332b. Firestone Walker Solace

This is our second beer from Firestone Walker (well, third if you count Nectar IPA, which I don’t, because I am beer company purist, and that’s how we roll)—the last one was Union Jack IPA. And I still assert that the bear is gonna kick the crap out of that lion—I know Elli won’t buy it, but I can see it happening.

Described on the label as a “craftily unfiltered ale,” Solace pours a hazy gold with a light creamy white head and small tight carbonation. The nose is slightly sharp—there is a bit of a sour tang to it—grainy and husky along with some underlying malt sweetness. The front is soft and lightly creamy on the palate with grainy sweetness and what I’d guess would be some wheat malt flavor; the middle is a bit musty and drying with a bit of a lager-like taste and light bitterness, while the finish has a bit more of the lager character and a mix of light lingering sweetness and a slightly sour flavor. Solace is light bodied with a medium carbonation that rounds more than bites on the palate. Interesting beer, although I am not sure what it is—there was nothing on the label or the package besides the “craftily unfiltered beer” and that this is a Limited Release by Firestone Walker. So I guess I’ll have to let my fingers do the walking to pull up some information on this one.

From the Firestone Walker website: “Firestone Walker presents Solace, an ode to warmer weather in the northern hemisphere. A hint of citrus fruit and clove aroma are followed by tangy dry malt flavor and a silky finish making it an approachable and refreshing session beer. We bring you this beer unfettered, a craftily unfiltered ale full of flavor and perfectly constructed to compliment those lazy warm days ahead. Ideal for washing down fish tacos or other south o’ the border-inspired dishes.”

From Mutineer Magazine: “Firestone Walker Brewing Company has announced the upcoming release of a seasonal beer called Solace. This is the brewery’s first bottled release of a seasonal ale. It is scheduled to debut on April 1st. While Solace is somewhat devoid of style, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson said it will be a sort of unfiltered fusion of a Hefeweizen and a Belgian Saison. Subtle hints of banana and clove aroma, characteristic fruity esters produced by Belgian yeast, merge with a sweet fruit flavor, a medium body and tangy finish to make this beer an ideal sipper for the Spring and Summer seasons.”

ABV: 6.0%
Malts: 2-Row, White Wheat, Toasted Wheat, Munich, Acidulated Malt, Cara-Wheat, & Cara-Foam

Hops: Yakima Valley Willamette & French Strissel Spalt

(5/28/2010)