Firestone Walker Introduces Easy Jack IPA
(Paso Robles, CA)—You might mistake it for another drinkable, 24/7, go-anywhere, camping-approved, hipster-friendly and therefore appropriately fashionable Session IPA.
But instead it’s Easy Jack—a new seasonal offering available from Firestone Walker Brewing Company starting on April 1.
Easy Jack came about when Brewmaster Matt Brynildson went to the mountain top and returned with a vision for a different kind of Session IPA, one that would be brewed and dry hopped with a globetrotting selection of newer hop varieties from Europe, New Zealand and North America.
He foresaw a beer that would deliver massive hop aromas, surprising dimension, a signature malt balance and an empty glass before you knew what hit you. And so the newest member of Firestone Walker’s Jack IPA family was born.
“We didn’t set out to make a miniature IPA,” Brynildson said. “We wanted to start with something more delicate and summery, then carefully turn the hop volume up without sacrificing balance. We were able to pull it off by acquiring this hard-to-get mix of newer hop varieties.”
He added, “Our goal is more than drinkability. We want to blow your mind with radical flavor and complexity, all at 4.5% alcohol.”
Hop Safari
“We painstakingly selected these newer hop varieties in order to get some really unique hop aromas and flavors, and I think that’s what’s going to set this beer apart,” Brynildson said. “We also wanted these hops to express themselves in a way that lends itself to high drinkability. We were thinking about spring and summertime enjoyment from the start, so we wanted it to be light on its feet with this refreshing citrusy character.”
Bavarian Mandarina – Germany
“It’s real orangy, zesty, like a fresh orange off the tree, which I’ve never smelled in any hop before.”
Hallertau Melon – Germany
“As the name suggests, it has this melony, ripe tropical fruit characteristic that complements the citrus of the other hops.”
Blend of New Zealand Hops
“We are using a blend of New Zealand hops to create this huge Sauvignon Blanc character, with a classic Sauv Blanc racy, steely fruit profile.”
Mosaic – United States
“It’s a daughter of the Simcoe hop, which is in our Union Jack. It has a nice tropical vibe, with herbal and pine notes.”
The Jack IPA Family
Easy Jack joins Union JackTM, Double JackTM and Wookey JackTM as the latest IPA in the Firestone Walker lineup. Each offers its own take on the IPA style. Union Jack is a consummate West Coast IPA; Double JackTM is Union Jack’s brawnier imperial brother; and Wookey JackTM is a rustic black rye IPA. Now comes Easy Jack, the lighter sessionable sibling that still packs a punch.
Easy Jack Details
Seasonal Availability: Spring and Summer
ABV: 4.5% IBU: 45 Color: 8SRM
Malts: American Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Malted Wheat, English Carmel-35, Cara Pils, Rolled Oats
Hops: Bavarian Mandarina, Hallertau Melon, New Zealand Blend, American Mosaic
Retail: $9.99 / six pack
