How to Deconstruct a Beer: Firestone XV Anniversary

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Best Mid-Sized Brewery in America

Firestone Walker Brewing Company, three-time World Beer Cup champion and just named "Mid-Sized Brewery of the Year" at the Great American Beer Festival for an unprecedented third time, is hosting the most innovative event at this year's L.A. Beer Week: "Deconstructed LA." Sean Z. Paxton (aka the Home Brew Chef) will break down the brewery's rarest beer blend into its key components.

Deconstructed will mark the debut of "XV," Firestone Walker's 15th Anniversary Ale. The highly-anticipated annual release is a blend of eight different barrel-aged beers and Paxton, who is a full time chef specializing in beer-food pairings, will incorporate, nay deconstruct, the elements and nuances of all eight beers that make up Firestone XV, then craft matching small dishes to create what should be exceptional beer/food pairings.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Ribs and Beer Pairing

At GABF, which concluded this past weekend, Firestone took home six medals: 3 gold, 2 silver, and a bronze. For the second year in a row, they took home a gold and silver in the American Pale Ale Category, which had a mere 105 entries. They also won gold for their flagship beer, Double Barrel Ale. Their Velvet Merlin repeated as the gold medal winner in the Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer category. Since 2002, Firestone has won 32 medals at GABF, including 15 gold. Not too shabby.

Deconstructed L.A. will be held in the Bardot at the Avalon Theater from 7:00 -10:00 p.m. on October 12. Tickets are $75/person. Admission includes complimentary beer, small food plates, a commemorative glass. Firestone Co-Owner David Walker and Brewmaster Matt Brynildson will host. Tickets are available at www.FWDeconstructed.com.