Firestone Walker - Union Jack IPA

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Union Jack IPA
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
1400 Ramada Drive
Paso Robles, CA USA
Est. 1996
www.firestonebeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden/amber color.
Lots of citrus and pine hops notes on the nose.
Near-white head that does not last too long nor does it lace much.
Heavy lingering hops flavors that turn dry. Slight paper flavor noticed.
Medium bodied, medium mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is the second Firestone Walker brew I was able to bring back from a west coast trip. As with the other (the Pale Ale) I think something was lost in translation. And I think I know what the culprit may have been. Let me explain...

I have heard and read a lot about this brewer as stated in the previous review of the Pale Ale. As I "boned" up on my homework about this IPA, I noticed the brewer's notes stated the beer was unpasteurized and was best stored at 44 degrees (Fahrenheit). Basically, it required some special handling to ensure it was as fresh a product the brewer intended it to be. I did travel with it for 24 hours without refrigeration, but I can assure you that it was not my mishandling. Looking back on it now, I purchased this and the Pale Ale from a 'big box' liquor/wine/beer chain from their assorted singles shelf, where the customers are allowed to 'mix-a-six' of their own choosing. Those shelves are out in the open and not refrigerated. And although the store had air conditioning, I can reasonably state it was not set anywhere near 44 degrees! As a result, it had a paper flavor that may have been indicative of oxidation.

So alas, fellow beer drinkers - - - I am sad to report that while it was a nice tasting beer, overall, it did not impress due to the off flavor note at the end. As a result, I am chalking it up to the retailer for not having refrigerated the product. And as for me, my selections will be more influenced by how I can better purchase and handle unpasteurized beer in the future. As is my usual course for other beers I have tried and felt may have been mishandled, I will attempt to get an ideal example of this again; likely a fresh refrigerated bottle when next in the western states. It deserves my re-examination as this IPA is a multiple award winning beer, as judged at The Great American Beer Festival.

Lessons learned and shared, so you don't have to learn them for yourself.

Firestone Walker - California Pale 31

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

California Pale 31
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
1400 Ramada Drive
Paso Robles, CA USA
Est. 1996
www.firestonebeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Very light golden color.
Floral hops, some pine. Bready malts and bit of sweetness on the nose.
Very white head, bubbly, fizzy about one finger high, covers quickly to wisp.
Minimal amount of lacing present.
Light citrus hops taste, light malts.
Light and crisp bodied. Light mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A lot has been written about this brewer, heaping praise upon some of their unique seasonal brews as well as their year-rounders. So a lot of anticipation was had in opening the bottle. I have to say that I was underwhelmed at this pale ale.

I have never had the chance to try any Firestone Walker ales, as I live on the east coast of the US. This bottle was purchased along with their Union Jack IPA (awaiting obduction by the Reaper). Pale Ale 31 was not so hoppy, nor did it carry any significant ABV - and that is the prerogative of the brewer in keeping with the style. After all, I am merely a home brewer and know little compared to their vast brewing expertise. In all, it was a good drinking beer, but not at the expectation level, at least for me, of a west coast pale ale.  Not too exciting, but I could see this being a great session ale.

I am used to the west coast producing much hoppier pale ales, so my preconceived notions may need a quick ctrl-alt-del. I do look forward to the Union Jack. I have hopes of a hoppy experience.