Firestone Walker

The style that helped launch the craft movement has been on the back burner—but the next evolution of American pale ale is underway. Here, brewers Matt Brynildson and Sam Tierney review Firestone Walker’s pale ale journey—and reveal its next destination.

Matt Brynildson of Firestone Walker, one of the most respected brewmasters on the globe, answers your brewing questions about collaborations, hops, lager mashing, product development, and more.

In this short film, take a journey with Brewmaster Matt Brynildson as he connects with the people, innovations, and heritage behind the Yakima Valley hop harvest.

Firestone Walker beers have twice won Best in Beer nods from our editors, and they always rank high among Readers’ Choice picks. We asked Sam Tierney, innovation brewer at the Propagator in Venice Beach, to ponder what it means to strive for “the best.”

After 25 years, the California brewery’s sights remain fixed on the future.

The force behind so many now-classic Firestone Walker beers has won just about all there is to win in the world of brewing, but Matt Brynildson isn’t resting. The brewmaster is constantly looking for new ways to build quality and character into every beer.

Founded by two brothers-in-law who simply wanted to make the perfect beer, Firestone Walker is celebrating its 25th anniversary... “Yet in so many ways,” says cofounder David Walker, “we’re just getting started.”

It all started with Tipopils... Matt Brynildson, brewmaster of Firestone Walker, talks about the beer that sparked his Pivo—as well as a growing number of Italian-inspired pilsners—and the core elements of this burgeoning sub-style.