Firestone Walker Brewing Company

A Quiet Revolution out of the vineyards of California’s Central Coast, the Firestone Walker Brewing Company has grown to become an authentic regional craft brewery.

We integrate traditional brewing discipline, a fascination with wooden barrels and a passion for the craft to create some of the most awarded Pale Ales in the world. The Taproom Restaurant located in Buellton specializes in brewhouse bistro cooking with an emphasis on local flavor.

Born in a humble shed on the family’s vineyard, Firestone Walker stands out as a unique California beer company, founded by two brothers-in-law with a passion for crafting the perfect beer.

The journey began with Adam Firestone (The Bear) and David Walker (The Lion) debating beer. Frustrated by the lack of quality local ales, they decided to brew their own. Their early efforts, using a second-hand brewhouse and repurposed winemaking equipment, yielded mixed results. However, they struck gold with their first recipe for Double Barrel Ale.

The Brewmaster: Matt Brynildson

In 2001, Adam and David relocated their brewing operations to Paso Robles and found “the perfect brewmaster at the perfect time.” Matt Brynildson, known as “Merlin,” has since worked his magic at Firestone Walker, earning a reputation as one of the world’s leading brewmasters.

A Look Back Over the Years

California Brewing Company

Since our inception in 1996, California has been our home. We live and brew here, drawing inspiration from the vibrant communities around us. Our beers, available nationwide, always carry the spirit of California—a place where creativity and innovation thrive. This is what it means to us to be a California beer company.

Craft & Quality

“Beer Before Glory” is our mantra at Firestone Walker. It’s a reminder that our passion is the beer itself. It’s our battle cry to never settle for mediocrity. It represents our relentless pursuit of perfection, always driven by humility and dedication to our craft.

The Taproom

The Taproom is ultimately an extension of the Firestone Walker brewing philosophy. For instance, the finest and freshest ingredients, prepared with care and presented from a distinctively regional perspective.

Barrelworks

The Taproom is also home to Barrelworks. A “cathedral” of barrels, guests may take self-guided tours. Next, learn about the art and methods of aging beer in barrels, and enjoy samples of the brewery’s rarest offerings.