The 805 Family of beers from Firestone Walker Brewing is a workhorse for the company, accounting for more than 50 percent of the brewery’s production. The mainstay is the 805 Original, a light, easy-drinking blonde ale, named for the 805 telephone area code representing Firestone Walker’s region on the Central Coast of California.

This year, I’ve been receiving samples of beers from Firestone Walker, and that included the two 805 beers—Cerveza, a limited edition brewed with lime for Cinco de Mayo, and the Original in a limited edition Americana can.

805 Cerveza

This limited edition beer brewed with limes is 4.5% ABV, slightly less than the Original, and drinks like a lager even though it is a blonde ale. It was brewed in collaboration with East LA band Tropa Magica, released in time for Cinco de Mayo, and Firestone Walker sent me cans to review.

Appearance: Crystal clear, golden yellow, crisp white head.

Smell: Lime is prominent—both lime juice and the peel (perhaps lime leaf). Pleasant and floral over a crisp graininess, also light and clean.

Taste: Drinks like a lager with a touch of estery character, a squeeze of lime, clean and crisp with a touch of citrus oil and bitterness. A bright, summery note that’s refreshing, while staying simple.

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied and crisp with a dry finish, quite lager-like.

Overall: Tasty, refreshing, good lime character. Enjoyable and super drinkable.

805 Original

The Original is 4.7% ABV with 15 IBUs, first released in 2012 and is currently the best selling beer in California, I believe. These particular cans the brewery sent me represent limited edition Americana cans, designed by illustrator and tattoo artist Thomas Fernandez, as a nod to summer (and I’d assume the Fourth of July).

Appearance: Crystal clear, deep golden color, ample off-white head.

Smell: Lightly grainy, earthy-berry hop aroma, a touch bready or doughy. Light and clean.

Taste: Light and nicely grainy with a touch of hop bitterness. A bit of fruitiness and a nice drinkability that’s a bit lager-like while still comfortably an ale. It’s flavorful yet clean.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light body with a good earthy-clean finish.

Overall: It’s good, nice drinkable, flavorful without feeling too light or lacking.