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Firestone Walker Barrelworks
620 McMurray Rd
Buellton, California, 93427-2511
United States
(805) 350-7385 | map
firestonebeer.com
Beers are listed at the original location:
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2210/
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Ratings by UCLABrewN84:
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California
4.23/5 rDev -9.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
4.23/5 rDev -9.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
Barrelworks is an absolute must if you are in the area. This is your one stop shop to try all of Firestone Walker's experimental, sour, and barrel aged beers. They always have interesting and rare beers on tap. They only offer tasters of these beers, so no full pours of anything. They have a fridge with various sour and barrel aged beers to go, including vintage bottles that can honestly be quite expensive. The actual tasting room itself is quite small, but you can wander in the barrel warehouse and spy all the beers that are being aged. Service is pretty good, but expect to wait in line for a while to get pours when they are busy.
Jun 23, 2015More User Ratings:
Rated by BillyTheKid from California
4.83/5 rDev +3.2%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
4.83/5 rDev +3.2%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
This is a great spot for food and for a massive selection of the Firestone Barrelworks collection.
Jan 12, 2018Reviewed by shoegueuze from California
4.57/5 rDev -2.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75
4.57/5 rDev -2.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75
Great little taproom and restaurant! I'm including the restaurant too because they're adjoined. The beertenders are told to be super friendly and helpful and it shows. Mine was to the point of being annoying (in a nice way.) There was a decent number of bottles available to go and the selection on draught was also quite extensive including some verts of diff batches. Food next door was quite nice too.
Feb 28, 2017Reviewed by PlatonicOtterLuv from Minnesota
4.86/5 rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5
4.86/5 rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This is simply an exceptional little tasting room and "wild" aging facility attached to their Buellton Taproom. Incredible, albeit quite expensive, tap list is split about 50/50 between wilds and barrel-aged vintages (most are $1+ per ounce). Very short bar at the front of the room, with tables and stools of repurposed barrel staves and iron about the rest of the room. Slick and scientific (!) infographics on barrel aging adorn the walls in here. Glass double doors at the rear invite you into the cool, dimly lit "wild" barrel aging facility, complete with larger than life tapestries and Baroque chandeliers.
The staff was incredibly helpful, asking just frequently enough if we had questions, needed more tasters, or if we wanted to chat about their beer or process. One gent in particular was insanely passionate and knowledgable about virtually their entire offering, great talking with him.
As an out-of-stater, I can't understate how pleased we were that they had so many of their heralded nectars on tap. I love how you can only get 3oz snifters each go, a setup that beckons you to try different styles and vintages. Beside, where else can a guy and his wife share Parabola, Sucaba, Rye Double, Stickee Monkey and Helldorado without having to line up in advance in a crowded bar? Just an incredible and easy going experience.
As others have said, they have a cooler with a solid selection of barrel aged and/or wild bottles to go. They also seem to have a different merch selection here than they do 50 yards away in the Taproom, and some of it was on clearance which was sweet.
If we're ever back in central California, we will make it a point to swing in here again!
Oct 01, 2016The staff was incredibly helpful, asking just frequently enough if we had questions, needed more tasters, or if we wanted to chat about their beer or process. One gent in particular was insanely passionate and knowledgable about virtually their entire offering, great talking with him.
As an out-of-stater, I can't understate how pleased we were that they had so many of their heralded nectars on tap. I love how you can only get 3oz snifters each go, a setup that beckons you to try different styles and vintages. Beside, where else can a guy and his wife share Parabola, Sucaba, Rye Double, Stickee Monkey and Helldorado without having to line up in advance in a crowded bar? Just an incredible and easy going experience.
As others have said, they have a cooler with a solid selection of barrel aged and/or wild bottles to go. They also seem to have a different merch selection here than they do 50 yards away in the Taproom, and some of it was on clearance which was sweet.
If we're ever back in central California, we will make it a point to swing in here again!
Reviewed by Lingenbrau from Oregon
4.41/5 rDev -5.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
4.41/5 rDev -5.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
This place is beautiful, and I have been going here for a long time (well before Barrelworks installment which was a huge plus). I love FW, but have always felt the service here isn't the best, and sadly, the to-go section has gone slightly down hill (probably because of increased popularity over the years). Not to mention the ridiculous prices of some of their past offerings. The food is great, the beer is world class, so hey, I still love this place and will continue to stop by every time I travel north. Cheers!
May 30, 2016Reviewed by OnePuttBlunder from Arizona
3.16/5 rDev -32.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4
3.16/5 rDev -32.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4
Visited 04/16 on our way up to the Paso Robles Location. I was looking forward to this stop the most on our weekend trip from AZ. Sadly it was the most disappointing brewery stop of the 3 we made. Service was awful from the main bar and Barrelworks bar staff. I was not greeted until after my fiance had time to go to the restroom and come back. Was not presented a tap list just asked rudely what I wanted. I abandoned our two bar stools and tried my luck on the barrelworks side.
On the barrelworks side the staff did not seem interested in our visit or being helpful I ordered a taster of Parabola and paid for a couple bottles we grabbed out of the cooler. Had to wait around after paying to ask for a bag for our beers. Was told no more Parabola bottles.
Decided to grab a quick appetizer of the 3 servers we experienced our waitress was the best of the 3. After eating my fiance decided she wanted a tank top after a long wait with no help from the main bar (not very busy) she tried to go over to the barrelworks bar to pay. I am glad she did because now the beer they were out of was mysteriously in the cooler, and we were able to grab a Parabola each. So the one plus of the poor service and us having to wait around we were able to get the bottles we wanted.
I was really looking forward to being here for a couple hours and to try some of the stuff the had on the amazing barrelworks list. Sadly we were maybe there for 45 minutes and hit the road hoping Paso would be better. After an amazing night at The Bruery taproom this was a huge letdown.
Apr 20, 2016On the barrelworks side the staff did not seem interested in our visit or being helpful I ordered a taster of Parabola and paid for a couple bottles we grabbed out of the cooler. Had to wait around after paying to ask for a bag for our beers. Was told no more Parabola bottles.
Decided to grab a quick appetizer of the 3 servers we experienced our waitress was the best of the 3. After eating my fiance decided she wanted a tank top after a long wait with no help from the main bar (not very busy) she tried to go over to the barrelworks bar to pay. I am glad she did because now the beer they were out of was mysteriously in the cooler, and we were able to grab a Parabola each. So the one plus of the poor service and us having to wait around we were able to get the bottles we wanted.
I was really looking forward to being here for a couple hours and to try some of the stuff the had on the amazing barrelworks list. Sadly we were maybe there for 45 minutes and hit the road hoping Paso would be better. After an amazing night at The Bruery taproom this was a huge letdown.
Reviewed by ONovoMexicano from New Mexico
4.37/5 rDev -6.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
4.37/5 rDev -6.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
Awesome selection when I was in. Barrel-aged beers, wild ales, and on and on. I wanted to drink everything but unfortunately there weren't flights available. No tall pours either unfortunately, as I would have loved to get a big boy pour of their Hydra Cuvee, 19th Anniversary or Parabola.
Actually, I wanted big boy pours of the wild ales too which were all highly impressive. They did have some of the wild ales for to-go bottle sales, but I didn't have the same luck finding any Barrel-aged stuff to-go.
Service was friendly and the gal serving very attentive and polite and knowledgeable.
It's also nice having the restaurant next door although it would be even cooler if the food was good and if one could order a beer in Barrelworks to drink at the restaurant.
Apr 12, 2016Actually, I wanted big boy pours of the wild ales too which were all highly impressive. They did have some of the wild ales for to-go bottle sales, but I didn't have the same luck finding any Barrel-aged stuff to-go.
Service was friendly and the gal serving very attentive and polite and knowledgeable.
It's also nice having the restaurant next door although it would be even cooler if the food was good and if one could order a beer in Barrelworks to drink at the restaurant.
Reviewed by BillRoth from Maryland
4.64/5 rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
4.64/5 rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Fantastic pub inside a larger beer bar/ restaurant. Plenty for the everyday craft lover...and even more for those looking for something extraordinary.
First...the people were awesome. People in larger facility were upbeat and friendly...very helpful. Ryan, Melissa and Bo in the Barrel Works bar were over the top. Super knowledge; super nice and super special going above and beyond.
Next...so many interesting and delicious tart beers. Too much fun. Then the big beers blow you away...literally. One offs; vertical 3 years of Parabola; XIX and Sucaba 16?; even more??? Beer menu has extraordinarily well written descriptions of the beer (accompanied by great insider back stories and details from the bar team.
Had been looking forward to this prior to my traveling from East Coast, and was way more than satisfied. This was drinking with the Pros...and drinking world class brewing. Who would have ever thought Buellton, CA would be a beer (not wine) destination? When they do "Sideways II" ...Paul Giamatti will be coming here!
Great job guys...you make this pretty special.
Apr 11, 2016First...the people were awesome. People in larger facility were upbeat and friendly...very helpful. Ryan, Melissa and Bo in the Barrel Works bar were over the top. Super knowledge; super nice and super special going above and beyond.
Next...so many interesting and delicious tart beers. Too much fun. Then the big beers blow you away...literally. One offs; vertical 3 years of Parabola; XIX and Sucaba 16?; even more??? Beer menu has extraordinarily well written descriptions of the beer (accompanied by great insider back stories and details from the bar team.
Had been looking forward to this prior to my traveling from East Coast, and was way more than satisfied. This was drinking with the Pros...and drinking world class brewing. Who would have ever thought Buellton, CA would be a beer (not wine) destination? When they do "Sideways II" ...Paul Giamatti will be coming here!
Great job guys...you make this pretty special.
Reviewed by Intlpostman from California
5/5 rDev +6.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
5/5 rDev +6.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
One of my favorite tasting rooms. The staff is Great and the selection of barrel beers from wild/sour to barleywine/stouts is on a level few others can match.
Feb 29, 2016Reviewed by SDRedDevil from California
4.65/5 rDev -0.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 5
4.65/5 rDev -0.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 5
Stopped in for some tasters in the Barrelworks tasting room. Cool vibe all around with racks and racks of barrels in the back. Best part was walking around the cool room on a warm day and looking and what beers were in which barrels. Oh yea and the tasting selection options are incredible, SLOambic and Parabajava were the two best...
Feb 17, 2016Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada
4.3/5 rDev -8.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
4.3/5 rDev -8.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Has the industrial blue collar workin' agrarian craftsman kind of vibe going for it. The vintage pricings are funny. But ultimately, its definitely a nic e date place.
The quality of the brews and food is excellent. A real nice place with many inspirations found in Chico. The actual barrel rooms are quite a treat as well. Definitely recommend doing the whole song and dance. Eat at the restaurant, drink at the bar, drink at the barrel room bar, tour the barrel room, just take a walk through the whole campus, make a half day or more out of it.
Dec 28, 2015The quality of the brews and food is excellent. A real nice place with many inspirations found in Chico. The actual barrel rooms are quite a treat as well. Definitely recommend doing the whole song and dance. Eat at the restaurant, drink at the bar, drink at the barrel room bar, tour the barrel room, just take a walk through the whole campus, make a half day or more out of it.
Reviewed by gcasher from Pennsylvania
4.45/5 rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75
4.45/5 rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75
Found in the back if the taproom, ask for directions. Feel free to walk through the dark cool warehouse filled with barrels that smell so good. Fantastic selection of FW beers on tap and in bottles in the fridge. Definitely worth the drive.
Dec 23, 2015Reviewed by ESCO138 from California
4.72/5 rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
4.72/5 rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
Great design for this building, could have had more places to sit, but the staff were very helpful and the taplist was incredible. Didn't try the foods but I heard it was great.
Aug 06, 2015Rated by Suds_With_Buds from California
5/5 rDev +6.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
5/5 rDev +6.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Beer heaven, pretty much. I could spend days here.
Jul 07, 2015
Firestone Walker Barrelworks in Buellton, CA
Place rating:
0 out of
5 with
64 ratings
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