West Coast Brew: 805

While I enjoy exploring the many different flavors and sub genres of beer that have dominated during the craft brew renaissance we find ourselves in, I need a basic go-to beer to bring me back to earth and cleanse my pallet. The “trunk” of my beer drinking tree from which everything else branches out. Think, something your grandpa would drink. Usually, this beer comes in the form of a lager, ale, or pilsner. Light, crisp, easily accessible and genuinely thirst quenching while still delivering a buzz. A beer that you would want to down multiples of during a hot afternoon on the golf course or at the beach. On my 2+ year quest to find a California brew that meets this requirement, I believe I have found my true match in 805 by Firestone Walker Brewery. Brewery: Firestone Walker, Paso Robles, CA Style: Blonde Ale ABV: 4.7% Taste Profile: Subtle malt sweetness with just a touch of hops, very clean finish. ​ Will the taste blow you away? No, probably not. But it’s sold basically everywhere in Central and Northern California and when I have no idea what I want or just want something basic, I find myself reaching for 805 more often than not, and am never disappointed.