In our latest video series, Beer Talk, we join Brewmaster Matt Brynildson at the Firestone Walker bar to, well, talk about beer. In this edition, we crack into a Double Barrel Ale (DBA), the beer that started it all for us back in 1996.
When Matt first moved to the Central Coast, he couldn’t wrap his head around why an iteration of a British Pale Ale owned every taproom, restaurant, and fridge on the Central Coast. But then he took his first sip, and he understood. Watch the full episode to see how this beer became a California craft icon and then read on to learn why DBA is in our DNA.
Everyone knows the four, core elements that make up all good beer: Water, malt, hops, and yeast. What makes DBA special, amongst so many other things, is that it brings in a new, fifth element. And, no, sadly that doesn’t mean we had Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Milla Jovovich into the brewhouse when we poured our first batch. Rather, DBA also incorporates barrels. Firestone Union toasted oak barrels, specifically. An enduring tribute to traditional cask-fermented English ales, every batch of DBA is partially fermented in Firestone Union oak-barrel brewing system.
The result is a taste that is always malty, and never bitter. With a brilliant ruby red color and a lightly caramelised finish with ribbons of English toffee and toasted oak, you can see, taste, and understand why this beer still stands the test of time.
If you’re like us, all this talk about toasting to this toasted triumph is making you thirsty. Luckily for you, you can find DBA on tap and in bottles at any of our three locations as well as wherever else you enjoy Firestone Walker beers. Use our Beer Finder and pick up a six-pack near you today.
Want more Beer Talk? You can catch episodes one, two, three, and four below now.
Beer Talk with Matt Brynildson: Stouts
Beer Talk with Matt Brynildson: IPAs