USA: Firestone Walker takes gold at World Beer Cup

Firestone Walker's champion awards fall under the broad and competitive category of mid-size brewing company, which includes breweries that produce anywhere between 15,000 barrels and 2 million barrels annually.

California brewers led the U.S.'s dominance of the 2006 World Beer Cup, taking 10 percent of all medals and two of five Champion Brewery and Brewmaster awards, according to the Brewers Association, a national trade group.

Brynildson attended the 2006 World Beer Cup which took place in Seattle. The competition is held every two years.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company earned a total of five medals at the 2006 World Beer Cup, including gold medals for its Firestone Pale Ale in the category of American Style Pale Ale and IPA Nectar in the category of American-Style Strong Pale Ale. Only one gold medal was awarded per category.

Firestone Walker Brewing Co. was founded in Santa Barbara County in 1996. The brewery is located in Paso Robles and also operates a restaurant and taproom in Buellton.

14 June, 2006