Brewmaster Matt Brynildson On Firestone Walker’s First Non-Alcoholic Beer

, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson On Firestone Walker’s First Non-Alcoholic Beer

(Firestone Walker’s Matt Brynildson)

Few brewers command the kind the kind of respect that Firestone Walker’s Matt Brynildson does.

When Firestone Walker co-founders Adam Firestone and David Walker moved their brewing operations to Paso Robles in 2001, they also landed “the perfect brewmaster at the perfect time, and Brynildson’s been guiding the brewery’s brewing directions ever since.

American Craft Beer recently had the opportunity to sit down with Matt, to get his take on the brewery’s first non-alcoholic offering, 8ZERO5, 805’s new buzz-free sibling.

And as always it was an insightful conversation…

ACB: Hey Matt, thanks for taking time for us, we know you’ve been swamped with the launch of the brewery’s first N/A beer ever. How long has 8ZERO5 been in development? And was entering the non-alcoholic sector something you ever thought you’d be doing?

“We have been tinkering with NA offerings in one form or another for a while in our own taprooms. Looking at the European brewing scene, which seems to influence a lot of what we do, we all noticed that just about every brewery has an NA offering.  It’s simply part of a well-rounded portfolio there.

“For one reason or another, it’s just taken a bit longer for it to take root within the U.S. craft community.  We have talked about it over the years but didn’t get serious about it until now.”

, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson On Firestone Walker’s First Non-Alcoholic Beer

(Courtesy Firtestone Walker Brewing)

ACB: We find the continuing success of non-alcoholic craft beers to be surprising. We never expected them to generate the kind of growth they have. Why do you think the N/A sector is so hot right now and how do you see 8ZERO5 it fitting into Firestone Walker’s overall portfolio?

“In terms of the NA sector at large, the interest and growth seem to fit with current trends.  That said, beer persists. I think it’s encouraging that beer drinkers are turning to NA beers when switching gears rather than to non-beer offerings.”

“As for placement, 8ZERO5 fits perfectly into the 805 brand family and was the most logical space for us to put our version of an NA.  It’s not hop forward, it’s most definitely of ale origins and fits comfortably into the 805 world.”

ACB: You’ve traveled the world exploring new hop varietals and different hopping techniques. Europe was first to brew what we’re calling “next generation” non-alcoholic beer, did your peers over there inform your approach to 8ZERO5 in any way?

“Yes, we certainly talked to our European brewing friends who pioneered the techniques and tasted a lot of their NAs while traveling.  There is an incredible amount of creativity and modern approach applied to this space.”

“In the end, we took in a lot of what we learned and did our best to turn out a beer that our European friends as well as our 805 fans would enjoy.”

, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson On Firestone Walker’s First Non-Alcoholic Beer

(Courtesy Firtestone Walker Brewing)

ACB:  One of the main challenges in creating great-tasting N/A beer is preserving the flavors and aromas that define a traditional beer. Any special techniques behind 8ZERO5 you’re willing to share?

“We tasted a lot of NA beers and built one that we would want to drink and that 805 drinkers would like.  We focused on the elements that would keep this offering light on the palate yet interesting.”

“NA beers can be rather worty and heavy or they can taste watery and grainy.  I feel ours is flavorful, playful and refreshing.”

ACB: So what’s next, a N/A Mind Haze or Union Jack?

“Oh let’s see how this beer does out in the real world. I’m happy to have one solid offering in the NA space for now. The goal was to produce a non-alcoholic beer that mirrored everything drinkers know and love in the bestselling 805 Blonde Ale, and I think we nailed it.”

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