Firestone Walker Earns Top Honors at GABF

Paso Robles, CA Brewmaster Matt “Merlin” Brynildson and his brewing team at Firestone Walker Brewing Company continue to work unprecedented magic at the world’s biggest beer competitions, this time earning “Mid-Size Brewing Company and Brewer of The Year” honors at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival┬« held this weekend in Denver, Colorado.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company now currently holds the top honors at the most recent Great American Beer Festival®, World Beer Cup® and European Beer Star competitions:

  • This is the fourth time that Firestone Walker has earned the Mid-Size Brewing Company of The Year title at the Great American Beer Festival┬« over the past 10 years (following 2003, 2007 and 2011).
  • Three weeks ago, the Firestone Walker brewers were in Munich to accept the top award at the prestigious European Beer Star Competition for the second straight year.
  • In 2012, Firestone Walker Brewing Company was named Champion Brewery and Brewmaster (Mid-Size Brewing Company) at the World Beer Cup┬« for a record fourth time out of the past five World Beer Cup competitions held.

At the 2013 Great American Beer Festival┬«, Firestone Walker’s Wookey Jack black rye IPA, Pivo Hoppy Pils and Taproom IPA all won gold medals in their respective categories. The brewery’s Union Jack IPA earned a silver medal. Only one gold, one silver and one bronze medal were awarded in each category.

“It’s a testament to how relentless our brewers are when it comes to quality,” said owner Adam Firestone.

Added owner David Walker, “The amount of remarkable beers at this event is staggering, so it’s really humbling and gratifying to earn this distinction. Merlin and his team continue to amaze.”