Firestone Walker Brewing Company Union Jack IPA American IPA at 7.5% ABV (US$1.79 at Total Wines & More Henderson NV, 355 ml, bottle date 1-Apr-2015)
Pours clear deep gold with a short, short-lived white head, patchy lacing. (4/5) Nose is bright pine resin, citrus, pale malt, light tropical fruit. (8/10) Taste is mild sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Medium to light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry warming finish. (4/5)
“Lions, bears, and beers”? Oh my! An enjoyable A/IPA with a bit of E/IPA malt character. For me, the first sip was the best – after that, the maltiness becomes just a tiny more pronounced than I’d prefer. This would be a great beer with a BBQ or camp fire, though. As long as I didn’t have to drive afterwards – because not that this one is hot, by any means, but at 7.5%ABV, it’ll get the job done quicker than many. (16/20)
My 184th from the 2010 Edition (retired from the 2013 edition), and 194th combining both editions.
8/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
