Firestone Walker Brewing Company Union Jack IPA
What the brewers say
Union Jack showcases exceptional dry hop character with stunning pineapple, citrus, and piney aromas on the nose accompanied by honey-like malt aromatics. Double dry hopping brings bold grapefruit, tangerine, and citrus flavors that are contrasted by pale malt sweetness to balance this intense brew.
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Tropical fruit with some notes of mango, pineapple, and citrus with floral—almost perfume-like—qualities. Orange-creamsicle. Lemon zest. Little to no malt aroma. Interesting complexity.”
Flavor: “Floral, pineapple, tropical fruit sweetness that’s rounded out by an appropriate bitterness. Hop flavors are a little different than the aroma would suggest—more traditional NW flavors with citrus rind, tangerine, and mango notes followed by pine and floral. Bitterness is very nice and lingers appropriately in the finish.”
Overall: “Very nice, complex IPA showcasing tropical, piney hops in addition to citrus. Somewhat perfume-like in its floral quality. Unique IPA that stands out as one that takes chances and succeeds.”