Rating: 4.3/5
If you’re a fan of classic West Coast IPAs, Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA is a must-try. This beer has all the hallmarks of a solid, hop-forward IPA: bright citrus, a touch of pine, and that lingering bitterness you expect from the style. It’s a bold, straightforward IPA that’s not afraid to let the hops shine, but it’s balanced enough to keep you coming back for another sip. Firestone Walker delivers again with Union Jack, offering a brew that’s both approachable and satisfyingly complex.
First Impressions
Union Jack pours a crystal-clear golden amber with a nice, fluffy white head that sticks around for a bit. The clarity is a reminder that this is a classic West Coast-style IPA…no haze here. It’s beautifully carbonated, which gives the beer a lively look, making it immediately appealing in the glass.
Aroma
The aroma is exactly what you want from a West Coast IPA: bursting with citrus and pine. You get big notes of grapefruit, orange zest, and some lemon, all backed by that familiar resinous, piney aroma. There’s also a subtle malt sweetness lurking underneath, but the hops are the star of the show here. If you love a hop-forward nose, Union Jack won’t disappoint.
Taste
Union Jack IPA delivers on its aroma. The first sip hits you with bright citrus flavors—grapefruit, lemon, and orange—before giving way to more pine and resin on the back end. The bitterness is prominent but not overwhelming, with just enough malt sweetness to keep things balanced. The malt doesn’t try to steal the spotlight, but it’s there to support the hops, adding a bit of caramel and biscuit flavor.
What’s really impressive is how clean and crisp this beer is. It’s hoppy without being too harsh, and the bitterness lingers just long enough to remind you this is a true West Coast IPA. That combination of citrus and pine with a dry, bitter finish makes it a classic and enjoyable IPA experience.
Mouthfeel and Finish
The mouthfeel is crisp, medium-bodied, and refreshingly smooth. It has just enough carbonation to give it a bit of a bite, but it’s still smooth enough to be highly drinkable. The finish is dry and bitter, as you’d expect from a West Coast IPA, but not in an overly aggressive way. You’re left with a lingering piney bitterness that makes you want to take another sip.
Positives
- Classic West Coast IPA Vibe: Union Jack delivers everything you’d expect from a West Coast IPA—citrus, pine, and a crisp, bitter finish. It’s a refreshing reminder of what makes the style so popular.
- Well-Balanced Bitterness: The bitterness is prominent, but it’s not too harsh. There’s enough malt sweetness to balance it out, making it approachable without sacrificing that classic IPA bite.
- Crisp and Clean: The clarity of this beer, both visually and in flavor, is impressive. It’s refreshing, clean, and easy to drink despite its bold flavors.
Negatives
- Might Feel a Bit Standard for Some: While Union Jack nails the West Coast IPA style, it doesn’t push any boundaries. It’s a great example of the style, but if you’re looking for something with a bit more creativity or complexity, you might find it a little straightforward.
- A Little Heavy on the Pine for Some Palates: The resinous pine notes are pretty strong in the finish, which could be a bit much for drinkers who prefer fruitier, less bitter IPAs.
Final Thoughts
Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA is a standout in the West Coast IPA category. It’s crisp, hop-forward, and perfectly balanced between bright citrus, piney bitterness, and just a hint of malt sweetness. If you’re a fan of hop-dominant beers that don’t overwhelm with bitterness, Union Jack is a great choice. While it may not reinvent the style, it’s a solid, reliable IPA that does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver a classic, clean West Coast IPA experience.
If you’ve tried a Firestone Walker Union Jack, please leave your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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