Pale 31 - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

JamesP123

California

3.93/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 12oz. bottle into a sexy Oakland Raiders Logo Beer Mug.

A. Light orange/Dark yellow, pouredf with one finger of head that quickle dissapates.

S. Smells good, picking up floral hops first immidiately follwoed by a malty sweetness.

T. A bit lighter than expected from the smell, very balanced. Not tasting a lot of floral hops but definately get some spicy bitterness in the aftertaste. Medium carbination races across the tounge with each sip.

M. Light mouthfeel, good amount of carbination running through the mouth.

D. Easy to find, good beer at a moderate price. Nothing blows me out of the water but an all together very good beer across the board. Could see myself bringing to a few BBQ's this summer.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2009 01:22:26 | More by JamesP123

GNWBC

Washington

3.53/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

This is a great brew to session with your boys on a warm summer night.
A: pours a golden orange with a thin white head and minimal lacing

S: lots of orange, little spice and floral hop notes

T: just like it smells, mild orange and honey, nice hop bite to it

M: goes down pretty clean, doesn't leave that funky hop resin that gives you cottonmouth.

OA: good PA pretty tame but thats not a bad thing, like i said i would gladly session with this during the summer.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 18:41:35 | More by GNWBC

Noelito76

New York

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Similar to Sierra Nevada, but better. Nice amber color with a decent head. Mouthfeel is the best quality of this beer as the taste will sit nicely on the tongue allowing you to savor the beer. The taste itself is malty with a hint of fruitiness that complements the hops real well.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2005 19:06:14 | More by Noelito76

sj660

California

2.95/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Yellow and bright with a bright white foam; good laces.

Classic pine, citrus hop aroma. Flavor is similar, with a bit of biscuit and grass. Mineral off taste in this pour.

Felt slippery and light.

I will try another one later to make sure this is representative. This isn't representative of Firestone-Walkers beers, which can be great.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2011 00:49:26 | More by sj660

microbrew52

California

4.33/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The beer pours bright yellow with a thick frothy white head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is great. It has a light pale and malty scent along with mild hop aroma and a light oak barrel presence. The aroma is quite complex and highly enticing. The taste is decent. It has a thin pale and bisquit malt flavor that goes down easy and finishes bitter with a nice hoppy aftertaste. The barrel taste really covers up the simple, yet refreshing pale malt flavor. The mouthfeel is good. It is a medium/full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a fine pale ale.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2009 04:11:00 | More by microbrew52

au1sec

Alabama

3.6/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle pours a copper-orange. Creamy white, thick head. I think it had some kind of reaction with the prior beer from the glass, because it was the thickest head I had ever seen without dropping the bottle before opening. Anyway, I let it rest and it eventually dissipated to a reasonable level but not completely. I think its a good example of the style. The hops are evident...too bitter for some, but probably not bitter enough for a hophead, because there is a definite malt character. If its side by side with SNPA, I'll take the Firestone every time.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2003 15:30:55 | More by au1sec

viperpiper522

Maryland

4.7/5  rDev +20.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A-Pours a deep golden color with a 1.5 finger head that dissapates to quickly to give this one a 5. Good sticky lacing shows the gaps between big sips.

S- Out of the glass rises fresh citrus, pine, a light biscuit. You can smell some nice malt in there as well.

T- Excellent. Multiple citrus hits the tongue. Grapefruit, and meyer lemon dominate. It fades into a light balance of malt sweetness with major biscuit undertones. There is some fresh baked cookie in there as well. It finishes with a walk hrough the pine forest.

M- Light carbonation, releases a lusious palate. Velvety and smooth. The finish is dry enough to leave the palate with some light pine. Great residual.

D- It was so good I wish I had two more. Great trade Brad. Thanks, I don't think I could ever get it that fresh on this coast. It makes me want to move to Cali.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2007 02:52:50 | More by viperpiper522

funkyspunk87

California

3.45/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

from Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Pale 31
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Style: American Pale Ale (APA)
ABV: 4.60 %

Presentation: On tap at the Santa Barbara Beer Festival!

Good pale ale with complex flavors but not really great. I think I would still take a regular old Sierra Nevada over this or the regular Firestone.

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2008 02:44:41 | More by funkyspunk87

BeerDetective

Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I had this on tap during my trip to Monterey, and I think it was the best one I could find on tap. It poured a gold brown, and had a good hoppy nose, that got better as the beer warmed. Taste was nothing spectacular a bit blander than most pale ales I have had, and it was a little thin for a pale ale. Easy drinking though, and more flavorful than the Sierra Nevada. I shall probably have another pint or two this afternoon to confirm my findings.

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2009 16:05:16 | More by BeerDetective

TriggerFingers

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Being spoiled on the Central Coast, I must say that this a lighter, sessionable Pale Ale that is absolutely fabulous!

Is it the best Pale Ale in all creation? mmm?....even though it took a Gold at the GABF a few years back? its great!

get it on tap in Paso Robles or Buellton and see what's up....most people (9 out of 10) choose FW's DBA over Pale 31...its not a hop head's dream...its much more subtle than that...

I guess I am the exception....Pale 31 has a complexity that Mission St. Pale Ale lacks (perhaps its the DBA blended in?)....

This is delicious for days....bottle is good, on tap is the best!

94++

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2012 04:49:31 | More by TriggerFingers

PancakeMcWaffles

Germany

4.23/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Golden in colour, frothy finger thick white head, decent head retention, nice lacing.

S: Intense hop aromas, pine-like aromas, but some citrusy aswell, little malty sweetness in the background.

T: Similar to the smell dominating hops on a nice malt base. Different hop notes, gives a hint on the smell of raw hops. Decent bitterness, nice sweet fruit staying on the tongue with a not only bitter but very tasty hop flavour.

M: The carbonation creates a some sort of creamy mouthfeel, very nice level of carbonation!

O: This Ale is a great thing, impressive hop flavours, the spotlight is on the hops, the dry hopping gives it a flavour that is not present with traditional hop use. Great stuff!

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2012 18:29:16 | More by PancakeMcWaffles

yonnie

California

3.93/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Poured into tulip. Straw gold in color with 2 fingers of bright white head. Low to moderate lacing.

S - Malts, grassy, citrus, piney, fresh bread.

T - Malts, pears, apples, bread, citrus with some piney and floral notes.

M - Light bodied, easy to drink.

O - This is a very pleasant, refreshing and tasty APA. Lots of bright flavors and aromas. Very "juicy" and crisp. Good as a session brew. Solid.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 22:22:16 | More by yonnie

amart79

California

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - clear light golden color. Thin head that dissipates pretty quickly.

S - not a ton of aroma but you do get a fresh, light citrusy smell.

T - Very crisp, refreshing taste. A bit hopsy with a little bite towards the end.

M - Carbonation leaves a bit to be desired. Would've liked to feel a little more substance, felt a bit too flat.

O - Overall, I felt it was a good pale ale. Could be better, but definitely not bad.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2012 04:07:47 | More by amart79

Con-a-sewer

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: dark golden hue with 3/4" head that reduces to a pool of suds some lacing but a little weak

S: pine citrus, dough and spice notes

T: hops up front with some floral peeking through at times the hops fades slowly to a dry finish

M: well balanced not to carbonated but crisp easy drinking

O:I enjoyed this as much as their more popular DBA and more then Sierra Nevada it's highly sessionable and it's a surprise the low abv "I'll have another!"

Serving type: bottle

06-13-2012 00:34:28 | More by Con-a-sewer

Vansmack

California

4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a clear orange color with a 1" head. Some light lacing develops. The aroma is nice as floral hops and oranges are easily detectable. The flavor was nice as malt and floral hops were nicely balanced, but the malt came across as slightly sweeter than other pale ales. The citrus (orange tones) were quite strong.

The mouthfeel was smooth and it had a medium body. The finish was relatively short with bitterness and citrus lasting on the tongue. Nicely drinkable, but the sweetness may be a turnoff to some here.

Serving type: on-tap

04-03-2008 00:13:31 | More by Vansmack

oxnard111

California

4.58/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Above good beer here. Not quite exceptional, but I truly love this brew. Poured from a bottle into a pint glass

A-Light golden. Semi cloudy. Thick foamy head that receded quickly. Soapy think residual layer that stays on top of the beer. Low-medium lacing.

S-Piney, citrus hop smells stand out with a slight floral undertones. Hidden malt smells that barely stand out.

T-Orangey hoppy taste. Very slight sweetness. Malt flavors stand out also. Near even balance of all flavors.

M-Medium thickness. Lower carbonation level.

D-The one thing about this brew that I truly love. Very drinkable. I have easily put back six bottles in a session without feeling bad, full or hung over the next day. Beer can be drunk when wrenching or in social scenes.

Truly tasty APA. I love this brew. Another great Firestone brew.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2009 03:47:16 | More by oxnard111

JBmadera

California

3.45/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I like this beer. nice golden color, mellow hop smell and a somewhat sweet/hop taste with the sweetness lingering just a bit. very easy to drink and it feels good in the mouth with some light carbonation. a solid beer for a hot summer afternoon (or morning here in my case).

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2009 18:05:28 | More by JBmadera

dmcbeerington

California

2.55/5  rDev -34.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Maybe I should go back to drinking orange juice or coke. This beer doesn't taste good at all. it doesn't taste like a normal beer. It is very hard for beginner drinker, and I have been drinking beer for 2 years now.

First thing about this beer is that it is hard to drink. normally this is because the beer is too bitter, but not the case here.

A, good color, head disappear in seconds.

S, I was sick, and my nose can't smell anything

T, Hard to drink kind of taste, some people may like it, but not me, not much sweetness. I will say on the bitter side.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2011 23:12:03 | More by dmcbeerington

mikegreen138

Washington

3.7/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

picked this up in a variety pack at costco
pours out looking like s typical pale ale with a about one finger of head that doesnt stick around too long.
smells of nice floral and citrus highlights with a slight malty aroma that sneaks in, very balanced in its aroma
a little lacking in flavor slightly above average could have had a tiny amount ofl more hopped flavor thats just what i am into thse days, but goes down nice a smooth

nothing ground breaking, but still drinkable

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2011 03:08:18 | More by mikegreen138

HighOctane

California

4.53/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Smell and taste set this APA apart from others. I crave a hop flower aroma in my pales and this beer delivers big time. I've had 2IPA's with less hop aroma. The taste is very crisp - delivering hop bitterness with a slightly nutty finish. Highly drinkable - definitely Firestone's best widely available offering.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2007 19:21:59 | More by HighOctane

Brewermeister

California

3.93/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This beer pours a yellow color with a slight orange hue to it. Head is pretty minimal with slight retention.
Good citrus smell from the hops.
Light to medium body. Great tasting Pale Ale with a crisp clean finish. A great refreshing summer beer and a great example of a pale ale

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 08:43:49 | More by Brewermeister

SteelerChris

California

3.65/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is nice summer beer to gulp at an outside BBQ. The color is a light amber with a strong frothy head that lasts to the very end. The aroma is slightly sweet with notes of citrus and hops. Once this beer hits your palate you feel refreshed but if you are looking for bold ale flavors and complexity you will not find it in this brew. The flavors of lemon zest, malt, and hops are faint, but incredibly smooth and enjoyable in the sun. I like this beer because you have enjoy the true beer flavors and have a few without feeling weighed down. I will drink this again, but only on a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2010 20:01:23 | More by SteelerChris

Gstarkey

4.48/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I really like this beer!. I'm from california and I'm all about ipa's and pales and this one really did it for me. The beer pours a really nice golden color and could almost be mistaken for a blonde ale. It smells real floral and has piney notes throughout with a small amount of sweet malt on the back end.

The taste is really crisp, hoppy, and a little sweetness at the end. The beer has a pleasant medium body with a really nice bitterness. I can really understand why the took gold at the world beer cup these guys know how to brew good beer. Overall really high marks all around i think they nailed it and i will be drinking more of this beer. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 01:14:46 | More by Gstarkey

JoshuaB

3.08/5  rDev -21%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours an orangey color with a large head, which subsides in a minute or two to a steady foam top.

Very little scent, almost as neutral as water. Tastes mildly bitter and hoppy, not a lot of other flavor characteristics. Mouthfeel is pretty decent, and it lingers for a few seconds but not too long.

Overall, seems to be a very light PA, not offensive to someone like me, who rarely enjoys hoppy beer, but likely not enjoyable to someone who does.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 14:29:21 | More by JoshuaB

MikePags

New York

4.09/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Growler from Oliver's brew crew. Albany. Served in a pint glass.

A: golden color that is a hazy with carbonation.

S: nice hoppy aroma that isn't overpowering

T: this beer's straightforward, simple and solid taste makes it an amazing example of what a California Pale Ale should be. Nice hops without overpowering your taste buds but enough to keep you coming back.

M: smooth medium body

O: amazing session beer that should be used as a benchmark to evaluate all other Pales

Serving type: growler

04-01-2013 01:35:45 | More by MikePags