Firestone Wookey Jack – Tasting Notes

From Firestone Walker – Wookey Jack is our first foray into the dark outer world of black IPAs. Rich dark malts and spicy rye careen into bold citrus laden hops creating a new dimension in IPA flavor. This brew has been left unfiltered and unfined to retain all of its texture and character. At 60 IBUs, Wookey Jack is gnarly on the outside yet complex and refined on the inside.

Firestone Walker Brewing – Firestone Wookey Jack – 22 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass 8.3% abv. Purchased at Certified Market, Monrovia, CA

Appearance:  Pours a midnight red with a tight creamy tan head. Leaves a foam coating behind.

Aroma: Strong hop aroma. Pine and grapefruit. This is the nose I look for in a Black IPA. You should be able to close your eyes and not be able to tell what color the beer is. I could compare the nose on this to Stone’s 15th Anniversary or Sublimely Self Righteous, which to me, is magical.

Taste:  Starts with agressive piney hop bitterness, earthy slightly toasted rye, Finishes with long bitterness. Not sweet or fruity in the slightest. Lots of agressive bitterness and earthy character that lingers well after the sip.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, slightly creamy with average carbonation.

Overall:  The only thing this beer shares with Union and Double Jack is the last name.  This beer isn’t fruity or sweet, but rather rustic, agressive and bitter.  This is one of the most rye pronounced Rye beers I’ve had since Bruery’s Rugbrod, and will take you by surprise.  I need to drink a few more glasses to see if this will go on my Firestone favs list.  I give this beer a lot of props and points for being a true Black IPA and not an over marketed porter. At $6-7 a bomber, you should pick up a few bottles to try. I think I’d appreciate this beer in a 6 pack format as well.