From the Brewery: 

“Union Jack abounds with hop aroma and character. In fact this well balanced, west coast IPA is double dry hopped, giving it more and more of the grapefruit, citrus hop aroma and flavor it is known for. Overall it utilizes over four pounds of pacific-northwest hops per barrel.” 7.5% ABV India Pale Ale

Purchased from Falcon Junction in Prather, California

The Pour: 

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a stemmed ale glass. The color is a remarkably clear coppery orange, with mild carbonation visible. The head is off-white with an orange tint, and leaves good lacing on the glass throughout.

The Nose: 

A solid combination of hop aromas – in order from strongest; tropical fruit citrus, floral, and a bit of pine. I also get a bit of an earthy/grassy smell, as well as underlying caramel malt sweetness.

The Mouth: 

Medium bodied, with noticeable carbonation crispness going down. Union Jack has a very hop forward flavor that matches the aroma; tropical fruit citrus and floral hops being predominant. The underlying malt sweetness really takes a back seat to the hops. The finish is crisp and dry, with sharp lingering grapefruit bitterness lingering on the tongue and palate.

Final Thoughts: 

This particular bottle was the last of a six pack I picked up a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve found this to be a very good session/any occasion IPA. It is on the large side for a standard IPA at 7.5% ABV, and you can tell when you drink it. The flavor definitely isn’t tame, and that’s really a good thing. The double dry hopping really imparts a strong array of flavor. I wouldn’t mind having some of these on hand for non-review drinking, as they make a great everyday IPA. If you’re not scared of the bitterness of a hop forward IPA, definitely pick on up. 8.5/10.

Firestone Walker Brewery – Paso Robles, California