Wookey Jack - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Displayed for educational use only; do not reuse.

BA SCORE
95
world-class
-
1,547 Ratings

rAvg: 4.26
pDev: 8.69%
Reviews: 377
Hads: 1170

Ratings Help

Brewed by:
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

California, United States

Style | ABV
American Black Ale | 8.30% ABV

Availability: Rotating. bottle (317), on-tap (54), growler (6).

Notes:
No notes at this time.

View: Beers (48) | Events (0)

Reviews

Sort by: Latest | High | Low | Top Reviewers | Show Hads:

« first ‹ prev | 1-25 | 26-50 | 51-75 | next › last »

Reviews by ludachris:

ludachris

Ontario (Canada)

4.1/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Only when held directly to the light does its seemingly black body give way to a deep chestnut brown. The head that is left on top is frothy and thick, coating the sides of the glass as it slowly recedes.

The scent of hops are what jump out first, and rightfully so considering the style. They’re rich and earthy, piney and sappy. Fresh green peppers come to mind. Soft notes of wood and roast and a touch of dark chocolate are located beneath its hoppy facade. The rye isn’t overstated but does impart a pleasant spiciness to the nose. This is both aromatic and complex and I think it’s safe to say I’m a fan already.

Lively green peppers and pine needles give a fresh zing to the raw wood and earthy character that lies beneath. A dash of cocoa powder is sprinkled on top and adds a touch of sweetness near the finish. The higher abv helps to accentuate the earthy and piney bitterness that extends into the finish. The rye gives a clean overall spiciness to the taste that compliments the hop character.

A tad thinner than I had anticipated but not off-putting. The body still carries a nice weight to it and has a subtle creamy feel that the spicy character cuts into. The only indication of its alcohol content is the warming feel it leaves in the chest. For such a big beer in terms of the style and abv, this is very clean and balanced.

Wookey Jack is the first offering I’ve had from Firestone Walker and I can begin to understand why they are regarded so highly on this site. The fresh green pepper hop character reminded me of Hill Farmstead’s Society and Solitude #2 that I was lucky enough to sample. A very well crafted beer in my opinion which leaves me looking forward to the next offering I have from them.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2012 04:19:29 | More by ludachris

More User Reviews:

ATXboozer

Texas

4.5/5 rDev +5.6%

05-23-2013 23:43:30 | More by ATXboozer

sjanowiak

Minnesota

4/5 rDev -6.1%

05-23-2013 20:17:59 | More by sjanowiak

hannydawg

Illinois

4/5 rDev -6.1%

05-23-2013 14:03:14 | More by hannydawg

Callmecoon

California

3.75/5 rDev -12%

05-23-2013 02:25:11 | More by Callmecoon

TallSaint

United Kingdom (Scotland)

4.25/5 rDev -0.2%

05-23-2013 01:19:00 | More by TallSaint

atone315

Wisconsin

4/5 rDev -6.1%

05-23-2013 00:48:59 | More by atone315

BillHilly

Washington

3.75/5 rDev -12%

05-23-2013 00:41:02 | More by BillHilly

puuj

California

3.75/5 rDev -12%

05-22-2013 17:48:58 | More by puuj

SpdKilz

Illinois

4.25/5 rDev -0.2%

05-22-2013 13:25:35 | More by SpdKilz

megamass

New Jersey

4.25/5 rDev -0.2%

05-22-2013 04:28:36 | More by megamass

Hopmodium

Washington

4.25/5 rDev -0.2%

05-22-2013 02:58:57 | More by Hopmodium

scoot64

New Jersey

4.25/5 rDev -0.2%

05-21-2013 23:25:14 | More by scoot64

WizzardOfHops

California

4.25/5 rDev -0.2%

05-21-2013 23:05:39 | More by WizzardOfHops

AndyP612

Illinois

4.5/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bomber poured to Darkness stem.

A- Dark. Black color with a light brown head that dissipates quickly. Looks very much so at home in the trusty Darkness glass I usually use to review at home.

S- Hops with rye highlights but predominately hop forward. Good, hearty nose one this ale seemingly on the sweeter side with the nose.

T- Nice hop bite towards the front. The rye balances things out toward the middle and ends in lovely rich malt. Extremely well balances with nothing coming out as the star. The three acts are definitely present Hops, Rye and Malt in this ale.

M- Extremely drinkable at 8.3% abv and the layers work very well with one another. Medium bodied with the malt staying with you after the sip slightly longer than the hops.

O- This is by far the best Black IPA I have had to memory because there is evidence that it is, in actuality is an IPA. I have become quite sick of ale claiming to be BIPAs and are really just black ale with no hops detectable in the nose or the palate. Would buy again. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 22:55:15 | More by AndyP612

ackeeper

Illinois

4.5/5 rDev +5.6%

05-21-2013 21:01:45 | More by ackeeper

stephens101

Oklahoma

4.46/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

A near pitch-black brew with a fantastic, rich, dark brown head. The herbal hops flow freely out of this one. Some dark fruity notes and faint caramel are noticed. Nothing out of the ordinary or complex with the aroma, just right on target. Caramel and bitter chocolates to the tongue and this one goes down smooth as hell. An herbal hop envelope helps provide a pleasant and non-threatening counterpoint to the sweetness. Some rye graniness and plum is noticed later. Medium-bodied at the most and the alcohol provides warmth but no harshness. Fabulous is end of the story.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 23:21:48 | More by stephens101