Firestone XPA: A California Take on the Southern Hemisphere Pale
Firestone XPA has become a staple in our lineup. It’s a bright, easy-drinking pale ale that bridges our West Coast roots with a Southern Hemisphere twist.
The beer draws inspiration from the craft scene Down Under, where XPA (Extra Pale Ale) has become a favorite style. For Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, it was a natural evolution of Firestone Walker’s pale ale legacy, one that stretches back to the beloved Pale 31.
“I can talk pale ale all day,” Matt says. “It’s been part of my story from homebrewing to Firestone Walker. XPA was our chance to take everything we learned from Pale 31 and build something modern — lighter, brighter, and just as satisfying.”
At 5.3% ABV, Firestone XPA delivers a crisp, hoppy punch without weighing you down. The beer showcases Nelson hops from New Zealand, known for their tropical, white wine-like aromatics, supported by classic Mosaic hops for depth and dimension. The result? A trifecta of refreshment — vibrant, balanced, and endlessly crushable.
“It’s about light drinkability with expressive hops,” Matt adds. “It just fits perfectly on the West Coast.”
XPA has found its groove here in California — the kind of beer you reach for after a surf, during a backyard session, or while catching the sunset. No launch hype needed — just a gold-canned reminder that pale ales still rule when done right
In short, Firestone XPA is a next-generation pale ale brewed with Southern Hemisphere hops and California style, and it’s available now in all Firestone Walker markets. Keep an eye out for the snazzy gold cans or find it with the FW Beer Finder.
