Firestone Walker 805 12Pk Cans is a 12-pack of the California blonde ale brewed by Firestone Walker at 4.7% ABV, featuring locally sourced buckwheat honey. Scoring 96/100 from Craft Beer & Brewing, this light-bodied ale has become one of the Central Coast's defining beers since its development from the Paso Robles taproom's original honey blonde recipe.Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7% | Origin: Paso Robles, California | Style: Blonde Ale | Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Co.Production & HeritageFirestone Walker Brewing Co. operates out of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast — the "805" name itself references the region's area code. The beer started life as a honey blonde ale poured exclusively in the taproom before the recipe was refined into the standalone brand it is today. All brewing water at Firestone Walker undergoes reverse osmosis filtration and is then rebuilt with calcium to reach 100 ppm, ensuring consistent yeast health and a clean, mineral-balanced foundation. California-produced buckwheat honey is incorporated into the grain bill, adding a subtle sweetness that distinguishes 805 from standard blonde ales.Tasting NotesAroma: Sweet corn and light honey lead the nose, followed by gentle earthy hop character. The overall impression is understated and inviting, without any aggressive hop punch.Taste: The entry is soft and lightly malty with a touch of honey sweetness from the buckwheat addition. Mid-palate brings a balanced interplay between restrained malt sweetness and a subtle hop bitterness that keeps the beer from veering too sweet. The mouthfeel is notably smooth and creamy for a beer this light.Finish: Clean and quick-fading, with a faint sweetness that lingers just long enough before dropping off. There is no lingering bitterness or heaviness — it simply resets the palate.How to Drink 805Straight from a chilled can is the intended experience — this is a beer designed for warm-weather sessions and uncomplicated enjoyment. Pouring into a pilsner glass will open up the honey and malt aromas if you want a fuller sensory read. A Shandy works well here, as 805's honey sweetness pairs naturally with fresh lemonade. A Radler with grapefruit juice amplifies the beer's crisp finish. For a twist on a Michelada, the clean malt profile lets the tomato, lime, and hot sauce shine without competing bitterness.Best For Backyard barbecues and outdoor cookouts where easy-drinking beer is essential Stocking a cooler for beach days or camping trips along the California coast Introducing craft beer to friends who typically drink light lagers Watching a full day of sports without palate fatigue Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does 805 taste like? Firestone Walker 805 delivers a light, malty sweetness lifted by California buckwheat honey, balanced by restrained earthy hops and a clean, quick finish. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy despite its low 4.7% ABV.How does 805 compare to Blue Moon? Blue Moon Belgian White is a wheat beer brewed with orange peel and coriander, giving it a distinctly citrusy, spiced character, while 805 is a blonde ale with honey sweetness and no fruit or spice additions. At 4.7% ABV versus Blue Moon's 5.4%, 805 is lighter-bodied and less complex, making it a more straightforward session beer.Is 805 good for beginners? Yes — its low bitterness, gentle sweetness, and clean finish make it one of the most approachable craft beers available. Drinkers transitioning from mass-market light lagers will find familiar territory here with noticeably better flavor.Where is 805 made? Firestone Walker 805 is brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, California, on the state's Central Coast. The 805 name is a direct reference to the area code covering the Central Coast region.What foods pair well with 805? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the beer's light honey sweetness without overwhelming it. Mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses mirror the soft malt character. Fresh ceviche or shrimp cocktail works well alongside the clean finish. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the beer's brightness, and wood-fired pizza with a simple margherita topping is a reliable everyday pairing.What sizes does 805 come in? This listing is for a 12-pack of cans; Firestone Walker 805 is also commonly available in 6-packs and single cans in standard 12 oz format, as well as 19.2 oz single-serve cans.Is 805 worth the price? Firestone Walker 805 positions as an entry-level craft beer priced competitively against other widely distributed blonde ales and wheat beers. Its 96/100 score from Craft Beer & Brewing suggests strong quality relative to its accessible price tier, making the 12-pack a solid value for session drinking.Why 805?What separates 805 from the crowded field of easy-drinking craft blondes is the buckwheat honey addition and Firestone Walker's meticulous water treatment process, which strips the brewing water to a blank slate via reverse osmosis before rebuilding it for optimal fermentation. That attention to process shows up in the glass — the beer is remarkably clean with no off-flavors or rough edges. A 96/100 rating from Craft Beer & Brewing validates what Central Coast locals discovered in the taproom years ago: this is a deceptively simple beer made with serious brewing discipline. For a 4.7% ABV blonde ale meant to be consumed by the cooler-full, 805 delivers more character and consistency than its laid-back reputation might suggest.
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