Firestone Walker is one of those breweries that I had only read about until now. This is because you can only purchase their beer in five west coast states, but none of them are anywhere near Kansas City. And that’s such a shame because this my friends is a beautiful IPA that I love greatly. It’s called the Union Jack IPA and it has seen its fair share of accolades; even though it’s the newest beer from Firestone Walker’s lineup. It’s got everything a hop head wants from an IPA – loads of bright, citrusy, piney hops and nice refreshing finish that you know you’ll be able to drink all night without problems. And similar to the beers brewed by some of its neighbors (Russian River and Lagunitas), this beer does a very nice job of making a very light and drinkable beer explode with flavor. It almost tricks you into thinking it’s really an Imperial IPA. However, at only 7.5% (which by today’s standards is a touch on the lower side), this does not quite fit in that category. Your taste buds will not know this, though. Let me just tell you that this really does deserve all the hype and the inclusion on Draft Magazine’s Top 25 Beers of 2009 list. Hook up with your west coast buddy ASAFP and tell him/her to snag you a couple of these. You won’t be let down. Make sure you drink them soon – but until then “FRIDGE THE HOPS!”
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Liars
Brewery: Firestone Walker
Beer: Union Jack IPA
Style: India Pale Ale
Location: Paso Robles, California
ABV: 7.5%
Rating: 96/100
Posted by Big Mike on March 26, 2010 at 7:06 AM
That beer sounds right up my alley.
Posted by theReaper16 on March 26, 2010 at 9:01 AM
I had a trade a few months ago that involved some of this beer but it fell through. Now I regret not immediately trying to find another trade for this.
Posted by Tim on March 26, 2010 at 4:51 PM
Union Jack is by far my favorite beer. Fortunately, I live in California, so I can get it as often as l like. If anyone ever makes to Paso Robles, Ca… you must stop by the brewery and try their Double Jack. I’m actually have a glass half full as I type
Posted by Jamison Moeckel on April 3, 2010 at 12:58 AM
this beer is fantastic! its crazy that I first tried this a week earlier! such a great IPA to be sure! for me hope stoopid is slightly better but this is like 1 point behind if hop stoopid is a 97 this is a 86!
Draft Mag top 25 its a good list man if you can get them go out and try em!
Posted by Jamison Moeckel on April 3, 2010 at 1:12 AM
sorry for typo I ment 96!!
Posted by Rob Fahrni on April 7, 2010 at 9:43 PM
I’m blessed to live in California, and I was also blessed to discover Union Jack about a year, or so, ago. Union Jack is hands down my favorite beer, I can’t get enough of it.
Highly recommended.
Posted by Big Mike on July 5, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Just started getting FW here in philly and had this one for the first time yesterday. Amazing IPA!
Posted by thehopry on July 9, 2011 at 7:12 AM
Wait until you have a Double Jack…