Firestone Walker Brewing Company Easy Jack

**Aroma:** “Pineapple, mango, and orange with little to no malt or yeast character on the nose. A rich wave of tropical fruit hops that evoke mango, pineapple, and a bit of coconut. Solid nose promises a real beer. Light pine and resin.” **Flavor:** “Pineapples, bananas, and mangoes. Long bitterness that’s slightly harsh atop a weaker than expected malt body. As it is, the fruit flavor falls somewhat at compared to the aroma. The assertive bitterness is a bit out of balance because there’s not much malt to balance it. Bitterness dominates the finish—the earthy hops avor sticks around for a little while, but doesn’t have as much staying power.” **Overall:** “A decent attempt at making a sessionable IPA, but the overall impression is thin and one-dimensional. The lovely aroma suggests more than is delivered on the palate.”

**Aroma:** “Light floral hops aroma with an undercurrent of lemon and maybe mint. Delicate kiss of clean malt sweetness and cereal. Pine needles, a little grape- fruit, perhaps a touch of biscuit. As it warms, earthy components reminiscent of wet leaves comes into play.” **Flavor:** “Very distinctive citrus hops— lemon, tangerine, and a bit of grapefruit. There’s just enough malt sweetness with the tart citrus to evoke Lemon Heads candy before the bitterness rolls in smoothly. As the beer warms, an earthy mushroom-like character develops, which adds complexity and keeps me interested. Malt body is rather thin.” **Overall:** “Nicely balanced, although the bitter finish could be toned down just a little. Flavorful—it may be a session but it doesn’t compromise a lot. An enjoyable low-octane IPA that offers enough hops character for hopheads but remains a drinkable and well-balanced beer. Smooth and refreshing—a light, hoppy beer that would pair well with an afternoon in the hammock.”

**Aroma:** “Hops express as citrus and pine with some fruity orange notes. Malt is subtly bready, hiding behind the hops. Very fresh like a spring herb garden. Soft, well-rounded hops aroma. Nice blend of tropical fruit (papaya, mango, light pineapple) and spicy hops character. Hints of Thai basil and oregano. Very intriguing.” **Flavor:** “Earthy, wet, piney, and herbal. Flavor picks up where the nose left off. Similar elements here, with the spiciness more in the fore, adding some lemongrass to the other herbal elements. Light bitterness doesn’t distract from the hops flavor.” **Overall:** “A balanced, pleasant, and quaffable brew. The mix of hops rounds out the rough edges, and hops bitterness is lower than some other examples making this beer very approachable. Body has good depth but minimal character. Overall, a pretty good session IPA.