Session # 133 | Firestone Walker | Double Jack | 9.5% ABV
American Double/Imperial IPA | Paso Robles, California | Rating: 95/100
One year ago: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
Receiving beer from Firestone Walker is always a good experience. Their newly released American Double/Imperial IPA called Double Jack is no exception. The only way to get this beer on the show was to do it the same day it arrived. As you should all be painfully aware by now, the best way to enjoy an IPA is to drink it today. Upon pouring this beautifully clear golden colored beer into my glass it became immediately apparent that it was going to be a good beer. With an off-white head and an aroma that snuck up out of the glass before even putting my nose to it, Double Jack unveiled its West Coast flair. Although there were tons of hops present in this one, it was the overall balance of the beer that made it shine. Pineapple, mango, tangerine, and pine were all present as they should be, and the flavors were practically identical to the aroma. If Double Jack is simply the bigger brother of Union Jack, then I consider this to be a huge success. Knowing that it will soon make its way to my area makes me even giddier with excitement. Add another great one to the list for Firestone Walker.
Check out all sessions of The Hopry here.
This beer can be found in these states.
Listening To: The National “Sorrow”
Let us know your thoughts by rating and commenting on this video.
Posted by jameson on January 19, 2011 at 7:40 AM
agreed, great beer. I was lucky enough to sample it at the brewpub in solvang back in November… and finally got my hands on a couple 22′s!
Posted by Dan on January 19, 2011 at 3:20 PM
I wish I could get some. Maybe someday they will make it to Michigan.
I know that Union Jack uses Warrior for bittering, Cascade and Centenial throughout the rest of the boil, and Cascade, Centenial, Amarillo, and Simcoe for a dry hop. I beleive Double Jack uses the same hops.
Posted by thehopry on January 19, 2011 at 6:31 PM
After this one opened up for a bit the Simcoe definitely came out. I didn’t get much of it early on.
Posted by Louie on January 19, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Awesome. Free samples are great, but free samples of Firestone Walker? Holy Crap! I’m super excited to try this one – love the regular Union Jack.
Posted by thehopry on January 19, 2011 at 6:31 PM
They are one of only a few that do this and they never let me down…
Posted by Benny L on January 19, 2011 at 7:38 PM
Digging the music selection too, could listen to that and Bloodbuzz Ohio all day long haha
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 7:43 AM
Awesome! Thank you! Not many people comment on the music additions so I appreciate the comments…
Posted by Jamison Moeckel on January 19, 2011 at 7:50 PM
Well balanced? remind me not to send my Rye Pale ale to ya, only 200 IBU haha! Anyways I am glad to see you getting some props from one of the best breweries out there. For my 100th beer review I did Parabola and it blew my mind! So please check that out it just got posted on youtube Tantrum777 is my username.
Ya, a great brewery! I will have to check this one out, I will be looking for it now.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I still have the Parabola just sitting on the shelf collecting age. Not sure when I’ll open it, but I’m definitely looking forward to it.
Posted by KevSal on January 20, 2011 at 12:46 AM
I was just reading about this guy today, sweet Jesus you got this guy right off the line! I can’t wait to try it myself. I’m also jacked about their barrel aged barleywine, hope you get one of those bad boys too!
Posted by KevSal on January 20, 2011 at 1:03 AM
also Firestone walker has done tons of stuff away from the FW label. Nectar Ales for one with there mega stout black xantus(which was also part of the blend of fw14) and their hemp ale. also much more discrete but just as good(and wicked cheap) is their Mission Street line brewed specifically for Trader Joes. for 1.99 per bomber of hef, brown or ipa you really can’t go wrong on a small budget. all three have the same distinguishable label shape too if your not sure if it’s a FW product.. you can really see these guys do a TON of great stuff and keep busy.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 7:44 AM
Well the good news is that we have a couple Trader Joe’s opening sometime this year in the Kansas City market. So I’ll have to check out the beer selections…
Posted by Jose on January 22, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Great review Mark.
Cant wait till FW gets to Missouri.
Posted by Travis on April 1, 2011 at 3:57 AM
Firestone Walker is my favorite brewery, and FW14 is my all time favorite beer. If you have a bottle, perhaps you can review it sometime? I’d like to know what you think.
Posted by Big Mike on April 9, 2011 at 8:51 PM
I’m happy to hear that FW is now in my area. I have a case of Double Jack on pre-order for Monday!