Double Jack - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Clonies720

Texas

4.93/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Appearance: Pours a clear, brillant gold. White head that looks like Swiss cheese. Very little to no lacing.

Aroma: Big nose of citrus and pine. Pleasant, sweet malts. Tropical fruity esters, like pineapple. Loads of bitter hops.

Taste and Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a medium high carbonation that is crisp and refreshing. I was expecting a full-bodied beer for 9.5% ABV. Coat-the-mouth oily hop bitterness. Loving the citrus taste here.

Overall: A near perfect example of an Imperial India Pale Ale. Hops weren't as bright and clean, but that's probably because the beer is nearly a month and a half old. Would definitely buy again if I could find it.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 21:57:36 | More by Clonies720

Darkmagus82

Montana

4.34/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from bottle into a pint glass

Appearance – The beer pours a beautiful crystal clear orange amber color with tons of big carbonation bubbles initially seen streaming up through the body of the brew getting enveloped in the one finger white head. The large carbonation bubbles quickly fade from view with all the while the white head fading to leave a decent level of lace on the sides of the glass.

Smell - The smell is big of a sweeter grapefruit hop aroma. A ruby red grapefruit and tangerine aroma combine producing a hoppy and sweeter citrus smell overall. These are not the only aromas however and are joined by some lighter pine and herbal hop smells as well as a nice tropical fruit smell of pineapple and papaya.

Taste – The taste begins very big of malt and sweeter fruit flavors as well as a nice grapefruit hop taste. The fruit flavors are mainly of a tangerine and pineapple flavor initially, but as the taste advances some flavors of a slightly sour lemon come to the tongue mellowing out the fruit sweetness more toward the end of the taste. While the sweeter fruit lightens, the taste still remains relatively sweet as some caramel flavors come to the tongue in the middle of the flavor profile. Toward the end of the taste the grapefruit picks up in intensity and is joined by some pine hop flavors as well, with the combination of flavors leaving a nice moderately resinous and grapefruit bitter but still somewhat fruity and sweet flavor to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is thick and smooth with a carbonation level that is on the slightly lower side. The thick and chewy body as well as lower carbonation are fantastic for the combination of sweet citrus fruit as well as citrus hop flavors, bringing them to the forefront on the tongue.

Overall – A very enjoyable and smooth tasting double IPA that hides the 9.5 % abv very well. It has a nice blend of citrus hop and sweet fruit flavors but also has enough balance via the pine, caramel and malt flavors to produce very easy drinking and robust tasting IPA.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 23:54:32 | More by Darkmagus82

ajramirez1

Washington

4.39/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

This imperial ipa is very very refreshing, crisp, and tasty. A must try and frequently purchased bomber. The color is solid, smell is typical for an imperial ipa. The adds to the success of the Union Jack, which is arguably one of the best ipa's.

A-

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 21:41:05 | More by ajramirez1

YieldToNothing

New York

4.3/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

bomber into a pint glass.
pours a beautiful copper orange with about a 1/2 inch head.
smell is very citrusy.
taste is little sweet with a slightly bitter aftertaste. citrus notes definitely present.
not too much carbonation and the abv is very well hidden.
easy to drink double ipa. very tasty although its not my favorite take on the style.
worth a try for sure.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 04:07:59 | More by YieldToNothing

JMScowcroft

Vermont

4.65/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Firestone Walker Brewing Co. - Double Jack

A buddy of mine (Hendry on here) hooked me up with this as part of a grab bag pickup thing we are doing now. I was excited to give it a shot and I am glad I did!

Look - Pours a slight hazy amber with a yellow hue. Full, foamy head that dissipates at a medium pace but leaves a fresh sticky lacing behind. Negligible carbonation.

Smell - Sweet honey & caramel malts and pungent resin and soft citrus (melon?) hops.

Taste - Smooth carbonation, citrus hops with blended sweet and slightly spicy even malt cluster attack followed by resin hops that sit and take a load off. Smooth but a little sweet.

Mouthfeel - Citrus slightly sour not too bitter hops at the end. Welcome warm booziness, quite drinkable for a 9.5%. Careful with this one!

Overall - This brew is absolutely grand, big fan of this one. Bottled no more than 4 months ago and I loved it, would love to have some fresh!

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2013 23:08:28 | More by JMScowcroft

ElSid

California

4.21/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

The Beers of California

#79

Bottled On Date: 1/30/13

A: Deep golden orange with hues of amber in the right light. The head towers to a frothy pinnacle and refuses to fade.

S: Strong pine and citrus with faint tropical notes. There is also some sugar and honey sweetness in the background.

T: Big piney and citrus zest hoppiness transition to a peppery and earthy spiciness. Dank, dank hops continue to pound the palate finally coming to a puckering finish highlighted by warmth from the alcohol. The malt adds a subtle layer of caramel, bread, and crackers which does its best to balance the hop bitterness.

M: Big feel with strong hop oiliness that coats the mouth. The carbonation is medium and suppotive.

O: A serious Double IPA which has to do battle with a competitive class of West Coast DIPA's. A substantial brew that when found fresh, should be worthy of refrigerator space.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 01:42:14 | More by ElSid

tewaris

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Golden and clear, an inviting pour. Aroma is somewhat low on hops but the taste is just fine. Very fruity and floral with a delicate profile and a juicy sweetness. Clean and crisp nonetheless. Medium body and good bitterness to accompany the crisp, refreshing finish. Drinks easier than its "weight".

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 05:21:05 | More by tewaris

JamesH21

California

4.64/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

For me this DIPA is head of the class so far. The midmouth feel is great and the bitterness, hoppiness, and dryness are perfect. The citrus and fruitiness of this beer linger just long enough before the hopps takeover. Superbly balanced and crafted double IPA

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 03:39:42 | More by JamesH21

MikePags

New York

4.29/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Bomber poured in a Pint glass.

A: pale haze with very little head

S: strong yet sweet with nice hops coming through.

T: sweet hops with a nice finish that challenges you for more

M: thick yet smooth with just enough carbonation.

O: amazing beer that creeps up on you quickly. Always great to share but then you have to buy twice as many.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 01:54:52 | More by MikePags

coldriver

Texas

4.45/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Fort Worth Flying Saucer, one week after Firestone Walker's DFW debut. Pours a medium amber, head and lacing average. Smells of tropical fruits, pine, and caramel. Taste is juicy blackberries, peaches, citrus and pine. Alcohol is well hidden and not overly sweet for a DIPA - well balanced. Mouthfeel is medium, sticky finish begs for the next sip. Overall a fantastic DIPA and one that is very welcome in Texas.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2013 18:28:08 | More by coldriver

DJoe

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

22 oz bottle in March, 13. Poured into a Mystic snifter..

A: a little on the light side, with a mostly amber appearance. A substantial, though thin head.

S: Surprisingly gentle for it's alcohol content. Doesn't come across as overly sharp.

T: Nicely balanced with some nutty tones. Alcohol adds to the taste without overwhelming. I didn't get the same caramel sweetness as some others, but there is a good malt running through it. Though hoppy, not a dominant flavor.

M: Medium feel. Plently smooth. Very nice balance in the carbonation.

O: If you're looking for a Double IPA, it's a fine choice. A bit dangerous in that the 9.5% is masked by very smooth flavors.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 00:34:34 | More by DJoe

vfgccp

New York

4.71/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

A - Quite a looker. Awesome, foamy, yellowed-paper head. Stellar retention and lace. Bright apple juice body with a touch of haze.

S - Nice nose. Powerful but soft and well balanced. Grapefruit pith, lemon zest, honeydew, touch of cilantro. Lychee fruit and booze as it warms.

T - Grapefruit, candied lime, and pine supported by a solid backbone of bready sourdough. Pear, tart apricot, and dusty hops on the backend.

M - Killer mouthfeel. Thick mouthfeel with near-perfect carbonation.

O - Hell of a double IPA. Thick, rich, and filling with great complexity and balance.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 02:56:46 | More by vfgccp

Bauzen

New York

4.74/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

This beer is a hyper-hopped, delightful masterpiece for bitter IPA lovers. While I found it to be unbalanced, I don't think it was trying to be. Some would call it over-the-top, and I tend to agree. Double-Jack is best enjoyed fresh, young, and on tap. I never enjoyed it as much from a bottle, but I'd chose this over 90% of other locally available Imperials.

The depth and complexity to this beer develops the more you sip it, making it a memorable experience. This is one of my favorites, and I'm thankful it's readily available in my area when some of its 'top 250 beers' competitors aren't.

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2013 20:57:52 | More by Bauzen

Dools9

Massachusetts

4.26/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle dated 2/19/13. Poured into a Founders snifter right out of the fridge.

A: Very nice sunset orange color, poured semi aggressive with about a finger of white head that receded to a color, lots of fine carbonation bubbles, very nice lace and some legs when swirled in the glass.

S: Big hop aromas, grapefruit, pineapples, candied hops, slightly herbaceous. Malts are a touch bready, just a slight whiff of alcohol.

T: Right off the bat I notice its aggressive but nicely balanced at the same time. It favors the sweeter hop fruit flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, oranges/tangerine. The hops lend a big bitterness, and its blended together with a firm caramel malt sweetness. Alcohol is well hidden with minor belly warmth.

M: Medium heft, with a smooth body, slightly syrupy and sticky, and for 9.5 it goes down a bit too easy. Alcohol dries things out and keeps you wanting another sip.

O: Its a big DIPA, but very drinkable as well, and lends to the sweeter hop profile side but balanced by the imperial IPA bitterness. I enjoyed this and its definitely worth picking up a bomber or a 4 pack.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 15:45:25 | More by Dools9

AltBock

Ohio

4.31/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

12oz stubby bottle with the usual FW label of the ready to duke it out lion and bear with the name if the beer in the middle of the action. Flanking the fighting beasts is all the Government warning. Right below the savage beasts in a black strip is an easy to read bottled date. My bottles were bottled on 1/30/13. Poured into a Big Eddy (don't laugh) Snifter.

This Double IPA poured a wonderful bubbly and clear solid tangerine orange. Crystal clear! The head of foam was equally impressive as the color of the beer. On top was 3/4 of an inch pearl white head of foam. Great retention that left behind a solid string of rings and a ton of sticky white streaks of lace. It's going to take a lot of scrubbing to get rid of these streaks of lace.

It smelled like a Double IPA. That's a good thing. To me, the aroma favored the pine. Lots of pine up front. Following the pine was a variety of citrus and exotic fruits. My nose found the rich scent of grapefruit, pineapple, mango, lemon, and orange. After the fruits had their fun, in comes the bitter citrus hops. No malt backbone in the aroma. The citrus elements covered it up.

The taste starts off slow with a pinch of toasted malt. After the malts, the taste then kicks into high gear with bitter citrus hops mixed in with citrus and exotic fruits. This citrus punch to the tastebuds consisted of bitter grapefruit, lemon, orange, mango, and even a little pineapple. When the citrus elements had their fun kicking your tastebud's ass, in comes the pine. This pine will linger on on your mouth for a while.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied with crispy carbonation and a long lasting aftertaste. If it made an appearance in the taste, it was in the aftertaste. No surprises there. It will take a few glasses of water to wash out the pine and citrus hops/fruits.

Great Double IPA! A 4 pack of this beer didn't last long in my presence. Whoever Jack is, he should be proud that his name is on this beer. Would I drink it again? Double Yes!

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 04:23:56 | More by AltBock

obrike

Texas

4.39/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Bought a bomber at HEB in Round Rock for just under 9 bucks...3/1/13 brew date.

Poured a golden-light orange color with a finger and a half of white head. Faded slowly...leaving nice spotty lacing in my Firestone Walker pint glass.

Aroma is full of grapefruit, pineapple, lemon rind, pine, and a nice touch of sweet malt. What's not to like?

Man...a nice blast of grapefruit, pineapple, and citrus hops with some sweet caramel malts. A bit of pine hops come through with more kick on the backend...followed with the malts and a bit of of the 9.5%. Good balance here. Uber smooth with a dry, resiny finish. Love the mouthfeel on this one.

Oh so drinkable. Great hop profile and bitterness...but the overall balance is spot on. This is a top notch DIPA. Welcome to Texas Firestone Walker!

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 03:38:58 | More by obrike

joeseppy

Illinois

4.73/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Bottled 12/12 Aggressive pour yields a two inch pour with a dazzling cascade of effervescence. Golden honey hue.

Tropical fruit most prominent. Ritz cracker. Wildflower sweet honey and mild hop.

Tastes like a tropical fruit bowl with a lot of grapefruit. Perfect hop bitterness, for me. No earthiness or harshness---I love it!

Pleasant easy drinking. Dry, clean and not so heavy, keeps you coming back for more. Lacing present throughout.

This is crushable. Absolutely spectacular! How has this eluded me for so long? Imagine this fresher and/or on tap! When no Sucks is around, this is a sure replacement. I will be in search of some more anyway.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 02:05:11 | More by joeseppy

MattSweatshirt

Texas

4/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber dated 03/01/13 poured into a snifter.

You can pour this down the center. Couple fingers of sudsy white head and a clear copper body.

Big ol' sweet hop aroma with peach, tangerine, grapefruit, and pine.

Drinks smooth with a resinous pine, grapefruit that lingers through the aftertaste, and gets a little earthy. Nice balance of bitter and sweet.

Sort of reminds me of the most recent Enjoy By IPA. Good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 05:08:44 | More by MattSweatshirt

Rast

Maryland

4.25/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Bottle enjoyed March Madness 2013.

X-factor for the overall score: the bottle art features a male lion about to box a grizzly bear. Nice. I've never seen an IPA that looks this excellent. The carbonation cascades as if a stout while the minimally hazy orange liquid pools beneath gravity's grip. Nose is blunt: bold citrus with floral over/unders. Mouthfeel is bubbly, yet smooth. Tastes like grapefruit rind. Bitter citrus: mission accomplished. Surprisingly sessionable for a 9.5%. No percent boozy. Anyone have a filleted flounder I can eat?

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 18:46:03 | More by Rast

Sweasty

Texas

4.3/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Firestone Walker coming to Texas is a welcome sight. Seeing the reserve series beers makes me happy as well. Double jack looks the part of a good double IPA. Double Jack pours a crystal clear copper. Things are topped off by healthy two fingers of head. Head settles to a ring. Plenty of lace is left in its wake.

Double jack has a wonderful aroma. Plenty of citrus hits first. Grapefruit and oranges mostly. Some pine melds with the citrus. Some sweet malt notes round out the nose.

Tastes matches the nose. Hops wash over the tongue with a drying quality. Citrus notes stand out first. Grapefruit notes just edge out orange notes for domination. Light piney notes play against the citrus. A sweet sugary malt profile sort of balances it all out. The finish lingers on with sweet juicy citrus notes.

Double jack comes in on the fuller side of medium bodied. Carbonation is adequate.

Double jack is quite the tasty double IPA. The alcohol is kept in check well. Its starts to show up as I near the bottom of the bottle. I generally prefer my Double IPAs to fall on the drier side of the spectrum. For a Double IPA with a fuller malt present this is still pretty hop-centric. Props to Firestone Walker for giving me one of the best hop experiences this year.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 02:42:17 | More by Sweasty

gillagorilla

Maryland

4.45/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12 oz. bottle

A: It pours a nice, clear transparent amber that you could trap prehistoric mosquitoes in. The head quickly puffs up to two fingers at the end of the pour, but quickly dissipates to a sheen with a large floating collection of bubbles.

S: The smell might be the best part of this beer (but not to detract from the taste). In a full glass, it packs a Pumelo Punch. It is full on citrus and pine, as all top-notch DIPAs have. Dank, resinous pine with a bit of freshly mowed grass to top it all of, as well as a sprinkling of fresh lemons that have been zested.

T: The taste is very floral though and reminds me of some douglas fir spring tip tea I have had. Hops are prevalent throughout the sip and swallow. The aftertaste makes itself known and it is quite strong. However, it is mainly pine/resin forward. It really tastes how it smells. Like most DIPAs, this has a strong effect on your palate.

M: Very smooth, with tiny, coarse bubbles racing along your tongue as you swallow. Not very think, but a nice, lightly carbonated feel.

O: Sadly, the bottled on date was missing, but it tasted quite fresh. For its availability and price point it is an excellent DIPA. I was glad I found a 12oz. for a mix six instead of a bomber. It also changes nicely with a slight temperature warming. Definitely, a go to for a great DIPA in the area for me.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 23:07:29 | More by gillagorilla

droomyster

Virginia

4.54/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

This is damn nearly perfection in a glass. Pours a clear golden body with decent white head and pretty/steady stream of bubbles casting themselves upward. Aromas are very complex, encompassing everything from tropical fruit to floral to grassy to caramel to honey. Taste is sweet and caramel like upfront, before yielding to pineapple fruit and bubblegum, with a good amount of yeast and florals here and there. Nicely carbonated body keeps it all alive and aloft. This beer is seriously happenin' .

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 08:35:18 | More by droomyster

Dave1999

Virginia

4.53/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Pours bright amber with a small bright white head.

The smell is citrus hops lemons and grapefruit and some pine.

The flavour has much the same as the smell,a little bit bitter with a slight sweetness. As the beer warms the malts come through.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied, slightly oily with low carbonation.

Fantastic dipa really fruity citrus flavours and not a hint of the abv.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2013 23:32:28 | More by Dave1999

suspect

New York

4.48/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a Sam Adams perfect pint glass.

A: Crystal clear deep golden color. Aggressive pour leads to a thick 2 finger rocky cream colored head that fades so slowly and leads big thick sticky lacing through the entire length of the session.

S: Big hop profile mixed with plenty of malt to make things interesting.

T: Smooth balanced flavors start off with hops and end with malts. Like all good DIPAs should.

M: Thick, big bodied beer. Perfectly carbonated.

O: A really well done DIPA. Beautiful flavors, nice aroma, good head retention. Overall, very nice.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2013 17:28:04 | More by suspect

Beerandboards

New Mexico

4.18/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

22oz bomber into a pint glass

A - pours a copper orange. Pours produces about two inches or so of dense white head, which dissipates pretty quickly. Leaves lots of lacing.

S - piney hops and some dry alcohol. Some citrus comes through as it warms up.

T - balance. The smooth light malt comes right along with the piney hop. There is some orange peel type notes in the background. One demerit would be a slight metallic note in the after taste.

M - good. Higher side of medium on the carbonation. Slightly sticky.

O - a very good example of balance in an DIPA. The hops certainly over power to a certain extent, but the malt profile really holds it own in a very nice fashion.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 04:07:52 | More by Beerandboards