Opened: 1996

Annual Production: 60,000 bbl

Contributors: Ralph Wells, Diane Crawford, Jamie Smith

Firestone Walker and Matt Brynildson were named Mid-Size Brewing Company and Brewmaster of the Year at the 2003 and 2011 Great American Beer Festival, and they won the same honors at the 2004 and 2006 World Beer Cup. They're the only brewery in the United States fermenting beer in a Burton Union system. You can find their beers at their taproom and restaurant, located at 620 McMurry Road in Buellton, phone 805-686-1557.

Updated: November 7, 2012

• 2012-03-15: Firestone Walker expandable capacity will approach 400,000 barrels (Beerpulse.com)
• 2011-06-10: Firestone Walker brings brews to Colorado (Beernews.org)
• 2011-01-28: Brewer Brynildson thrives on abundant wine connections at Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Wine Country Beer)
• 2010-11-24: Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Craft Beer)
• 2007-11-19: Firestone Walker To Release Eleven (BeerAdvocate)

• Abacus
  Wood- and Barrel-aged Strong Beer
  12.00% abv.

  ---

• Barrel-Aged Velvet Merkin
  Wood- and Barrel-aged Beer
  Awards:

  • Gold Medal, 2011 Great American Beer Festival

  ---

• Black Xantus
  Wood- and Barrel-aged Strong Beer
  11.00% abv.

  ---

• Coastal Light Lager
  European-Style Low-Alcohol Lager / German-Style Leicht(bier)
  Awards:

  • Gold Medal, 2004 World Beer Cup

  ---

• Coastal Light Pale
  American-Style "Light" Amber Lager
  Awards:

  • Bronze Medal, 2004 Great American Beer Festival

  ---

• 
  Double Barrel Ale / DBA
  (Special) Best Bitter
  5.00% abv.
  Awards:

  • Gold Medal, 2012 Great American Beer Festival
  • Gold Medal, 2011 Great American Beer Festival
  • Silver Medal, 2010 Great American Beer Festival
  • Third Place, 2007 San Diego County Fair
  • Gold Medal, 2006 Los Angeles County Fair Competition
  • Date: December 13, 2008 (#7612)
    Package: bottled
    Place: Liquid Solutions, Tigard OR
    Score: 17 points
    Appearance (3)
    Red-amber. Thick head.
    Aroma (3½)
    Spicy grassy piney hops.
    Mouthfeel (8)
    Medium body, smooth. Lots of caramel, biscuity malt and lots of grassy hops, but not all that bitter. Big biscuit malt finish.
    Overall Impression (2½)
  • Date: September 29, 2008 (#7389)
    Package: bottled
    Place: Liquid Solutions, Tigard OR
    Score: 17½ points
    Appearance (3)
    Bright red. Moderate head.
    Aroma (4)
    Fruity, floral. Sweet and caramelly.
    Mouthfeel (8½)
    Medium body, fizzy. Huge sweet caramel malt with lots of fruity hop flavor. Low bitterness.
    Overall Impression (2)
    Nice ESB.