Solace - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

bunnyhustle

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Are they testing this in the Vegas area? I think the last 5 reviews are all from us in town! Anyways tried this from a pint glass. Hazy golden, on the light side of the color spectrum, with virtually no head and subsequently no retention or lacing. I was really surprised about that. Smell was very pleasant, almost hefe like. Some banana, yeast, straw and biscuit, a little citrus. Taste was good but not as nice as the smell. A subtle dry malt with some lemon and citrus. Some grassy/straw parts there too. Overall thought it was under carbonated and left a dry feeling in the mouth behind. This was not a bad beer at all. I applaud Firestone for doing something that probably isnt their specialty and doing a good job. Just not a great job.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2010 22:36:14 | More by bunnyhustle

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Rather dark appearance, almost orange for a wheat beer, cool. Definitely unfiltered. Aroma was largely summer-esque, i.e. wheat and lemon.

Good dry mouthfeel, wheat % definitely noticeable, almost rye like quality as well. Solid hop bitterness is present. Not up to the level of Sumpin or Gumballhead, but its in the next tier for sure. A little bit of that spice and yeast leans a little to Belgo for me. Not overpowering clove and banana, but more than desireable. Stays light bodied throughout without sacrificing full flavor.

Good, wouldn't turn it down, but there are more interesting summer offerings.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2011 17:24:46 | More by Beerandraiderfan

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Solace is a wonderful thing, but it's an ugly looking beer that apparently takes the colour and form of pineapple juice. It looks thick as an oatmeal gruel. The complexion is dulled and turbid, muffing both highlights and clarity. Its head is missing a few key pieces and is suspiciously shoddy were wheat is concerned. (Usually that makes for better retention.)

The aroma indeed smells like an unfiltered, unpasteurized wheat beer - it has a field-like scent of fresh cut grain (and a bit of hay-like must too). Fruity esters are stirring and notes of rotting apple and other assorted, over-ripened tree fruits register (whether from the alcohol or yeast or shelf-life, who can be sure?). Surprisingly, banana is noted as well.

I suppose the trace of pungent hop flavour and extra notch of alcohol technically qualify this as American wheat beer - not to mention, the fact that it's actually brewed in the United States! - but the notable presence of banana flavour, the almost creamy wheat flavour, the herbal qualities and the slight bubblegum taste all point to a German hefeweizen.

And a mellow, but faintly zesty acidity settles it. Drinking this I see black, red and yellow, not stars and stripes. I'm not exactly swept away to Bavaria, however, as this would pair unfavorably against most commercial German examples. It's a little too heavy, with a spiciness that is somewhat of a nuisance, and it's in need of a few more bubbles.

I don't know that Firestone Walker could release any brand of ordinary-style beer that would come anywhere close to matching the ratings of their limited, higher gravity offerings. Still, Solace is a terribly disappointing offering from a brewery capable of not only complex blended beers, but great conventional brands like Union Jack and Double Barrel as well.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2011 23:41:30 | More by biegaman

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a hazy golden color with nice head. The aroma is a little on the funky side with yeasty and gummy notes. I know that's what they are going for, but for me it can be off-putting. The yeast and spices dominate the palate with hop bitterness coming through and a dry finish. It's definitely a hybrid of sorts - not a true American Pale Wheat - with certain characteristics of a Saison and even a traditional Hef. I appreciate what they are going for, but for me this is not the summer beer I wanted it to be. It's a little too busy to lay back with, but from a technical standpoint FW can be commended.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2012 18:49:55 | More by TheRealBigC

Fatehunter

Oregon

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A finger of head on a dark straw colored body.
Aroma of honey and grain, light and airy.
Flavor of lemons, apples and honey. Nice and balanced.
Fizzy texture but carbonation remains at a reasonable level. Light to medium body.
An above average ale..

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2012 22:33:12 | More by Fatehunter

vertigelt1

Texas

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena, CA. Quite cloudy medium maize colour. About a finger of whitish head that disippated very quickly. Smells like a wheat beer. Tastes citruisy with bready malts. Reminds me a lot of New Belgium Sunshine Wheat or Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat. A tiny bit of spiciness, a smidge of cloves, absolutely no hint of bananas. Mouthfeel is thin but refreshing, very drinkable. Decent wheat beer, almost approaching a Saison, but nothing to write home about.

Serving type: on-tap

05-26-2010 02:36:17 | More by vertigelt1

canucklehead

British Columbia (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Not what I expect from FWB but I guess they need a patio wheat beer to compete in that growing and lucrative market. That being said this is pretty good for the style though it verges on the Wit side with some cloves and banana notes in the nose and finish. Very drinkable though a little thin this is patio fodder and worth picking up for that reason.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2010 18:27:47 | More by canucklehead

BeerManDan

California

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

When poured into a pint glass, the color was an hazy golden yellow with an orange hue. The smell of yeast and mild hops were evident in the aroma. The taste had a pleasant flavor of fruits and spice. Although, even with the pleasant flavor, it was just a little on the weak side, of flavor. But, overal it would be a great summer sipper!

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2010 22:20:21 | More by BeerManDan

CaptainIPA

Wisconsin

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Single purchased @ Trader Joe's in San Clemente, California and presented in a brown 12 oz. bottle. "Craftily Unfiltered."

Pours a hazed orange color with a small white head that dissipates rapidly. Aromas of malt, floral hops and spicy yeast. Smooth and medium bodied with good carbonation. Opens with toasted malt, wheat and a sweet nuttiness. Hops assert themselves with some balancing bitterness. Belgian yeast and residual spiciness kicks in at the conclusion. Finishes dry.

A refreshing summer seasonal ale that's worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2011 01:49:04 | More by CaptainIPA

arizcards

Arizona

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Picked up a bottle from Fry's Foods on 10/2/12 for $7.99. Bottled on 7/12/12.

Beer comes out in a perfect pour, nice 2 finger white head, with little lacing left behind.

Nose is typical for a wheat, not much there. Some hints of lemongrass.

Taste has hints of lemongrass with a nice even hop balance that makes for easy drinking.

Mouthfeel is light to medium , refreshing.

Overall this is a nice wheat beer that is very refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 01:35:42 | More by arizcards

Chizoad

California

3.58/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I was quite impressed by the pint that came my way. Not much in the way of head, but a beautiful, cloudy, unfiltered mass of beer. Orange-yellow.

Picked up some fruit, perhaps orange blossom and grapefruit on the nose, along with a bit of sweetness.

It's really too bad that the taste doesn't quite live up to the smell, although that's not to say it tastes bad. I got muted fruit, and mostly sweetness.

Medium body, light carbonation. Pretty easy drinking, just left wanting slightly more from the beer than it gave me.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2010 16:21:33 | More by Chizoad

HalfFull

California

3.58/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass. Pours a slightly hazy deep pale straw in color and sports a thin hard fought cap of foam. Retention is bit brief.

Nose or wheat and barley with a touch of lemony hop. Yeast notes expand with warming to offer a touch of funk and light pear notes.

Flavor carries forward the wheat influence and is somewhat sweet of lemon, particularly given the light carbonation which seems at odds to the rest of the six pack. Offers a smooth feel and finish with a nice touch of spice on the close and a long citric finish.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2010 06:44:48 | More by HalfFull

mfavoino

Washington

3.58/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Bright gold with a hazy appearance. Tiny head and not much lacing.

Smell: Banana, appealing yeast, and light lemon aromas. Smells fresh and light.

Taste: Big banana flavor and a strong wheat bill. Yeast flavor is subdued, yet still noticeable. Not much else grabbing my attention.

Mouthfeel: Light and soft with medium carbonation and a smooth finish. Minimal bitterness.

Overall: Straightforward wheat beer that doesn't have much to distinguish itself from others within the style.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2012 05:18:06 | More by mfavoino

corby112

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Draft at The Wurst Place in Seattle, WA.

Pours a hazy golden orange color with a two finger frothy white head that slowly settles into a lasting ring. Spotty lacing left behind.

Sweet, slightly earthy aroma with prominent grassy hops along with tropical/citrus fruit notes, bready yeast and pale malt.  There's also some biscuity malt countering the grassy pine and citrus.  

Medium bodied but fuller than expected with a balance of earthy hops, tart yeast and light fruit.  Tight carbonation with spicy coriander and clove followed by lemon rind, bread and pale malts. Dry, tart finish.

Serving type: on-tap

08-08-2012 00:35:27 | More by corby112

VWBuggirl

South Carolina

3.6/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is a golden cloudy color with a slight head and a little lacing. The scent is very citrusy, mainly lemon and oranges, but the wheat is present.

The taste is pretty typical of a wheat ale. There is a little bit of a bite at the end which is nice and it is also quite smooth.

This is great on a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2010 04:17:45 | More by VWBuggirl

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.6/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Hazy copper in color, with a big white head that fades rapidly. No lacing.

Smells of faint metal and orange.

Tastes citrus sweet, with a slight grainy quality. It's actually rather tasty and refreshing.

This is close to medium bodied, with a slight creaminess. It's very pleasant.

Above average drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2010 02:58:26 | More by EgadBananas

barleywinefiend

Washington

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a cloudy yellow with good carbonation and a nice white head. Nose is light wheat, banana and citrus. Taste is some citrus, banana and clove. Mouthfeel is lighter bodied with clove, banana and some wheat. Drinkability is good. Would drink again but not to seek out.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2010 04:45:03 | More by barleywinefiend

searsclone

Arizona

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

poured into a pint glass, butterscotch yellow with yeast floaters and a decent head and lace

smells bready and a little spicy

tastes bready, malty, and a little smokey and a mild sweet finish

mouthfeel is somewhat thick with a mild carbonation

drinkability is high, not my favorite wheat beer, but definitely one I will have again.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2010 02:06:24 | More by searsclone

beertunes

Washington

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into 10oz glass. Poured a lightly cloudy, light gold color with a tall, white head that had good retention and light lacing.

A mild wheat scent blends with a bit of hops and some malt. On the tongue the wheat is less noticeable, with the hops being a bit more prominent.

The body is smooth, crisp and well-rounded. Drinkability was very nice, it went down easily and left me wanting another one. Another fine brew from a fine brewery.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2010 21:16:25 | More by beertunes

flexabull

California

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From notes.

Pours a bright gold color with a faint white head.

Nose has a pretty strong honey presence. There are also some cream, and hard candies in there as well.

Taste is creamy, sweet, with that hard candy aspect also there in flavors. The beer has a definite thick feel, honey like, with a citrus lemon like zing on the finish.

Mouthfeel is pretty good. Nice and thick, smooth too.

Drinkability is good. A nice refreshing beverage. Strikes me as being a good gateway to craft beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2010 19:28:22 | More by flexabull

dgilks

Australia

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Hazy, pale gold colour with a small, shortlasted white head. Fine.

Clear, orangey, witbier yeast. Nice balance. Soft. Slightly frainy.

A touch sweet. Wheaty. Mld fruitiness. A decent witbeir but not as good as the aroma.

Meidum body with moderate carbonation. Decent.

A solid if unexceptional witbier. Fine.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2011 21:42:52 | More by dgilks

Gavage

New Jersey

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: hazy orange yellow with a short wispy head.

Smell: yeast and some citrus tones come through to the nose.

Taste: mild malt profile with some grassiness, a bit of pepper, lemon zest, and an overall earthy quality. Bitterness is mild.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer. Very crisp throughout and mildly refreshing.

Overall: an easy to consume beer. This one is not overly exciting either, but drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2011 15:40:59 | More by Gavage

srandycarter

California

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Cloudy straw, near white head, lots of lace. Looks inviting.

S - Sharp, a little bite, a little funk. Malt way in the background.

T - Taste pretty close to smell, but not as inviting overall. Getting wet paper in the end.

M - Medium to light, good carb, don't really love the finish or balance.

D - Extra cold on a hot day, not too bad, I would bet!

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2012 23:19:22 | More by srandycarter

LeeryLeprechaun

Colorado

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Straw yellow with a fluffy white head that sits atop the beer. Some haze from the yeast in the bottom of the beer.

Aroma is of wheat and clove mostly. There is a little frutiness but it is mostly in the background.

The taste is mostly of bread and wheat. Very typical wheat beer flavors. Nice finish that is balanced towards sweetness over bitterness.

Mouthfeel is full and body is medium.

Overall this is a typical wheat beer. It is technically flawless but it does not jump out as anything amazing. That being said the beer is very refreshing and rather enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 01:40:15 | More by LeeryLeprechaun

Zorro

California

3.68/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A new arrival at the local best beer store. When I bought this I expected it to be some sort of wheat beer. I was pleasantly pleased to see it is actually a Saison.

The bottle says "Craftily Unfiltered Ale" and it shows this. Cloudy burnt orange colored ale with a small white head.

The scent at first is peaches and vanilla, the vanilla comes from the Burton Union oak brewing system they use. There is a slight citrus scent here mostly lemon. There might be some coriander in this but I can't for sure id it in this one. Lastly there is some banana and cloves to this so it is sort of a wheat beer.6

Starts out sour and since I haven't been eating candy this must be from how dry the beer is. There is some sweetness here but it takes quite a while to show.

Mouthfeel is good.

Drinkability is OK. This is a sort of weird beer that doesn't really have a style. I would have preferred a saison and a wheat beer as separate beers.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2010 01:31:38 | More by Zorro