Once again, I found myself out at the store looking for something new. Having had several good experiences with Firestone Walker (you gotta love Beer Fridays at work) and had a number of good Black IPAs (Back in Black from 21st Amendment, Hoppy Feet from Clown Shoes, New Holland Black Hatter, to name a few), I thought taking a chance on the Firestone Walker Wookey Jack really wasn’t much of a risk.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a craft brewer from Paso Robles, CA. The brewery was founded by Adam Firestone (of the tire and winery family) and his brother-in-law, David Walker in 1996. They were named World Cup Champion Brewery (mid-sized brewer) in 2004, 2006 and 2010 and their Firestone Pale Ale was named “Best Beer in America” by Men’s Journal in 2006. This year, Firestone Walker has begun to introduce a series of barrel aged beers with the Sucaba (in February), the Parabola (in April), the Double DBA (in July) and the Velvet Merkin (in September). They are also known for their Anniversary Ale which is a blend of the best of the line-up. This year will be the 17th release of the Anniversary Ale.

Here is what Firestone Walker has to say about their Wookey Jack:

Wookey Jack is our first foray into the dark outer world of black IPAs. Rich dark malts and spicy rye careen into bold citrus laden hops creating a new dimension in IPA flavor. This brew has been left unfiltered and unfined to retain all of its texture and character. At 80 IBUs, Wookey Jack is gnarly on the outside yet complex and refined on the inside.

I found the Wookey Jack to be…

Appearance: Chocolate Brown with tan foam.

Chocolate Brown with tan foam. Aroma: Sweet Malt with hints of citrus and hops.

Sweet Malt with hints of citrus and hops. Taste: Creamy, sweet with a nice blend of hops and a long hoppy tang in the finish.

Creamy, sweet with a nice blend of hops and a long hoppy tang in the finish. ABV: 8.3%

The Wookie Jack had a relatively short flavor profile and was not all the ryeish (which was okay with me). I found it to be quite refreshing with a crispness and balance that I have come to expect from Firestone Walker. I think this might be my new, favorite Black IPA.