While widely marketed and perceived as an IPA, Firestone Walker’s 805 IPA is not a traditional IPA in the classic sense. It is intentionally crafted to be a much lighter, more approachable, and less hop-forward beer that blurs the lines between a pale ale and a very mild IPA, prioritizing drinkability and broad appeal over the characteristic bitterness and aroma expected from the style.
Understanding what 805 IPA is requires a look at its origins and the evolving beer market. Firestone Walker, a renowned California brewery, created 805 to capture a wider audience, particularly those who might find traditional IPAs too intense. The name ‘805’ refers to the area code of California’s Central Coast, where the brewery is located, emphasizing its local roots and laid-back ethos. This beer represents a significant departure from the bold, hop-driven profiles that define the IPA category for many craft enthusiasts, opting instead for a smooth, refreshing experience with just a hint of hop character.
What Defines an IPA, and Where Does 805 IPA Fit?
To properly evaluate 805 IPA, we first need to establish what an India Pale Ale (IPA) generally entails. Historically, IPAs were heavily hopped beers designed to survive long sea voyages from England to India. This meant a significant hop presence, contributing both bitterness (measured in International Bitterness Units or IBUs) and aromatic complexity. Modern IPAs, while varied, typically maintain this hop-forward identity. They often feature prominent notes of citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or floral aromas, backed by a strong bitter finish that cleanses the palate.
The Brewers Association, a leading trade group for craft brewers, defines the American IPA style as having a medium gold to copper color, moderate to strong hop aroma, medium-high to high hop bitterness, and a medium body. Typical IBUs range from 40 to 70+, and alcohol by volume (ABV) often sits between 6.3% and 7.5% or higher for stronger variations. These are not rigid rules, but rather common benchmarks that help classify a beer within the style.
805 IPA, by contrast, registers a much lower IBU count, often quoted in the mid-20s. Its ABV is also moderate, typically around 4.7%. The hop character is present but subdued, offering subtle citrus and floral notes without the assertive bitterness or pungent aroma that defines most IPAs. It has a lighter body and a crisp finish, designed for easy drinking rather than a complex hop exploration. This profile places it closer to a session IPA or even a highly hopped American Pale Ale, but it lacks the characteristic punch that defines the broader IPA category.
The Intent Behind 805 IPA’s Creation
Firestone Walker didn’t stumble into 805 IPA’s profile; it was a deliberate choice. The brewery recognized a market segment that appreciated craft beer quality but was intimidated by the often-extreme profiles of many IPAs. They aimed to create a beer that was accessible, refreshing, and consistently enjoyable for a wide range of palates, not just hop-heads. This strategy has proven immensely successful, making 805 one of California’s best-selling craft beers.
The brewing process for 805 IPA focuses on achieving this balance. While specific hop varieties aren’t always disclosed, the emphasis is on those that contribute aroma and flavor without excessive bitterness. The malt bill is also kept relatively light, providing a clean canvas for the subtle hop character and a crisp mouthfeel. This intentional crafting highlights a trend in the craft beer industry: creating ‘gateway’ beers that introduce new drinkers to the craft world without overwhelming them.
What Other Articles Get Wrong About 805 IPA
Many articles about 805 IPA fall into one of two traps: either they uncritically accept its ‘IPA’ label, or they dismiss it entirely as not being an IPA, without explaining the nuance. The common mistake is to view beer styles as rigid, immutable categories. The truth is far more fluid, especially in craft beer. Simply saying “it’s not an IPA” misses the point of why it was brewed and its place in the market.
What’s often overlooked is the strategic genius behind its branding. Firestone Walker understood that the term ‘IPA’ carries a certain cachet and recognition, even if the beer itself doesn’t conform to every stylistic parameter. By calling it an IPA, they invited drinkers who might not typically reach for a “blonde ale” or “pale ale” to try something that feels familiar yet is significantly different from many other IPAs. This isn’t about deception; it’s about market positioning and creating a unique product that appeals to a broad demographic, a lesson that can even be applied to understanding how other iconic craft beers establish their identity, such as the distinct flavor profile of Panhead IPA.
Another common misconception is to judge 805 IPA solely against extreme examples of the IPA style. Comparing it to a double IPA or a West Coast IPA with 80+ IBUs is like comparing a light pilsner to an imperial stout. They serve different purposes and cater to different preferences. The ‘wrong’ approach is to expect 805 IPA to deliver the same hop intensity as other beers labeled IPA without considering its deliberate moderation.
What to Look For When Buying 805 IPA
When you pick up a can or bottle of 805 IPA, understand what you’re getting. Don’t expect a hop bomb. Instead, look for a refreshing, easy-drinking beer that offers:
- Subtle Hop Aroma: Expect mild citrus (lemon, orange zest) and perhaps a hint of floral or grassy notes.
- Clean, Crisp Flavor: The malt profile is understated, allowing the subtle hop character and a clean yeast profile to shine. It won’t be overly sweet or malty.
- Low Bitterness: It has enough bitterness to balance the malt and prevent it from being cloying, but it won’t linger or dominate the palate.
- Light to Medium Body: Very drinkable, with a smooth mouthfeel.
- Freshness: As with any hop-forward (even subtly so) beer, freshness matters. Check the canning or bottling date if available. While 805 isn’t as sensitive to age as a truly hoppy IPA, younger is always better for optimal flavor.
805 IPA pairs exceptionally well with lighter foods like grilled chicken, salads, fish tacos, or even just as a standalone thirst quencher. Its versatility is one of its strengths, making it a good choice for casual gatherings or after outdoor activities.
The Verdict: A Gateway, Not a Gimmick
Our verdict on 805 IPA is clear: it is an outstanding example of a gateway craft beer, expertly crafted for mass appeal and sessionability. For the seasoned hop-head seeking a bitter, aromatic punch, 805 IPA will likely disappoint if approached with traditional IPA expectations. However, for someone looking for a consistently crisp, clean, and subtly hop-kissed beer that is incredibly easy to drink and doesn’t overwhelm the palate, 805 IPA is a superb choice.
It may not be a ‘true’ IPA in the strictest stylistic sense, but its commercial success and widespread popularity prove there’s a significant demand for this type of approachable, well-made beer. Firestone Walker successfully created a beer that serves as an excellent introduction to craft beer flavors without the intensity that can deter new drinkers. It’s a testament to thoughtful brewing and market understanding, proving that not every beer needs to push the boundaries of bitterness or ABV to be a valued part of the craft beer world.
