Wookey Jack - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

ElderBeagle

Maryland

4.19/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A: super dark mahogany, good 1.5 finger tan head

S: very roasty, coffee, burnt sugar, slightly smokey.

T: very complex flavor in this beer. Big roasted malt flavor, smoke, and even a bit of wood (oak?). Also a hint of sweet caramel and then I taste the hop bite near the end of the tongue.

M: full body for this guy and good amount of carbonation. But surprisingly smooth.

O: this is a great beer overall. Big complex flavor profile but not aggressive, still easy to drink. The only knock for me is the smokey flavor as I am not a fan of smokey beers. But otherwise I was glad I tried this, good big complex brew.

Serving type: on-tap

05-26-2013 01:01:18 | More by ElderBeagle

Dave1999

Virginia

4.3/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Pours pitch black with a small white.

The smell is citrus hops, lemons and grapefruit.

The taste is tropical fruits and just a little bit bitter.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium carbonation.

Overall although it looks like a dark stout it is infact a hopy ipa, without much malt flavour at all.

Serving type: on-tap

03-30-2013 22:41:13 | More by Dave1999

tjsdomer2

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Very dark copper brown. Ok lacing and very little foam.

Smell: Fruity rye, fairly rye-whiskey-like. Also very peppery.

Taste/Mouthfeel: The most licorice I've ever had in a beer, followed by plums. I like this a lot better in hindsight, making me want it again. Feels a bit thin and doesn't hold up to the flavor and smell.

Overall Drinkabiity: Another great example of a great style.

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2013 23:57:53 | More by tjsdomer2

57md

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Appearance is dark brown to black with less than a finger of tan head. There is good retention to the head, however and it leaves rings on the glass that are almost as thick as those left by a nitro-tapped beer. There are certainly hops present in the nose, but there are also roasty notes that make for a complex olfactory experience. The flavor includes roasted malts combined with some decent hoppiness and accentuated well with a touch of smoke (a pleasant surprise). The finish is not super hoppy, but the bitterness is enough to round out an exceptional drinking experience.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2013 06:50:13 | More by 57md

ccrida

Oregon

3.61/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Dark chocolate brown with a small light tan head leaving very intricate lace.

Smell is cat pee and skuny hops, a little bakers chocolate, which grows as it warms

Taste is big hops, herbal and morso citrus flavor with a big bitter finish. Taste is rich and malty, dark chocolate. Alcohol is a bit to prominent.

Mouthfeel is malty, off dry, med+

Drinkability is pretty good, it's on the big side, more DCDA. Alcohol is spicy and drying, it gets a little tiring after a while.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2013 02:15:23 | More by ccrida

Chadhowie

California

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

Wookey Jack is awesome. Who would have thought that Firestone would produce such a legit beer. This is very well one of the to Firestone beers around and worth trying. The flavor is bold and hardcore. A very rich and complex beer as well and good on tap as well in the bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2013 22:16:47 | More by Chadhowie

Amalak

New York

4.48/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 5

A/S. It has a deep black/brown color, with a nice foamy tan head that leaves a good amount of lacing behind. Very nice hop scent to it.

T/M. It has a beautiful hoppy taste mixed with citrus. It is very smooth. Has a bit of a pepper taste to it underneath. Nice and smooth with some carbonation.

O. It is very well balanced and nicely spiced and flavorful.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2013 19:50:54 | More by Amalak

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Churchkey. Served in a mini snifter. Pours dark brown with an off-white head. Nose carries a nice bit of roast and chocolate malt along with a bit of rye and some nice citrus and earthy-pine hop notes. Flavor is hoppy with a nice underlying bitterness and moderate malt sweetness. Good rye component as well as dark malt sweetness. Medium-full body with medium bitterness. Quite smooth. Very nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2012 19:10:40 | More by Thorpe429

plaid75

New York

4.23/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at Blind Tiger, NYC.

Poured a black amber streaked hue with a one finger off white head.

The smell featured piney hops and toasted malts.

The taste consisted of an upfront roasted malt that have way to waves of piney malts and finished with a soft caramel.

The mouthfeel was typical of the style.

Overall a tasty and exceptionally toasty black IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2012 20:28:42 | More by plaid75

BeerBuckeye

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on-tap at Blue Palms Brewhouse in Hollywood, CA.

A - Almost jet black in color on the pour, the faintest hint of light comes through a reddish/brown tint. Head is off-white.

S - Good amount of piney hops, slight fruit, and roasted malt.

T - Incredibly well-balanced. The roasted malt provides a solid backbone for the excellent blend of citrus and piney hop. Taste is almost floral and earthy at the same time. Finishes with just a tinge of chocolate.

M - Incredibly smooth, drinks like a stout.

Overall - Very solid brew here. One of the best ABAs out there.

Serving type: on-tap

11-29-2012 12:08:49 | More by BeerBuckeye

FeDUBBELFIST

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a pint glass for $6.50
Sampled 20AUG12

[A] Arrives with a solid 1 1/2 finger head, medium light brown in color, creamy/foamy and tightly compacted. Retention is fantastic. Lacing is well above average. The body is very dark brown.

[S] Sweet, juicy tropical hop aromas rush the nose initially with a dank, piney resinous underlying. Spicy rye is strong and provides a nice counter to the fruitiness, but also a nice compliment to the mild dark, roasty malt character underneath.

[T] Rye is a little more forward on the palate than it was on the nose. I had this beer about a month ago when it first debuted in PA - and the flavor was a 4.5 easily. A couple weeks later, just a small drop off. [Note: A month and a half later even - AND out of the bottle - and Wookey Jack is still a great beer. Transformed, sure, but still highly enjoyable.]

[M] Body is medium to medium full. Smooth across the front with a sharp carbonation from midpalate on, providing a pleasant bite. Spicy rye aids in drying out the finish. ABV is MIA.

[O] I'm generally not keen on black IPAs but this one stands out. The fact that you can close your eyes, smell, and barely tell this beer is black in color puts it in the front of its field.

Serving type: on-tap

10-30-2012 21:19:50 | More by FeDUBBELFIST

merc7186

New York

3.93/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

, On tap at the Ruck in Troy NY.

A: Dark Opaque Hue, Passes No Light, Off White Head, Decent Lacing

S: Rye, Dark Mildly Roasted Malts

T: Rye, Mildly Roasted Malts, Mildly Bittering Hops

M: Great Carbonation, Medium to Full Bodied, Semi Bitter, Mildly Drying

Overall, a really good dark rye beer with a bittering hop character.

Serving type: on-tap

10-30-2012 04:16:49 | More by merc7186

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.45/5  rDev -19%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a shaker pint glass at Fountainhead.

Figured I'd give this guy a try alongside some other tastiness at Fountainhead. It pours a dark ruby-highlighted black-brown topped by a finger of tan foam. The nose comprises roasted malts, pine resin, grapefruit rind, and a kiss of molasses. The taste brings in more of the same, with the grapefruit really coming in stronger and being joined by what seems to be some lime zest. The result, though, comes across as clashing, with the roasty and hoppy factions unwilling to give ground or work together. It's not an altogether awful clash, but it's certainly bloody enough. The body is a light-leaning medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, a generally solid black IPA, but one whose clashing flavors just don't fully do it for me.

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2012 15:53:39 | More by TMoney2591

zeff80

Missouri

3.98/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at 44 Stone in Columbia, MO.

A - Poured a dark, dark brown color with a light brown head of bubbly foam. It left thin rings of sticky lace on the glass.

S - It smelled strongly of rye aromas. There was a nice roasted malt presence and some spicy notes.

T - It tasted very roasty with spicy rye notes. A touch of pine and some sharp bitterness.

M - It was crisp, sharp and smooth. A medium bodied ale with a dry, clean finish.

O - This is a really tasty rye black IPA. Another delicious offering from Firestone Walker.

Serving type: on-tap

10-11-2012 01:11:06 | More by zeff80

TheRealBigC

Nevada

4/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a black color with a finger or two worth of head with good retention. Smell is of medium roast coffee and citrus. Coffee grounds and a blast of hops dominate the palate, complexities come through as it warms. Fans of this style will no doubt enjoy this one.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2012 00:23:53 | More by TheRealBigC

Deingeist

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: This beer looks like a vanilla porter when first brought to the table. Very dark brown with half a finger of coffee ice cream colored head (more than off-white, it was more like a deep beige). Every sip shows up in the lacing. This is a beautiful rich looking beer.

S: The smell was quite nice. Some esters present after it warms but just enough. Sweet blood orange and pine, but that nice dark nutty smell of malts as well. Good aroma, but not overpowering, which to me can be a good thing.

T: This is one of the best American Blacks that I've tried. It's powerful without being the kind of beer you are happy to try just once, I could easily drink two pints on a crisp fall day and come back for more the next. Rye is definitely present, but is met with citrus and pine to balance and a nice hint of dark chocolate or coffee in the dark malts to make for a very well rounded beer.

M: A nice heavy beer but with good carbonation and a hoppy freshness that makes this a very drinkable beer. Superb.

O: Love it.

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2012 23:44:32 | More by Deingeist

ColForbinBC

New Jersey

4.48/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap, served in a pint glass

Wookey sits a dark chestnut brown with a one finger khaki cap. Good retention. The head clings to the sides all around, creating some pretty sheeting action.

The nose is of fresh pine needles, grass, orange peel, some light roast, and cocoa powder. The hops are really the focal point and they live up to the bill. Not much rye present on the nose.

Fresh cut grass, pine needles, and oranges leap onto the palate. Some mild roast comes through the middle along with cocoa powder in tow. The finish presents some spicy rye and hops. A mild bitterness builds with each sip, making this better and better as you work your way through the glass.

Medium bodied, smooth and creamy. The finish is dry and bitter. Delicious.

I really like this beer. Black IPA's really excel with a fresh grass/pine profile and a smooth feel. Throw a decent amount of rye in there and this is right in my wheelhouse. Well-crafted, and easily enjoyed.

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2012 22:58:38 | More by ColForbinBC

socon67

New York

3.73/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Black pour with a high brown cola colored foam that held nicely. Slight carbonation noted. Minimal lacing.

S - Has a very aromatic hoppy smell. Almost a floral scent. Notes of spices as well.

T - Tasted like a typical black IPA. Had a pronounced hoppy bite typical of an american IPA but tempered by some earthy spcies and a flavor of dark wheat bread.

M - I was pretty content after one of these. The scent was more potent as it warmed and the bitterness was perfect with my BBQ. Felt light for the ABV.

O - Not my favorite style, but I did appreciate this beer. Another nice offering from Firestone Walker, and for the brand alone I wanted to try this one. Lovers of black IPA's should enjoy this.

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2012 19:27:02 | More by socon67

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

First had: on tap at TJ's, Paoli, PA

Poured an opaque black color with a creamy tan head that retained well and left thick lacing on the glass. An attractive brew for sure. Aroma was a bit muted, but contained scents of piney and floral hops and chocolaty malts. I usually brace myself when I take the first sip of an ABA, but this one was surprisingly mellow and well-balanced. Roasty dark malts with a sensation of bakers' chocolate, countered by citrus and pine hops, that weren't too potent or resinous, as with some other beers of the style. I think brewers are finally starting to nail the ABA. Medium body, smooth and fairly dry in the finish, quite drinkable overall.

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2012 23:05:52 | More by Rifugium

axeman9182

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served on draft in a teardrop shaped glass at the Cloverleaf Tavern.

Wookey jack pours almost a solid black, with.just faint mahogany highlights shining through. Almost two fingers of bone colored head crown the beer. Retention is good and there's a fair bit og lacing left in its wake. The nose has a bit of dry coffee to it, and that's joined by a juicy pine and citrus aroma. The rye, which was undetectable in the nose, shows up in the flavor profile. It lends a spicy edge to the upfront coffee taste. The mid palate bitterness is fairly noticeable, and provides a nice transition into the finish. That close features a similar pine heavy/citrus light balance to the nose. It's just a little muted though. The body isn't quite bone dry, but it's definitely on the light side. The carbonation though could stand to be just a little more energetic. I've been conditioned to expect great beer from Firestone Walker, and Wookey Jack is no exception.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2012 22:36:59 | More by axeman9182

Jaycase

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a: black. off-white frothy head. small bubbles lifting to the surface

s: rye, slight piney & citrusy hops

t: piney and citrusy hops at first, rye follows. some chocolate there too.

m: med to high carbonation (good). medium body. creamy

o: excellent beer. Rye is nuanced very well. Highly enjoyable black ipa. Well balanced. Glad to hear this will be a year round offering from FW.

Serving type: on-tap

08-28-2012 22:01:41 | More by Jaycase

Oakenator

Pennsylvania

4.73/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Black with a hint of dark brown around the edges of the glass. Good head, retention and lacing on the glass. The nose is a piney hop with a hint of smoked malt. Flavor doesn't disappoint with fresh pine hop flavor and with the malt brings out some candy or bit of chocolate. Sweet.

Serving type: on-tap

08-18-2012 21:37:06 | More by Oakenator

harrymel

Washington

4.03/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at pints alehouse in Spokane

Black with a nice billowed light peanut quilt. Smells really citrusy, a real deviation from the norm for the style. Fruity and juicy with some lemon and tangerine. Some hints of cocoa in the back
Flavor does not disappoint: bitter and lively with hints of pine resin and biscuit. Carrying with it some nice toast and slight porter qualities. The body is silky smooth mediated with tight sharp Carb. A nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

08-17-2012 02:03:31 | More by harrymel

Flounder57

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on draft at Stoddards in Boston.

Appearance: The beer poured a one finger mocha head that has reduced to a thin layer and left some nice lacing on the glass. It is pitch black color with no clarity. Pretty standard for a dark beer.

Smell: very piney and some citrus, roasted coffee, chocolate.

Taste: more evenly spread out. Pine, roasted notes, mocha, bitterness, spiciness, all blended well together. More sips and same results.

Mouthfeel: smooth, a little creamy full bodied, medium carbonation, a little expected bitterness, and easy to enjoy.

Overall: Solid black ale to me. Never seen it, so figured I try it out on draft before it hits the shelves. Will have to say it is an interesting beer.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2012 02:57:42 | More by Flounder57

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.93/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap 8/4/2012 at Track 84 in Warwick, RI, served in a tulip glass.

A: The beer is a deep black color, with a large off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains floral hops, roasted malts, citrus and some chocolate.

T: The taste starts out with a bitter combination of a strong hops presence and dark chocolate. Then a hearty roasted malt character comes in to create a good balance. There are sweet flavors in the background of citrus and caramel. The after-taste is slightly hoppy and slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is dry but slightly sticky.

O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, good kick, good representation of style, this is a nice beer to drink for a while if you’re in the mood for the style.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2012 02:24:22 | More by TheManiacalOne