Firestone Walker Brings Back Sunglider Golden Lager – Flavor with a Purpose

There’s something special about a brewery that can balance tradition, innovation, and sustainability—and make it all taste good in the glass. That’s exactly what’s happening with the return of Sunglider Golden Lager from Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

This limited spring seasonal isn’t just another easy-drinking lager. Sunglider is part of the brewery’s broader “Brewing for Tomorrow” initiative—a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while supporting West Coast agriculture. And the best part? It does all of that without sacrificing flavor.

A Crisp Lager with California Roots

Sunglider clocks in at 5% ABV and lands squarely in that sweet spot for a warm-weather crusher. It’s light-bodied and refreshing, delivering notes of wildflower honey and water cracker, followed by a crisp, drying finish that keeps you reaching for the next sip.

But what really makes this beer stand out is what’s behind it.

The barley used in Sunglider isn’t just any barley—it’s “Butta-12,” a specialty variety developed by the University of California, Davis. This grain was specifically bred to thrive in California’s Central Valley conditions, making it both locally relevant and agriculturally resilient. The barley is grown around the Sacramento region before heading to Admiral Maltings in Alameda, where it undergoes traditional floor malting.

Floor malting is a labor-intensive, time-honored process that enhances character and texture in the finished beer. It’s old-school craftsmanship meeting modern sustainability goals.

On the hop side, Sunglider features Willamette hops from Goschie Farms—the first U.S. hop farm to earn Salmon-Safe certification. That designation recognizes farms committed to protecting watershed health and wildlife habitats. When you start connecting those dots, this isn’t just a lager—it’s a thoughtfully built supply chain in liquid form.

Brewing for Tomorrow: More Than a Slogan

Sunglider is a tangible example of Firestone Walker’s “Brewing for Tomorrow” initiative, which focuses on a full-circle approach to sustainability.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• A state-of-the-art CO2 recovery system launched in late 2025 that saves four million pounds of emissions annually.

• On-site solar arrays that offset 60% of the brewery’s energy needs—with five more acres of solar panels coming online soon.

• Forty million gallons of processing water treated each year and returned to the local aquifer.

• Twenty million pounds of spent brewing grains recovered annually and fed to local livestock.

That’s not small-scale sustainability marketing—that’s measurable impact.

Brewmaster Matt Brynildson summed it up perfectly by noting that the closer a brewery can source its raw materials—and the more it supports providers doing things the right way—the smaller the footprint of the resulting beer.

A 30-Year Legacy Still Pushing Forward

As Firestone Walker celebrates its 30th anniversary year, it’s impressive to see how the brewery continues evolving. Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, the brewery has grown into one of California’s most recognized craft beer producers.

Under CEO Nick Firestone and Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, the Paso Robles-based operation produces a wide range of acclaimed beers. From 805 Blonde Ale to Mind Haze IPA, Cali Squeeze, DBA, Union Jack, Pivo Pils, and the barrel-aged Parabola series, they’ve built a portfolio that blends innovation with consistency.

They also operate Barrelworks in Santa Barbara County and The Propagator R&D brewhouse in Venice—showing their ongoing commitment to experimentation and creativity.

Sunglider fits perfectly into that story: it’s approachable, thoughtful, and forward-looking.

Where to Find It

Sunglider Golden Lager is available in 6-pack 12oz cans at Firestone Walker’s three brewery locations and at select retailers across their distribution markets. Since it’s a limited seasonal release, it’s one you’ll want to grab while it’s around.

If you’re looking for a crisp spring lager that supports local agriculture, embraces sustainability, and still delivers clean, satisfying flavor—Sunglider might just be the conversation starter your fridge needs.

And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate a beer that not only tastes good but also gives you something meaningful to talk about while you enjoy it.

Cheers 🍺