Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA
No ratings yet — be the first to log it.
Tasting Notes
Union Jack leads with a pronounced hop aroma — pine resin, grapefruit pith, and a touch of tropical fruit from the dry-hop. On the palate, bitterness is assertive but not punishing, balanced by a firm malt backbone that keeps it grounded. The body is medium, with enough weight to carry the hop load without feeling heavy. The finish is dry and resinous, lingering with citrus zest.
About the Brewery
Firestone Walker is based in Paso Robles, California, founded in 1996 by Adam Firestone and David Walker. The brewery built its early reputation on a unique oak barrel-fermentation system borrowed loosely from the Burton Union method, and has since grown into one of California's most respected craft operations. Their lineup spans hop-forward ales, barrel-aged stouts, and a serious mixed-fermentation program under the Barrelworks label. Union Jack has been a flagship and a consistent medal winner at national competitions.
Food Pairings
Grilled salmon works well because the beer's resinous bitterness cuts through the fish's natural oils without overwhelming it. A char-grilled burger with sharp cheddar gives the malt backbone something to hold onto while the hops slice through the fat. Spicy fish tacos with lime crema play into the citrus notes already present in the beer. Aged gouda offers a nutty, caramel richness that echoes the malt and softens the bitterness. Strong-flavored foods like jerk chicken also pair naturally, as the hop intensity matches the spice rather than being drowned out by it.
Style Guide
The American IPA diverged from its English ancestor by leaning hard into New World hops — varieties bred for bold citrus, pine, and tropical aromatics rather than the earthy, floral character of British hops. The style typically runs between 6–7.5% ABV with assertive bitterness, a dry finish, and a malt profile that supports rather than competes with the hops. It became the defining style of the American craft beer movement in the 1990s and 2000s and remains one of the most widely brewed categories in the country. Compared to a Double IPA, it's less aggressively bitter and lower in alcohol; compared to an English IPA, it's drier and more hop-forward in aroma.