Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Cal Poly have announced they’re extending their collaboration around Cal Poly Gold, the crisp Helles lager style that has become the university’s official craft beer. 

At Cal Poly, school spirit finds expression not only in colors and traditions, but now also in the glass with this golden lager brewed in its honor. Launched in 2022, the partnership is now entering a new iteration, with Firestone Walker rolling out limited seasonal releases of Cal Poly Gold alongside expanded educational opportunities for students: internships in brewing, packaging, and operations; real-world training that embodies Cal Poly’s celebrated Learn by Doing philosophy.

Crafted with noble hops and brewed in the tradition of Bavarian lagers, Cal Poly Gold is light, refreshing, and designed with approachability in mind. The beer is currently available at university sporting events, select local accounts, and Firestone Walker’s Paso Robles location in both six-packs and draft pours. Proceeds from concession sales will go toward student-athlete scholarships and internship programs, making every sip an investment in the Mustang community.

Brewing Community Ties

It’s an extension of a partnership that has been natural for both entities. Firestone Walker has been hiring Cal Poly graduates for more than two decades, with alumni woven throughout nearly every branch of the company. “Our brewery is loaded across all departments with homegrown Cal Poly talent,” says Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “It means a lot to us to maintain such a strong connection to the university and to help cultivate the next generation of graduates.”

The Cal Poly influence runs deep, with Cal Poly Gold in particular made by a brewing team that features several university alumni including Production Director Ali Razi (22 years at Firestone Walker), Brewer & Raw Materials Manager Tim Miller (15 years), Operations Director Mark Fischer (15 years), Director of Packaging Operations Zeb Zak (15 years), Analytical Chemist Kevin Troxell (15 years), Fabrication & Utilities Manager Dave Tomac (15 years), Production Automation Engineer Lucas Carter (10 years), Assistant Packaging Manager Alex Buckley (9 years) and Packaging QC Manager Kristi Fernandez (8 years). All have all cut their teeth in San Luis Obispo classrooms before helping shape Firestone Walker into the award-winning brewery it is today.

A Shared Vision

“This next chapter with Firestone Walker reflects our shared values of excellence, innovation, and community,” says Cal Poly Athletics Director Don Oberhelman. “We’re excited for our fans and alumni to continue enjoying Cal Poly Gold and for our students to gain educational opportunities through our continued collaboration.”

Nick Firestone agrees, “Firestone Walker and Cal Poly are building something that celebrates Mustang pride while investing in the next generation of local brewing and business talent.” 

The brewery, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, has long been a source of pride for the Central Coast and is best known for icons like 805, Union Jack, and DBA, along with their continued commitment to community partnerships. 

Looking Ahead

The brewery plans to keep Cal Poly Gold flowing seasonally, with future limited releases on the horizon. For now, the golden lager is doing double duty: refreshing fans at football games and pouring back into the very community that raised both Cal Poly and Firestone Walker.