Firestone Walker Union Jack 6Pk is a double-dry-hopped West Coast IPA at 7.0% ABV, sold as a 6-pack of 12 oz cans from Paso Robles, California. This flagship IPA earned gold at the 2025 World Beer Cup and was named the No. 1 American beer at the 2025 Brussels Beer Challenge — a testament to its enduring relevance in a crowded IPA landscape. Quick Facts: ABV: 7.0% | Origin: Paso Robles, California | Style: West Coast IPA | Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Company Production & Heritage Firestone Walker Brewing Company, founded in 1996 in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast, built its reputation on balance-driven ales before Union Jack became the brewery's definitive hop statement. The grain bill layers premium two-row barley (Metcalf and Kendall varieties) with Munich, Cara Pils, and Simpson's Light Crystal malts, providing just enough backbone to support an aggressive hopping regimen. What distinguishes Union Jack from many West Coast IPAs is its double-dry-hop process: the first dry hop occurs with yeast still present, allowing biotransformation that amplifies fruity hop characteristics, while a proprietary dry hop cannon uses CO2 pressure to introduce hops directly into the fermenter, maximizing aroma intensity without extracting additional bitterness. Tasting Notes Aroma: Pineapple and mango lead, followed by a rush of grapefruit zest and pine resin. The tropical fruit notes are bright and immediate, with a resinous, sappy undertone that signals classic West Coast character. Taste: The entry delivers a bold blast of grapefruit and tangerine, with orange marmalade sweetness emerging at mid-palate. A honey-like pale malt sweetness provides ballast against assertive citrus rind bitterness. The peak lands squarely on pine and grapefruit, with bread-like malt anchoring the hop intensity. Finish: Long, dry, and resolutely bitter with lingering pine sap and citrus rind. The bitterness is firm but clean, fading into a subtle caramel warmth that invites the next sip. How to Drink Union Jack Union Jack is best served cold — around 45°F — in a tulip glass or standard pint to capture its aromatic complexity. Straight from the can works well for casual drinking, though glassware reveals the full spectrum of the double-dry-hop profile. For cocktails and beer-forward mixed drinks: try it in a Hop Shandy with fresh lemonade, where Union Jack's citrus intensity amplifies the drink's brightness; a Michelada, where the pine and grapefruit bite cuts through hot sauce and lime; or a Beer-a-Rita, where the bold hop character stands up to tequila and Cointreau without disappearing. Best For Stocking a craft beer fridge for hop-forward beer enthusiasts Backyard grilling sessions where bold flavor matches smoky food Introducing someone to classic West Coast IPA style Bringing a respected, award-winning 6-pack to a gathering Frequently Asked Questions What does Union Jack taste like? Union Jack delivers bold grapefruit, tangerine, and pine resin flavors balanced by honey-like pale malt sweetness and a firm, dry bitterness. It reads as a textbook West Coast IPA — hop-forward, clean, and assertively bitter without being harsh. How does Union Jack compare to Stone IPA? Both are flagship West Coast IPAs, but Union Jack's double-dry-hop process with biotransformation gives it a more pronounced tropical fruit dimension alongside its pine and citrus. Stone IPA tends to lean more heavily into raw bitterness and earthy hop character, while Union Jack finds a slightly more balanced interplay between malt sweetness and hop intensity. Is Union Jack good for beginners? Union Jack is approachable for anyone curious about hop-forward beer, though its assertive bitterness and 7.0% ABV place it a step above entry-level pale ales. The malt backbone and tropical fruit aromatics make it more welcoming than many IPAs of similar intensity. Where is Union Jack made? Union Jack is brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California, a region on the Central Coast better known for wine country but home to one of the state's most respected craft breweries since 1996. What foods pair well with Union Jack? Spicy fish tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop notes. Grilled burgers with sharp cheddar match the malt backbone. Thai green curry finds balance against the assertive bitterness. A citrus-dressed arugula salad echoes the grapefruit character. Blue cheese or aged Gouda create a rich contrast to the dry, piney finish. What sizes does Union Jack come in? Union Jack is commonly available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans as well as single 19.2 oz stovepipe cans and draft. Is Union Jack worth the price? Union Jack positions as a premium craft IPA that consistently earns top honors — including back-to-back Great American Beer Festival golds and a 2025 World Beer Cup gold — making it one of the stronger values in its category for drinkers seeking competition-validated quality. Why Union Jack? Few West Coast IPAs have demonstrated this kind of staying power. Union Jack has collected gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival (2008 and 2009), the 2025 World Beer Cup, and the 2025 Brussels Beer Challenge, where it was ranked the top American beer in the competition. The double-dry-hop technique — particularly the biotransformation step with live yeast — produces a tropical fruit intensity that many newer hazy IPAs chase, yet Union Jack remains resolutely West Coast in its clean bitterness and dry finish. In a style defined by fleeting trends and seasonal releases, this is a year-round IPA that continues to win against the field.
