805 is Firestone Walker’s take on a California blonde ale, and it has grown into one of the most-searched craft beers in the country almost entirely on word of mouth and its laid-back, surf-culture branding. There is no official beer style printed on the can, just “light, refreshing blonde ale,” and that undersells how well-made it actually is.
At a Glance
| Style | American blonde ale |
| ABV | 4.7% |
| Calories | About 141 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | About 15g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, California |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, wheat, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $16.99 for a 12-pack, roughly $1.42 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
805 leans on malt character more than hops, closer in profile to a German Helles lager than a typical American blonde ale.
The full review
805 pours a clear, pale gold with a thin white head that settles fast. The nose is soft and bready, honeyed grain with a whisper of floral hop and a faint note of pear.
On the palate it is smooth and balanced, toasty malt up front with just enough floral hop character to keep it from tasting sweet. The finish is clean and dry, which is exactly what makes it disappear so fast on a hot afternoon.
It is not a complex beer, and it is not trying to be. 805 sits in the same lane as a good Helles lager or a cream ale, built for volume drinking rather than analysis. That simplicity is the whole appeal.
“A blonde ale built to disappear a case of it on a warm afternoon.”, Beer Is My Life
- Smooth, bready malt character with just enough hop balance
- Clean, dry finish that never feels heavy
- Widely available in cans and bottles across the US
- Solid “gateway” beer for lager drinkers moving to craft
- Not much complexity if you want a hop-forward or malt-forward beer
- Can feel plain next to Firestone Walker’s own IPAs and stouts
- Best served very cold, loses character as it warms
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a clean, easy-drinking craft beer for the backyard or the beach without hop bitterness getting in the way. If you like this style, check out our guide to the best lager beers for more like it.
Where to buy 805
805 is sold at most grocery stores, liquor stores and on delivery apps across the US. Use the button above to check availability and pricing near you.
FAQs
What does 805 beer taste like?
Smooth and bready, with honeyed malt sweetness, a whisper of floral hops and a clean, dry finish. It is closer to a Helles lager than a typical hoppy blonde ale.
How much alcohol is in 805?
805 has an ABV of 4.7%.
Is 805 gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
What does the name 805 mean?
805 is the area code for California’s Central Coast, near Firestone Walker’s home in Paso Robles, and the beer leans into that laid-back regional branding.
Where is 805 made?
It is brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California, part of the Duvel Moortgat portfolio.
How many calories are in 805?
About 141 calories per 12 fl oz.
Browse our other beer reviews and guides for more easy-drinking options.
