Paso Robles brewery releases collaboration beer for 2026 beer fest
Release marks part of brewery’s 30th anniversary year
– Firestone Walker and pFriem Family Brewers have released “pFreal,” a West Coast IPA created as the official collaboration beer for the 2026 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest.
The beer is available for a limited time in canned six-packs at Firestone Walker and pFriem locations, as well as on draft at select accounts ahead of the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. The beer fest will feature more than 65 breweries, along with live music and food from more than 20 local chefs and restaurants. The event is part of Firestone Walker’s 30th anniversary year as a California craft brewery.
According to the release, pFreal West Coast IPA has a pale malt body with Mosaic, Nectaron, and Krush Cryo hops contributing aromas and flavors described as peach, tangerine peel, and mango. The beer will also be served during the weekend of the beer fest.
pFriem Family Brewers, based in Hood River, Oregon, was established in 2011 by three founders, including brewmaster Josh Pfriem. Firestone Walker Brewmaster Matt Brynildson said the collaboration reflects a long-standing relationship between the two brewing teams.
“Josh and I were very aligned on brewing philosophies, we’re both technical brewers and fans of sensible IPAs and pilsners,” Brynildson said. “We’ve been friends for a decade, often sharing tips and tricks of the brewing trade, so I would say that this collaboration has been a long time coming.”
Brynildson said the beer is brewed with pFriem’s house yeast and To Thee! Pilsner Malt, a malt developed by Rahr Malting Company in collaboration with pFriem. Firestone Walker brewers also traveled to Washington’s Yakima Valley for hop selection, choosing Mosaic hops grown at Coleman Farms in Oregon, along with Nectaron and Krush Cryo hops.
“The making of this beer was a true team effort with pFriem, one that reflects the collaborative spirit of the fest itself,” Brynildson said.
The event schedule includes the release of the collaboration beer on April 30, a 30th anniversary block party at the brewery on May 29, the invitational beer fest at the Paso Robles Event Center on May 30, and a brunch event at the Firestone Walker Taproom on May 31.
