Firestone Walker is a major name in California craft brewing (and beyond). This SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) brewery produces iconic beers such as DBA (Double Barrel Ale), Mind Haze IPA, 805 and Cali Squeeze. They’re known for their ingenuity in crafting beer, which can be seen in all aspects of their business including in their sustainability practices.
While striving to make the perfect beer, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, located in Paso Robles, California, works to increase efficiency and conservation. This Earth Day, and every day, they are brewing for tomorrow as they work to increase product quality while decreasing the environmental impact. Come taste for yourself!
Beer reflects who brewed it and where it came from. Firestone Walker was born in 1996 on the Central Coast and strongly influenced by the location. This second-generation family business started on a vineyard using mostly converted wine equipment. The influence of the wine industry can still be seen in their barrel aged and blended beers today.
From solar to recycling water and so much more, Firestone Walker holds a commitment to brew for tomorrow. Here are some of the sustainable practices that make that vision possible.
Brewed by the Sun:
Their 2-megawatt solar array, with panels that move for the most efficient collection of rays, mean that all Firestone Walker beer is powered and brewed by sunshine.
Closing the Loop:
For the brewing process, Firestone Walker requires about 5 million pounds of carbon dioxide every year, while also generating about 5 million pounds through beer fermentation. Their CO2 recovery system closes the loop and makes this a circular process.
The Main Ingredient, Water:
Water is the main ingredient in beer brewing. But with Firestone Walkers onsite water treatment plant, they can recycle wastewater. They also recover steam from the heating process and recirculate water during filtration to reduce consumption. And the use of an anaerobic digester turns waste in the water into electricity.
The Paso Robles taproom’s spacious dining hall, patio and outdoor courtyard are the perfect backdrop to gastropub eats that pair perfectly with Firestone Walker beers. Visitors can also enjoy brewery-only beers here.
Visitor Center & Brew Tours:
A great spot to start on the Firestone Walker campus, the Visitor Center offers 14 beers on tap and is the meeting spot for everyday brew tours and weekend barrel room tours.
Firestone Walker Beer Fest Invitational:
The Beer Fest Invitational is hosted at the Firestone Walker brewery annually the weekend after Memorial Day and benefits Paso Robles Pioneer Day (a local community organization and tradition). Kicking off the weekend of fun is a block party followed by The Festival with tastings of some of the best beers in the world. And what’s a beer festival without a brews and breakky event the day after to keep the fun going? Tickets go on sale early and have been known to sell out.
With Firestone Walkers’ variety of options there is a brew for everyone. You can find their beers on taps around the county, and they make the perfect refreshment after a day of exploring SLO CAL. Afternoon surf session in Pismo Beach? Grab an 805 (named after the local area code). Day cycling the coast in Cambria? Replenish with a DBA.
Wherever your SLO CAL adventure takes you, you can feel good about drinking local and supporting a business that considers the people and planet with every pint.
Sustainability is intertwined in the DNA of SLO CAL. Consideration for the area's natural beauty and people can be seen in the crafters, wineries, shops, experiences, hotels and breweries across the region.
Learn more about Firestone Walker on their website or follow along on their Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events and beer releases.
Other unique sustainability stories in San Luis Obispo County include Life Elements, making nature-based skin and body products, and Surf Gems, upcycling surfboard resin. Learn more about SLO CAL sustainability and plan your visit today.
