Firestone Walker Develops Mild Ale for Sports Arena

Firestone Walker Brewing Company and the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, in collaboration with local distributor Valley Wide Beverage Company, have teamed up to launch Firestone Mild Ale, a special low-carbohydrate craft beer that will be served at the center beginning on December 15. Firestone Mild Ale will be the only all-malt craft beer served at the new sports and entertainment arena. “Ovations Food Services, the Save Mart Center’s concessionaire, wanted to offer patrons a flavorful complement and alternative to lighter, mass-produced beers-but they also wanted it to be the same lower alcohol level as the other beers on draft,” said Steve Almaraz, Firestone Walker’s vice president of sales. “Our brewmaster made a special beer that ended up being both lower in alcohol and carbohydrates – but still with a signature Firestone Walker ale flavor.” Crafted by Head Brewer Matt Brynildson, who was named Mid-Size Brewing Company Brewmaster of The Year at the recent 2003 Great American Beer Festival, Firestone Mild Ale is a medium-bodied, full-flavored ale that contains half the calories (99 calories/12 oz) and carbohydrates (5.4 grams/12 oz) found in most craft beers. Its alcohol level of 3.2 percent is also considerably lower than most craft beers. Firestone Mild Ale incorporates East Kent Golding and Cascade hops, as well as Munich, Crystal, English Pale and Chocolate malts. The Save Mart Center is a new multipurpose sports and entertainment facility that hosts the Fresno State University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Fresno Falcons of the West Coast Hockey League. The center will also host events by leading musicians and entertainers such as Toby Keith, Aerosmith, George Lopez, and Stars on Ice.