Firestone Walker – 805 Ale Coming Spring 2012

Firestone Walker Brewing continues to update some of their bottle labels.  We brought you THIS….and today we saw some other subtle 12oz bottle updates to include the World Beer Cup label or to change the title colors (see Pale 31 Below).  We also saw the release of Firestone Walker Brewing 805 Ale.  This is another “area code” brew (yes 805 is the Pasa Robles, CA area code)…but beyond the fact that it will be packaged in 12oz bottles and come in at 4.7% ABV, there are not many details.  Based on the lighter ABV, I’m leaning toward it being a spring/summer release.

Update 1/18:  Here’s the Press Release for 805:

Local brewery makes locals only beer 805 touts its Central Coast heritage

(Paso Robles, CA) — Residents of the Central Coast might be seeing a new beer showing up in their favorite watering hole, but it might not be all that new. “805” tap handles will be showing up in bars across the 805 area-code.

The Central Coast brewery, Firestone Walker, which has been making a version of the beer available in its pub for several years, brews the blonde ale.

“We had been making this beer for a while and you can find it in a few bars, usually given a unique name by one of the locals… but then people learned that it was ours and kept asking for us to release it,” said David Walker, co-owner of the brewery. “So we decided to listen to them, the first step was to christen the beer ‘the 805’, and to make it available widely in bars with an 805 area code. Next we’ll release bottles in the spring on the Central Coast simply trying to keep it local.”

Those that have tried 805 before, recognize it by its golden color, light & crisp carbonation and slightly sweet aroma. If you’re new to the beer you’ll find that the honey flavor is noticeable on the palate but not overpowering, making this a clean, sessionable Ale that is the perfect fit for after surfing, hiking or just a hot day in Paso Robles.

The beer was a recipient of a bronze medal at the European Beer Star Awards in 2010, which has lent it a reputation in beer circles as well as being a favorite with Central Coast locals.