walker beers are now available on the continent Walker grew up on, potentially turning a whole new generation of Europeans into American craft-beer lovers. It eventually happened with Adam Averys Maharaja, an imperial IPA that brought me to a standstill. Your blonde ale 805 has been one of the most sought-after beers in recent memory, any chance well be seeing it on the East Coast any time soon? infowindow=new google.maps.InfoWindow();function getInfoWindowEvent(marker,content){infowindow.close();infowindow.setContent(content);infowindow.open(map,marker);}blueMarker=new google.maps.MarkerImage("http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mapfiles/ms/micons/blue-dot.png"); Global Recent Activity. Early on, Walkers love for the beers of his homeland greatly influenced the brewerys portfolio. David Walker and Adam Firestone, joint founders of Firestone Walker said: "The Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat families have combined forces to broaden their capacity and scope as brewers. D.W. Paso Robles is just an amazing wine-growing region with more than 200 wineries. *** As always, you can email your questions, complaints, whimpers, or whines to us at stealthisbeerpodcast@gmail.com. The key to our survival and future is being authentic and involvednot hard when you are our size. American craft beer has changed the American drinkers palate and is beginning to influence the world. Which brewers inspire you? The array offsets more than 3,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, equal to the carbon . DBA is still one of Firestonesflagship offerings, but since hiring the immensely talented Matt Brynildson as brewmaster in 2000, the brewerys moreuniquely American beers have made Firestone Walker one of the most acclaimed producersin the business. Respect Beer. Firestone Walker Episode 305 - David Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Happy Monday, Its a 4.7% blonde with subtle malt sweetness and a touch of hops. If you werent in the beer industry, what career would you be pursuing? The story begins with brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker debating the subject of good beer. Firestone Walker's ales are selectively fermented in the Firestone Union oak barrel brewing . Crack fresh and enjoy the show. Well, for the last few months, I have been cracking Luponic and enjoying this revolving-hopped IPA, all under 6%, and all made with experimental hops.