My buddy, Rob, gave me a call today. Unfortunately, I was driving, so I could not answer the call. Luckily, my trustee and wonderful wife, Sarah, was with me and took the call. It seems that Rob was at the store and wanted to know what "The Lonely Beer Nut" (that's me) was drinking next so he could pick some up and "have a drink with me." To say the least, I was pretty happy and glad to know that I wouldn't be drinking a beer alone tonight (awwwwww).
That beer: Firestone Walker's Union Jack IPA**. A beer I have had once or twice, but I have never really thought to pick it up again. I think this is due to the fact that there are tons of fine IPAs available that I know I love. Turns out, this is a damn fine, easy drinking IPA. It's not too bitter, and as it warms up it has a real nice grapefruit flavor to it that I really enjoyed. If I had it again, I might pour it and let it sit for ~10-15 minutes before I dive in, as it was a little boring before that grapefruit came through. It's low on the piney hop flavor that so many people that don't like IPAs dislike about them, so try one of these if you're looking to give another one a try.
What did you think, Rob?
**Union Jack IPA stats: American IPA, 7.5% ABV, 70 IBUs
Up Next: A trip to San Diego! Wahoo! I'll be having at least one Alpine IPA and Goose Island Vanilla Bourbon County Stout (thanks Daniel 1.0)!
Been workin on 6-pack of this over the last couple weeks. Been enjoying it thoroughly. A great go-to straightforward ipa.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a good go-to, at a nice price.
ReplyDeletei like this post. to the tenth power.
ReplyDeleteDrinking the Sierra Nevada Torpedo and Firestone Union Jack on consecutive nights was a lesson in the various nuances of the IPA spectrum. I agree with you that the Torpedo is more powerful in the piney notes (which I tend to gravitate towards). This was also apparent by the reaction to the drink by my Michelle who generally does not care for IPA; as you explained to be a reaction to the hoppyness of many IPAs. I, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed the Torpedo and having had two (12oz) of them, felt my enjoyment in the morning.
ReplyDeleteMy pain was soon forgotten after a long day of work and a trip to the market where I picked up a sixer of Union Jack. The Union Jack was a great as always. What I enjoyed most about it this time was noticing the differences in the two IPAs. Michelle also noticed this saying “I could drink this”- Victory for Firestone. I’m taking some worthy advice tonight and letting it sit for a few minutes to warm up. I want to find that grapefruit. Thank you Beer Nut.
Once you go IPA, you never go back. Be careful, Michelle - very careful.
ReplyDeleteFind that grapefruit, Rob? I'm rooting for you.
I agree with the above post. I love me some IPAs, and the Union Jack is a solid one. I'm big on the Green Flash - 100+ IBUs. Intense, but delicious and crisp with every sip.
ReplyDelete