Erika BoldenThe 2nd Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival will take place Sat., June 1, 2013 in Paso Robles, rain or shine (expect shine) for adults over 21. Tickets go on sale for $75 Feb. 1 at 12:01 a.m. (that's tonight for those who begrudge the 12-hour clock.)
Anticipated as one of the best craft beer festivals around, look for over 40 international breweries in attendance and over 20 central coast restaurants serving. Locally, you'll feel at home amongst the pourings of Golden Road, The Bruery and Beachwood BBQ, plus Southern California favorites Lost Abbey, Stone, Green Flash, AleSmith and Pizza Port.
Rare and limited-distribution beer will be the driving force that sells out the event. Turn the page for a to-date list of participating breweries not available to L.A. drinkers — with more to come.
David Walker Welcomes 2012 Fest; Credit: Roy Chavoya
All of the following highly-acclaimed breweries not available in L.A. will be pouring:
Southern Tier Brewing Co. (NY)
Founders Brewing Co. (MI)
Three Floyds Brewing Co. (IN)
Boulevard Brewing Co. (MO)
Revolution Brewing Co. (IL)
Cigar City Brewing Co. (FL)
Internationally, look for brewers from Japan to Belgium to Brazil. See the festival's facebook page for more breweries as they are confirmed.
Also unique to the Firestone Walker Invitational is the requirement that each participating brewery pour a sessionable beer under 6% abv, in addition to a rare selection. It's not just a festival of rare beer, “Behind the Beer Sessions” every hour will put brewers on stage for a tasting session and Q&A.
“The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest was born from a dream of creating a world-class festival featuring not only the best brewers in the world, but brewers whom we feel are leaders in the craft beer revolution,” said Matt Brynildson, Brewmaster at Firestone Walker Brewing Company. Check out last year's festival to get a taste of what's to come.
It behooves you to decide now whether you want to attend. Last year tickets sold out quickly. Make sure all your Christmas checks from grandparents were cashed and demand your roommate's IOU be fulfilled. If you don't jump at the opportunity to sample beer you simply cannot buy in California, herds of more dedicated beer geeks will happily buy your ticket out from under you.
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