All the rage are ipas in the craft beer community.  I am an extreme fan as well.  There is something delightful about this fresh tasting, bitter, and sometimes mildly sweet drink.  Where once the lager dominated in the beer scene, ipas have taken over.

Who stands in line for the newest lager from Russian River? Does anyone anxiously anticipate the latest hefeweizen release from Founders? Surely the latest porter from Bells must garner some respect?  Is there a line around the block for the latest wheat experiment from Three Floyds?

I’m afraid not friends.  These exclusive releases are reserved for ipas and specialty stouts.  I have waited in extensive lines for Pliny the Younger.  Admittedly there are few drinks I feel more satisfying than a delicious ipa.  Yet not all are equal. There are so many offerings that the chaff must be removed from the wheat.  Or so they say.

Firestone Walker Union Jack – A very bravado laden name for a beer that unfortunately is most pedestrian.  I have heard a mass acceptance for a beer i feel is very sub par.  The Double Jack big brother of this one is fantastic. This, however, is poor.  It pours with a mediocre, weak-lacing head that leads to a golden body.  Old hops and musty malt collaborate with a lageresque scent that repels the olfactory senses.  The taste imparts a stale, dead cigarette smoke taste and aspartame sweetness.   There are elements of hop bitterness but as an after thought.  A sorry offering.  Here’s to hoping the music helps get through this one.  2/10

Humbly yours,

J