Matt Brynildson of Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, California.It seems to some that Matt has almost been bred to brew beer. After getting a degree in chemistry in 1993, Matt went to work in Michigan doing research and development on hops for the brewing industry. In 1995, Matt went to the famous Seibel Institute of Brewing Technology to further his education. After brewing for Goose Island in Chicago and then moving to California to work for SLO Brewing, Matt was appointed Small Brewmaster of the Year in 2001. Later that year, he was asked to join the crew at Firestone Walker. Two years later Matt was dubbed Mid-Sized Brewer of the Year at the Great American Beer Fest AND at the World Cup of Beer, for a total of 12 medals in just three years! Since then, Firestone Walker has been gaining a large following in California due in part to it's flagship beer, Double Barrel Ale, which is produced in a Burton Union system that has the beer fermenting in barrels. Firestone Walker Brewing Company is the only brewery in the U.S. to ferment in barrels and one of only two in the world. In addition to the line-up at Firestone Walker, Matt also brews the Nectar Ales line of beers, as well as a few of the Trader Joe's house brands. Learn more at www.firestonebeer.com Don't let the name fool you, this beer is easy on the oak, having been created so that all ingredients blend perfectly with one another, even the oak. In fact, the oak really takes a back seat to the wonderful malt characteristics that this beer presents, which may be hard to imagine once you realize there are 2 ounces of oak in this one! A blend of American and English base malts provide the foundation for this beer. A little Munich, some crystal, and that's it - simple, yet flavorful. Just how we like it. One can easily spend all night drinking this smooth amber ale ... in fact, many of us at MoreBeer! have done just that! The low bitterness ties everything together and makes you remember just how much of a craft brew this beer really is. Estimated Original Gravity:1.049-52SRM (Color Range: 13IBU's: 32-34Estimated Alcohol Percentage: 5% Our recipe kits DO NOT include grain bags or yeast. The recommended yeast(s) can be found below. All grains will come milled unless otherwise requested at the time of purchase.