Growing up surrounded by vineyards and winemakers, Adam Firestone (of Firestone Vineyard) always had an interest in combining the family business with beer making. He found the perfect business partner in his brother-in-law David Walker and the two founded Firestone Walker Brewing Company in 1996. In addition to winning gobs of medals for individual brews, these obnoxiously talented brewers from Paso Robles California, often take home the major hardware at competitions like the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup — titles such as “Brewery of the Year” or “Brewer of the Year.” Peaks & Pints would be hard-pressed to think of a more deservedly decorated outfit than Firestone Walker. Peaks & Pints would be hard-pressed to think of a more awesome beer executive Kent Wetzler, whom now reps Firestone Walker. We’re combining our two loves into one tap takeover night, “Drinkin’ It Up with Firestone Walker”, at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 at Peaks & Pints in Tacoma’s Proctor District. In conjunction, we’re offering an all-day flight of Firestone Walker beer — a flight we’re calling Peaks and Pints Beer Flight: Firestone Walker.
Peaks and Pints Beer Flight: Firestone Walker
Firestone Walker Primal Elements — Pink Guava & Pineapple
6% ABV
Treat your palate to a symphony of flavors with Firestone Walker’s latest rendition of Primal Elements. In their most vacation-worthy version yet, juicy pineapple brightens the forefront while aromatic pink guava lends a delicate, fruity sweetness in this effortlessly refreshing and irresistibly fruity, easy-drinking wild ale.
Firestone Walker Big Mood
8.1% ABV
A wild child in collaboration with Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, co-fermented with Blenheim apricots grown in Hollister, California, along with Santa Ynez Valley Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. A wild ale that blazes its own trail with luscious stone fruit flavors and elegant vinous maturity. Reminiscent of an apricot mimosa, the wine hybrid side of this beer is dry and refined in flavor and then mingles with ripe apricot to finish with amazing balance.
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils
5.3% ABV
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils is a smooth operator. It has a silky, foamier head than most other pilsners, while also sporting the lightest consistency and color, making it look a little like sparkling grape juice. Fruit scents like apple and tangerine tickle the nose, balanced by a tart, peppery detail that rounds out the sweetness nicely. After a potent aroma, the taste was deceptively subtle, balanced and clean. Pivo is astonishingly — almost dangerously — drinkable.
Firestone Walker Parabolita
9.2% ABV
A delicious re-imagining of Firestone Walker’s iconic Parabola barrel-aged imperial stout, they aged a selection of Parabola for one year in premium bourbon barrels, then blended it with a complement of Velvet Merlin milk stout to create a silky mouthfeel and a more approachable alcohol by volume. Finally, they infused the beer with whole Madagascar vanilla beans, cocoa nibs and sea salt to achieve a full salted caramel-style drinking experience.
Firestone Walker Anniversary XXVIII
12.78% ABV
Firestone Walker’s Anniversary XXVIII is another super-blend showcase of their barrel aging expertise and collaboration with their winemaker friends. This year, the winemakers created a barrel-aged blend of 37% Stickee Monkee, 28% Bravo, 11% PaRyebola, 9% DDBA, 7% WeldWerks Blend, 4% Helldorado, and 4% Velvet Merkin for caramel and bourbon aromas, followed by caramel cookie flavors, enhanced by vanilla and oaky spice from rye barrels.
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
