“XPA is the number one craft beer style in Australia and it’s something we’re excited to champion it here in the U.S.," said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. "The appeal of XPAs is obvious--they offer everything you love in a good pale ale at a crushable ABV. We fell in love with the style during our travels to hop farms across Australia and New Zealand and we were inspired to make our own."

The vanilla beans come from Cook Flavorings, a renowned third-generation purveyor of fine vanilla and spices, located in Firestone Walker’s hometown of Paso Robles. Third-generation vanilla purveyor Josephine Lochhead educated the brewing team on all things vanilla and steered them to cured Madagascar-grown beans that were perfect for incorporating into a seasonal stout.