Review: Firestone Walker Sunglider and DBA

Today we take a break from reviewing Firestone Walker‘s massive, barrel-aged beers and sit with some more accessible, everyday drinkers. Here’s a look at a pair of new Firestone brews.

Firestone Walker Sunglider Golden Lager – On the surface this seasonal brew looks like any other lager. The twist? It’s made with California-grown floor malted barley (a specialized strain called Butta-12 designed to handle the California heat), part of Firestone Walker’s “Brewing for Tomorrow” sustainability initiative.

In the end, the finished product doesn’t exactly break new ground, but as a fresh and lively lager it hits just the spot. Cracker-crisp with the lightest undertone of honey sweetness and a dust of grapefruit peel, this hits all the highlights of a Helles-style lager, finishing with a hint of brown sugar. As easy to drink as anything I’ve tasted in recent memory, but quite a delight all the same. 5% abv. A- / $13 per six-pack

Firestone Walker DBA Double Barrel Ale – DBA is actually Firestone’s first commercially released beer, originally released 30 years ago. While the name may connote some of Firestone’s more aggressive barrel-aged brews, the double barrel here is actually a reference to its use of barrel fermentation, an English ale-making tradition.

Maltier and more rounded in body than your typical English pale ale, the beer comes across with restrained bitterness and a gently sweet, almost creamy texture — instantly engaging. Mild notes of banana and toasted nuts complement the beer’s inherent breadiness, with some acidity giving the finish a bit of spice and some chew. The overall composition sits more than a bit like a cask ale served in a classic London pub, complete with its oaky, yeasty conclusion. The big difference is you can drink this one as cold as you’d like. 5% abv. A- / $13 per six-pack

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