Firestone Walker by no means met a beer model it didn’t like, and whereas it’s continuously churning out sours, barrel-aged expressions, iconic lagers, and extra, it’s the IPAs that Firestone actually appears to gravitate to.
Recently, the model has dropped three completely different mixed-IPA circumstances, all that includes one thing new and one thing previous. Right now we have a look at 6 of the beers in that assortment, together with just a few re-reviews of beers we’ve seen earlier than.
Firestone Walker Cali Cruiser Juicy West Coast IPA – West Coast IPA and “juicy” don’t usually go collectively, however Cali Cruiser manages to steadiness on the road between brilliant (non-hazy) readability of the West and the chewy, fruity exuberance of the East. Loaded with Mosaic, Strata, Citra, and El Dorado hops, there’s no scarcity of orange, lemon, and pineapple all in an certainly fairly juicy swirl. Touches of caramel and a few vanilla on the end give the beer a creamy, barely doughy end. 6.6% abv. A-
Firestone Walker Thoughts Haze Tiki Smash IPA (2024) – This begins off assembly expectations with loads of pineapple and citrus, however as soon as it sits within the glass for a couple of minutes, the heavy quantity of coconut current actually turns into aggressive. It begins off innocently sufficient, only a dusting of sweetened coconut on the end, however then it builds and builds till that’s all you possibly can style. My recommendation is to drink it as rapidly as attainable, earlier than the coconut takes over. 6.2% abv. C
Firestone Walker Thoughts Haze Mind Melter IPA – A hazy Imperial IPA with a bevy of hops: Mosaic Cryo, Vic Secret, Citra, Strata, Idaho Gem, Sabro, and Rakau. This creamy operator comes throughout with restrained tropicality, hinting at almond orgeat and coconuts, with a light-weight be aware of mango and orange Creamsicles. A bit doughy because the end builds, the conclusion evokes notes of vanilla and white chocolate, which boring a number of the hoppiness, and the fruit, leaving issues on the candy facet. 8.5% abv. B+
Firestone Walker Thoughts Haze Cosmic Crusher IPA – A tropical bomb that’s simply shy of going over the sting, that includes Galaxy, Strata, Callista, Melon, and Simcoe hops. Aggressive pineapple and mango are tempered by a modest shaving of coconut, as notes of strawberry and dates come into focus additional down the glass. The fruit begins to frame on saccharine because the beer warms up, leaving a barely cloying high quality on the again of the palate that jogs my memory of orange gummy slices blended with dried pineapple. It’s an fascinating diversion however I didn’t end the complete can. 9.5% abv. B
Firestone Walker Thoughts Haze Citrus Cyclone IPA (2024) – Rob preferred this tangerine-fueled IPA a bit greater than me, the sharper citrus a bit misplaced amidst a stronger-than-expected punch of coconut and a few guava notes. The completed product is sweeter than I hoped for, which I felt dulled the refreshing qualities of the beer only a bit. Nonetheless, it’s a enjoyable, summery diversion. 6.2% abv. A-
Firestone Walker Tropic Rocket IPA – This IPA is pushed by a ardour fruit, and whereas I really like the flavour in cocktails, it isn’t fairly as profitable in a beer. The hops right here really feel only a bit too bitter in opposition to the flowery fruitiness of the fervour fruit, which makes for a considerably bumpy trip at occasions and retains the fervour fruit properly buried. As a modest spin on what’s in any other case a reasonably conventional west coast model. 6.2% abv. B+
every $19 per 12-pack / firestonebeer.com
Firestone Walker Tropic Rocket IPA
$19
