The European Beer Star 2024, one of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions, crowned Firestone Walker Brewing Company as its top performer, solidifying the California-based brewery's reputation as a leader in the craft beer industry. Competing against 2,360 entries from 50 countries, Firestone Walker walked away with three gold medals and one silver, earning it the title of the most successful brewery of the year.
Award-Winning Brews
Firestone Walker’s standout performance included medals in highly competitive categories:
Gold - Firestone IPA (New-Style Pale Ales): A quintessential Californian brew, this IPA dazzles with its bright, hoppy, and balanced profile.
Gold - Framboise (Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers): A complex, tart masterpiece that redefines the use of fruit in beer.
Gold - Antwerp Calling (Belgian-Style Tripels): A smooth and robust homage to Belgian brewing traditions.
Bronze - DBA (Double Barrel Ale, English-Style Bitters): The brewery’s flagship ale continues to charm with its malty and toasty notes.
Global Recognition
Hosted at the BrauBeviale trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, the European Beer Star 2024 honored breweries from across the globe. Firestone Walker’s triumph marked a significant milestone for American craft beer, showcasing the innovation and quality driving the industry. The competition, judged by a panel of seasoned professionals, assessed beers across 75 categories, celebrating both traditional brewing roots and cutting-edge creativity.
A Competitive Podium
Following Firestone Walker, Brauerei S. Riegele from Augsburg, Germany, claimed the second spot with two gold and two silver medals, reflecting its mastery of traditional German brewing techniques. In third place, Privatbrauerei Zwettl from Austria secured its position with an impressive showing, including a gold medal in the competitive "German-Style Pilsner" category, emphasizing its reputation for brewing excellence in classic styles.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its founding in Paso Robles, California, in 1996, Firestone Walker has been at the forefront of the craft beer movement. Known for its pioneering barrel-aging program and impeccable IPAs, the brewery has consistently raised the bar for American beer. Its recent performance at the European Beer Star reinforces its commitment to excellence and innovation.
This isn’t Firestone Walker’s first international accolade. The brewery’s partnership with Belgium’s Duvel Moortgat Brewery which took a majority share in the company in 2015 has further enhanced its global footprint. Founders David Walker and Adam Firestone remain actively involved, with Walker serving as CEO and Firestone as a board member.
Looking Ahead
Firestone Walker’s victory at the European Beer Star 2024 is a testament to its world-class craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of quality. As a beacon of California’s brewing scene, Firestone Walker continues to inspire and innovate, proving that American craft beer belongs on the global stage.
