Tradition meets the latest trends at the annual Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest
Story and Photos by Lori Rice
The craft beer industry, and festivals celebrating the art of talented brewers, have had their ups and downs in recent years, but there is one annual event that isn’t going anywhere. Last weekend over 4000 craft beer lovers once again descended upon Paso Robles for the sold-out Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest (FWIBF), hosted by Firestone Walker Brewing Company in partnership with the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee. The continued success of this highly sought-after gathering speaks to the quality of breweries, beers, and fans it brings together.
Since 2012, the FWIBF upheld a tradition of bringing the best of the best in craft beer to one place, creating a world-class festival where brewers share their beers and stories with passionate craft drinkers, all in the spirit of community. The event is unlike others in that attendees can interact with the brewers themselves; brewers come personally to share their latest and greatest beers. This has led to the event’s reputation for revealing what’s “next” in beer styles as the ever-changing landscape of available ingredients and consumer palates continue to both ground and shift the craft beer industry. Whether it’s a shorter innovative trend or a long-term style that stays on menus for years, you’ll see it first at the FWIBF.
While people travel from all over to attend, the Invitational is a special treat for local beer lovers. It’s like having an all-access pass to visit top breweries across the country and the world, without making the travel plans and using up all your vacation days to do so. Over 70 breweries attended this year, properly pouring 400 beers in a variety of styles. Fifteen first-time participants were among those featured, with Japan, Switzerland, Finland, and Belgium all represented.
Whether you travel one mile to the Invitational or one thousand, attending means you are supporting an important piece of Paso. Proceeds from the festival benefit Paso Robles Pioneer Day, the city’s local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the unique history and culture of Paso Robles since 1931.
Among the many beers to choose from, this year Firestone Walker collaborated with Colorado’s Odell Brewing Company to create “Wandering Don IPA,” a limited-edition West Coast-style IPA brewed with Chinook, Krush, and experimental hop HQG #4. It boasts a complex, refreshing mix of citrus, pine, grapefruit, and passionfruit, and a perfect example of the innovative beers attendees will experience at the FWIBF. The beer is brewed in memory of Don Brynildson, grandfather of Firestone Walker brewmaster Matt Brynildson, reflecting the spirit of the craft beer family that the Invitational represents.
Also on tap this year, the mid-90-degree afternoon made beer slushies a popular choice. Humble Sea Brewing Company had a long list of options for tropical beer drinks, such as Sox on the Beach, using a frozen version of their Socks & Sandals Foggy IPA. Firestone Walker had a beer-slushie-only section featuring many of their beers frozen, including the Primal Elements Pineapple P.O.G., a Sour Ale with Pineapple, Passionfruit, Orange, and Guava.
Barleywine continues to make a comeback in U.S. craft beer. Yuzu, an East Asian citrus fruit, was found in many of the beers offered this year. India Pale Ales (IPAs) remain a popular frontrunner as brewers continue to experiment with the hops used to make them. And Peacharine, a hop from New Zealand known for its stone fruit flavor, was featured in many of the beers.
While the event is all about the beer, attendees don’t go hungry. The growing array of bites offered by more than 20 award-winning local restaurants and food vendors can be paired with the beers available for tasting, and they’ve become a highlight of the event each year. Benny’s Pizza Palace and Social Club from San Luis Obispo offered bites of their Detroit-style pizza. There was Spicy Tuna Poke from the Firestone Walker Taproom. Wild Fields Brewhouse from Atascadero served a Brewhouse Bahn Mi, their house vegan carrot dog. Wood Fire Smoked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Tangy Ranch Coleslaw were offered from Paso Robles’ Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ. Also from Paso Robles, Etto Pastificio served Radiatori Pasta with a Spicy Tomato and Firestone Walker Helldorado Dark Lager Sauce.
While attending the Invitational on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend, those without tickets aren’t left out. The weekend was jam-packed full of events that gave a sneak peek at special beers while enjoying local food. The Block Party took place the Friday before the Invitational at the Firestone Walker Taproom in Paso Robles. The public enjoyed barbecue, live music, and beer samples, including guest taps and special pours from breweries featured at Saturday’s main event. On Sunday, Brews and Brekky, also at the Paso Robles Taproom, is a tradition each year, featuring brunch that is open to the public.
Want to attend FWIBF next year? Follow announcements from Firestone Walker Brewing Company closely and set a calendar reminder for the ticket sale date, typically in early February. Then set your phone alarm for the exact time of release on the day of, be at your computer the second they go on sale, and hope luck is on your side. It’s worth every bit of effort to attend this outstanding event that celebrates both local organizations and the best of brewing around the world.
