Firestone Walker’s DBA Earns Top Honors

“Back-to-back gold medals speak volumes in arguably the most competitive beer judging in the world,” said co-proprietor David Walker.

He added, “We first sent DBA to the Great American Beer Festival for judging 15 years ago. It’s a lesson in perseverance and consistency, and we are very proud. Our Central Coast-born beer has built this little brewery, and it’s satisfying to see it get the recognition it deserves.”

DBA won the gold medal in the Ordinary or Special Bitter category. Firestone Walker’s new release “Wookey Jack” also earned the lone gold medal in the category of American-Style Black Ale in its debut at the Great American Beer Festival Competition. The brewery’s “Double Jack” also earned the bronze medal in the category of Imperial India Pale Ale. Only one gold, one silver and one bronze medal were awarded in each category.

“It was nice to see our newest year-round release and our original flagship ale both named as the top beers in their categories,” said co-proprietor Adam Firestone.

The Great American Beer Festival is the nation’s largest and most prestigious domestic beer festival. The 2012 Great American Beer Festival Competition included 676 breweries from 48 states and more than 4,000 beers. The judging panels consisted of 188 professionals from 11 countries. The 2012 competition results were announced this weekend.

The medals at the Great American Beer Festival Competition follow Firestone Walker’s recent honor of being named Champion Mid-Sized Brewery at the 2012 World Beer Cup® for an unprecedented fourth time.

“When we started our brewery, the Great American Beer Festival in Denver was a small get together for American brewers,” Walker said. “Today, at 80,000 attendees and more 4,000 beer entries, it now feels like Woodstock, and it reflects the craft beer revolution that is now in full swing.”

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Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering regional craft brewery founded in 1996 and located in the Paso Robles wine country on California’s Central Coast. The brewery specializes in iconic pale ales and vintage barrel-aged beers. Firestone Walker Brewing Company was awarded Mid-Sized Brewery of The Year honors at the 2003, 2007 and 2011 Great American Beer Festivals® as well as Champion Mid-Sized Brewery honors at the 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012 World Beer Cup® competitions.