(Paso Robles, CA) – A peculiar name change but nevertheless, great news out of Paso Robles today.

[8/16 Update: Release is now October 1st.]

Firestone Walker will release another beer in bottles for the first time later this year. Velvet Merkin will finally be available in retail shops albeit under a new name. Here is the scoop from Marketing Manager, Jamie Smith:

“[Velvet Merlin] will be six packs, a limited seasonal (fall/winter) release to slot in place of Solace. (hence the six pack format). We are looking at an October 1 release (subject to change) – everywhere Solace is currently being sold.

The name change…it was a bit internal and partially to avoid issues at the Federal level with label approval. A beer named after an item like a Merkin can be an issue with many who would purchase this beer, so we chose to take the high road and name it after Matt Brynildson (our owners call him Merlin).”

To clarify why Firestone Walker changed the name, a merkin is a “pubic wig, originally worn by prostitutes after shaving their genitalia.” A fun name for beer people to come across at festivals but perhaps not so palatable to a wider audience . . .

Here are the beer stats per Ratebeer: “Aged in Bourbon Barrels Traditional Oatmeal Stout OG= 15P FG=5.5 IBU=32.5 COLOR= BLACK 15% OATS / HOPPED WITH 100% US GROWN FUGGLES.”