Our Score: 96/100
Introduction
In the endless panorama of craft beers, it’s always a pleasure to discover a beer that stands out in its simplicity, yet its elegance. Firestone Walker 805 is one of such beauties – offering something that is light, refreshing and familiar, yet finely balanced and not boring. The brewers describe it as being created for the laid-back California lifestyle, and that laid-back, effortlessly cool character certainly comes through.
Aroma: 11/12
The aroma of Firestone Walker 805 presents a refreshing introductory note. There’s the expected crispness of a blonde ale, but here it’s imbued with an almost delicate balance of citrus and floral hops. The malt sweetness is more subdued but still present, and you get surprising hints of banana and pear. The result is an aroma that’s clean with a touch of complexity, inviting you to take a sip.
Appearance: 3/5
The beer’s appearance falls comfortably within what you’d expect for a blonde ale. It offers no grand surprises but presents a pleasing aesthetic that matches up with its light, refreshing character.
Flavor: 20/25
The taste of Firestone Walker 805 takes on the intriguing aspects of its aroma and amplifies them. The focus is still largely on the malt, with a bread-like note and moderate sweetness being at the forefront. This is balanced by a light touch of hops, and a slightly more pronounced roll-out of the fruity esters. There’s a touch more of citrus, or specifically a lovely blend of lemon and orange, as well as a retained hint of floral hops. The dry finish is quick and crisp – a clean palate cleanser with none of the lingering bitterness you might expect.
Mouthfeel: 4/5
The mouthfeel of Firestone Walker 805 is yet another delight. It continues the beer’s light, clean theme with finesse. It’s refreshing, subtly carbonated, and the dry finish aids in its drinkability.
Overall: 96/100
Firestone Walker 805 is a testament to the brilliance of producing a beer that’s straightforward yet skillfully crafted. The challenge of achieving balance in a beer that’s fairly simple in character has been met and exceeded here. It’s an extremely drinkable light ale that delivers everything you’d hope for in such a beer, and a bit more. It’s light, it’s refreshing, it’s flavorful without overcomplicating things. An example of how brewers can excel in the basics by creating an initiative, delicious brew that anyone would enjoy.
Walker 805 is enticing and inviting. It has a subtle maltiness mixed with fruity and floral notes. The aroma is not overpowering, but it is definitely present and adds to the overall enjoyment of the beer.
Appearance: 12/12
Firestone Walker 805 pours a beautiful golden color with a slight haze. It has a thick white head that lingers and leaves behind lacing on the glass. The beer is visually appealing and looks refreshing.
Taste: 25/25
The taste of Firestone Walker 805 is smooth and well-balanced. It has a light maltiness that is complemented by subtle hop flavors. The beer is not overly bitter or overly sweet, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Feel: 24/25
The mouthfeel of Firestone Walker 805 is light and crisp. It has a medium carbonation level that adds to its refreshing nature. The beer is smooth and goes down easily, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days or casual gatherings.
Overall: 24/26
Overall, Firestone Walker 805 is a fantastic beer that deserves its high score. It is light, refreshing, and easy to drink, but it also has enough complexity to keep things interesting. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a tasty and approachable beer, Firestone Walker 805 is definitely worth a try.
Our Score: 96/100
Walker 805 is inviting and pleasant. It has a subtle hoppy aroma with hints of citrus and pine, as well as a slight malty sweetness. The balance of the aromas is impressive and adds to the overall enjoyment of the beer.
Appearance: 10/12
Firestone Walker 805 has a beautiful golden color with a slight haze. The beer is topped with a thick, frothy white head that has good retention. The visual presentation is appealing and adds to the anticipation of tasting the beer.
Taste: 12/12
The taste of Firestone Walker 805 is where it truly shines. It has a clean and crisp flavor profile with a perfect balance of hop bitterness and malt sweetness. The hops provide a refreshing citrus and pine note, while the malt brings a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the beer. The finish is smooth and leaves you wanting more.
Mouthfeel: 9/10
The mouthfeel of Firestone Walker 805 is light and effervescent. It has a medium body and a moderate level of carbonation, which adds to its drinkability. The beer feels refreshing on the palate and is easy to drink.
Overall: 54/54
Firestone Walker 805 is a standout beer that deserves high praise. It excels in all aspects – from aroma and appearance to taste and mouthfeel. It is a beer that can be enjoyed by both craft beer enthusiasts and casual beer drinkers alike. Its simplicity and elegance make it a go-to option for those looking for a refreshing and satisfying beer. With a score of 96/100, Firestone Walker 805 is a must-try for any beer lover.