Firestone Walker Fine Ales is a microbrewery located in Paso Robles, Central California. The company was formed in 1996 by Adam Firestone and David Walker, after developing a patented oak barrel brewing system named "Firestone Union" based on the 19th century Burton Union brewing method. The ale resulting from this method is called Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale. The company was named World Beer Cup Champion Brewery for mid-sized breweries in 2004 and 2006, and their Firestone Pale Ale was named "Best Beer in America" by Men's Journal in 2006. The company is expected to release Union Jack, an India Pale Ale, in early 2008[1]. Firestone Walker also brews Nectar Ales, a company it formally acquired in 2005. Nectar Ales was founded in 1987 by Mario Celotto under the name "Humboldt Brewing Company", and was one of California's first microbreweries. Nectar Ales brewed its beer in Arcata, California until the company reached capacity in 2002 when it formed a partnership with Firestone Walker and moved the majority of its production to Firestone's Paso Robles facilities.
