Firestone Walker Releases Leo v. Ursus : Adversus
(Paso Robles, CA) – Combining the aggression of North American hops with the tranquility of traditional pilsner malts, the next release in Firestone Walker’s Leo v. Ursus Chronology achieves the improbable: a big, bold beer made for summertime sipping.
Adversus—an unfiltered double IPA—is set to be unveiled at all Firestone Walker locations this Saturday, and will roll into Firestone Walker’s national markets for a limited time starting next week.
“We’ve always wanted to use a light European-style pilsner malt for brewing an IPA, and this was our opportunity,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “Some of the more delicate malt nuances might be lost because we are hopping the bejusus out of this beer, but the pilsner malt still provides a certain palate levity that is fitting for the summer season.”
Adversus marks the second release in the Leo v. Ursus Chronology that was launched in late February. The chronology is composed of limited one-off beers released on a quarterly basis. Adversus will land in different Firestone Walker markets at variable times this June in both draft and 16-ounce can (four-pack) formats. It will be available for a short period before yielding to the next release in the Leo. v. Ursus Chronology.
High and Dry
“Adversus is high on aromatics, balanced in bitterness and relatively light in color owing to the pilsner malts,” Brynildson said.
Adversus is prodigiously dry hopped with a blend of Pacific Northwest hops, with an emphasis on Ekuanot—creating an intriguing aroma profile of stone fruit, pineapple, mango and pine resin. There is also a pungent element that creates a suggestion of, in Brynildson’s words, “dank piña colada.”
The hoppy character is balanced on the palate with a sense of dryness rooted in pilsner malts from Gambrinus Malting, a small malt house in British Columbia managed by Matthias Haaben.
“For me, it’s the most authentic pilsner malt malted in North America,” Brynildson said. “Matthias is a classic German brewing school graduate, and everything they do is very artisanal in style and method.”
He added, “The touch of dryness is what distinguishes Adversus. From the nose, you might expect something stickier, but instead you get this soft, refreshing finish.”
Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering regional craft brewery founded in 1996 and located on the coast of California. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. For more information: FirestoneBeer.com.
