The Craft Beer Market
Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a Southern California craft brewery. 805 Beer is one of its flagship beers. The craft beer market has grown rapidly over the last 40 years after Congress legalized homebrewing in 1978. As a result, this inspired many beer enthusiasts to start their own small breweries. Today the overall beer market is flat and possibly in slight decline. The craft beer segment has become a greater percentage of the overall total. Many small breweries are closing, but many are also starting up. The number of breweries in the United States continues to rise, albeit at a much slower rate.
Firestone Walker Brewing
Firestone Walker was born in a humble shed on the back-forty of the family vineyard when two brothers-in-law who simply wanted to make the perfect beer founded the company. The story begins with Adam Firestone (a.k.a. The Bear) and David Walker (a.k.a. The Lion) debating the subject of beer. Their search for a decent local ale proved futile, and it wasn’t long before they had goaded themselves into brewing their own.
Their initial brewing efforts were made in a second-hand brewhouse with converted winemaking equipment, mostly with mixed results. When they attempted their first recipe for Double Barrel Ale, they set the hook. Today they have a large selection of beers, including IPAs, seasonals, 805 and lots more. They have a brewery with tours and a taproom in Paso Robles and taprooms in Buellton and Venice. Duvel Moortgat Brewery of Belgium owns the majority stake in Firestone Walker.
805 Beer
Firestone Walker describes 805 as “a California Blonde Ale. The light and refreshing ale from California’s Central Coast that likes to be put down cold. Made for those who are fueled by the constant pursuit of the path less traveled.” Their marketing pushes the California laid-back angle and recommends serving it cold.
805 Beer has a 4.7% ABV, 0g fat, 0g protein, 15 carbs, a 15 IBU and 141 calories. It has an “Okay” rating on Beer Advocate.
Our Review of 805 Beer
If you live in California, you will see 805 everywhere. Their distribution is incredible. It is in bars, restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores and more. I have tried it in cans, bottles and on tap, and every time I drink it I say to myself “I do not like this beer.” It has very little taste and a bad after-taste. Even the beer on tap was not good. I would rather drink Modelo than 805 which does not speak well of this beer. Stay away.
For a better recommendation, see our review of Samuel Adams Boston Lager Remastered.
For beer nutritional information of all beers we have reviewed see Beer Nutritional Information.
