Firestone Walker & Boulevard Brewing Collaborate On Barrel Hounds Grand Cru / 2026 Paraboloid

This morning brings exciting and highly anticipated news for members of the 2026 Brewmaster’s Collective, as Firestone Walker Brewing Company of Paso Robles, California, unveils two exceptional limited‑release barrel‑aged beers from its acclaimed barrel program. Known worldwide for innovation, balance, and world‑class barrel aging, Firestone Walker Brewing once again raises the bar with a rare collaboration beer and the return of a fan‑favorite imperial stout.

Barrel Hounds Grand Cru – Firestone Walker x Boulevard Brewing Collaboration

Headlining the upcoming 2026 Brewmaster’s Collective releases is Barrel Hounds Grand Cru, a special collaboration beer between Firestone Walker Brewing and sister brewery Boulevard Brewing. This highly anticipated release will be a blended barrel‑aged ale, thoughtfully crafted using Firestone Walker’s signature barrel‑aging expertise and blending philosophy.

Barrel Hounds Grand Cru will clock in at an impressive 13.2% ABV, delivering a bold yet refined drinking experience that highlights complex oak character, layered malt depth, and expertly integrated alcohol warmth. As a true limited‑edition barrel‑aged ale, this beer will be released in an extremely restricted run of just 200 cases of 12‑ounce bottles, making it a highly sought‑after selection for collectors, cellar builders, and fans of high‑end craft beer collaborations.

This Firestone Walker and Boulevard Brewing collaboration emphasizes craftsmanship, patience, and precision blending, hallmarks of world‑class barrel‑aged craft beer.

2026 Paraboloid Returns – Imperial Stout Aged in Elite Bourbon Barrels

Also joining the 2026 Brewmaster’s Collective lineup is the highly anticipated return of Paraboloid, Firestone Walker’s revered barrel‑aged imperial stout. This non‑collaboration release has long been beloved by fans for its depth, intensity, and luxurious bourbon barrel character.

The 2026 Paraboloid imperial stout has been aged in Elite bourbon barrels, developing rich layers of chocolate, roast, vanilla, oak, and dark malt complexity. This year’s release reaches a formidable 15.3% ABV, showcasing Firestone Walker’s ability to balance power with elegance in high‑alcohol barrel‑aged stout production.

In keeping with its prestige status, Paraboloid 2026 will be released in an ultra‑limited quantity of just 90 cases of 12‑ounce bottles, making it one of the most exclusive Firestone Walker barrel‑aged stouts of the year.

Limited, Collectible, and Highly Coveted

Both Barrel Hounds Grand Cru and 2026 Paraboloid exemplify why Firestone Walker remains a leader in American barrel‑aged beer. These limited‑production, high‑ABV, bottle‑conditioned releases are tailor‑made for collectors, tasting groups, and Brewmaster’s Collective members who value craftsmanship and rarity.

What’s Next

Be on the lookout for official Brewmaster’s Collective release details, including on‑sale dates, allocation information, and full tasting notes for both barrel‑aged beers. With extremely low bottle counts and strong demand, these Firestone Walker releases are expected to move quickly.

Stay tuned for more announcements, detailed flavor profiles, and release schedules as Firestone Walker Brewing continues to shape the future of premium barrel‑aged craft beer in 2026.

About Firestone Walker Brewing:

Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker is a second-generation, family-led brewery based on California’s Central Coast. Helmed by highly decorated Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio including 805, California’s #1 craft beer brand; Mind Haze, a top 5 national hazy IPA; and Cali Squeeze, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beer brands. The Firestone brand family also includes iconic beers such as DBA, Union Jack, and Pivo Pils, as well as the storied Vintage Series of barrel-aged strong ales led by Parabola. As a California beer company, Firestone Walker also has two additional locations: the Barrelworks wild ale cellar in Santa Barbara County and the Propagator R&D brewhouse in Venice. Firestone Walker was recently named “Best American Brewery of the Decade” by Paste Magazine.
More at 805beer.com and FirestoneWalker.com

Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California craft brewery that produces a variety of beers, including pale ales, IPAs, and barrel-aged beers. The brewery was founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker.

History:
The first brewery was located on a family vineyard in Los Olivos, California.
The first beer, Double Barrel Ale, was made in 2001 using a patented variation of the Burton union system.
In 2015, Firestone Walker combined with Duvel Moortgat, a Belgian brewery.
Firestone Walker is California’s second largest craft brewery.

Breweries:
The main brewery is in Paso Robles, California.
There are also breweries in Buellton and Venice, California.

Beers:
805: A bestselling beer brewed on California’s Central Coast
Mind Haze: A bestselling beer
Firestone Lager: A pale lager that was ranked one of VinePair’s best beers of 2018
Venice Propagator Series: Limited-release beers
Vintage Series: Premium barrel-aged beers
Barrelworks: Imaginative beers dedicated to all things wild

Sustainability:
Firestone Walker is committed to sustainability, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Born in a humble shed on the back-forty of the family vineyard, Firestone Walker is a California beer company like no other—founded by two brothers-in-law who simply wanted to make the perfect beer.

The story begins with Adam Firestone (a.k.a. The Bear) and David Walker (a.k.a. The Lion) debating the subject of beer. Their search for a decent local ale proved futile, and it wasn’t long before they had goaded themselves into brewing their own.
Their initial brewing efforts were made in a second-hand brewhouse with converted winemaking equipment—mostly with mixed results. But the hook was set when their first recipe for Double Barrel Ale was attempted.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of that moment. Join us as we look back at the curious, passionate and, at times, precarious path that led us from there to here.

The Brewmaster
Matt Brynildson
When Adam and David moved their brewing operations to Paso Robles in 2001, they also landed “the perfect brewmaster at the perfect time.” Matt Brynildson has worked his magic at Firestone Walker ever since, earning the nickname “Merlin” on his way to becoming renowned as one of the world’s leading brewmasters.

California Brewing Company
California has been our home since we started in 1996. We live and brew here, and we draw energy from the communities that surround us.
Our beers are available nationwide, yet they always reflect where they come from—a land where creativity and innovation are the rule. This is what it means to us to be a California beer company.

Craft & Quality
At Firestone Walker, Beer Before Glory is our mantra for reminding ourselves we do what we do because of the beer. Period. It’s our battle cry to never accept well enough. It’s the high aim for a perfect beer we will never make. Beer Before Glory is our craft, ever honed on the stone of humility.

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