Landmark Decision in Texas Beer: Jester King vs. TABC

Public Enemy #1 for Texas Beer Geeks

It may come as somewhat of a surprise, but Texas alcohol laws are slightly out-of-date and, in many cases, absolute bollocks. Shocking news to all, I'm sure.

Case in point: in Texas, it has been against state code that any beer over 4% ABW (~5.1% ABV) must labeled as an "ale," even if it is a lager. Furthermore, the term "beer" is reserved for those beers 4% ABW and under.

Therefore, as a brewer, you'd have to call your new Imperial Pilsener an "ale" on the label if you plan to sell it on shelves in the Lone Star State. Also, your new your 7% ABV IPA could not have the word "beer" anywhere on the label. A real pain in the neck for brewers, and one that has resulted in many beers not making it to Texas and many labels having to be redesigned for compliance with Texas state code, not to mention plenty of confusion for Texas consumers.

Another great little restriction is the law stating that breweries cannot tell consumers where to find their products in Texas. Check out the Dogfish Head "fish finder" to see a great example.

The much maligned Texas Alcoholic beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for these restrictions (and others like them), making it public enemy number one for many Texas beer fans. Until today.

Instant Texas Beer Folk Heroes

You see, a scrappy upstart brewery from Austin, Jester King, decided they'd like to call their beers what  they are on their labels, and maybe even tell their fans where to find their beers. They filed a suit against TABC earlier this year claiming the restrictions above (along with some others) were unconstitutional. Yesterday, Judge Sam Sparks ruled in favor of many of Jester King's claims in a landmark decision.

Here are the key outcomes of the case, as Scott Metzger from Freetail brewing reported on his blog Brewed and Never Battered:

• TABC cannot prohibit you from telling customers or advertising where they can buy your products.    

• TABC cannot require you to label your products by their definition of “beer” and “ale.”  

• TABC cannot prohibit you from advertising the strength of your products by prohibiting words like “strong”, “prewar strength”, “full strength”, etc.

All of this should help more beers make it to Texas and speed up the approval process for new beers to the market.

It's not all sunshine and lollipops though, as Judge Sparks upheld the law banning sales of beer at a brewery and the fact that out of state and foreign breweries still have to get costly licenses every two years. Not surprising, really. These are our next battles, fellow Texan beer geeks. Onward, to victory!

Read more about the ruling on Jester King's site or at Brewed and Never Battered.

Westvleteren to be Commercialized

In the world of the beer geek, Westvleteren is truly a hallowed name.

Based in the the Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren and founded in 1838, the Westvleteren Brewery (or Brouwerij Westvleteren) is one of the seven Trappist breweries operating today. While they only brew three beers currently, one of their offerings, Westvleteren 12°, is routinely named the best beer in the world. The fabled brew tops both the BeerAdvocate and RateBeer charts and has become a right of passage for many beer lovers.

Up until this point, the monks have only sold their beer on site at the abbey and only sell enough to cover the expenses of the monastery. Demand greatly outpaces supply, but the monks have not budged. As the legend of Westy 12 spread, the monks began to ration the beer, with tighter and tighter limits on how much one could buy. In 2009, the limit became one case per license plate per month for the 12°, with a hard to obtain reservation required. While the quality of the beer is beyond reproach, there is no doubt that all of this scarcity has added to the myth and driven even more demand for the beer.

Last week, a kind Belgian soul that had dutifully been sending bottles of Westy 12 overseas at no profit to himself announced the monks had asked him politely to stop. Rumors began to fly, with some positing that the monks were set to announce commercial sales of their beers. It turns out those rumors were correct, as the monks have announced they will indeed start to sell their beer outside of the abbey for the first time ever.

In an effort to pay for renovations to the abbey, discussions are underway with Belgian warehouse chain Colruyt for the first foray in commercial sales for the brewery. If all goes to plan, Belgian consumers will be able to buy a gift pack containing a mix of Westvleteren Blonde, 8°, and the fabled 12°.

Details are relatively sparse at the moment, with no definite figures on how much beer the monks plan to sell outside the abbey, or how long for. The operator of the brewery has said "we are required to at least temporarily to brew more beer," which gives the impression that the monks aren't planning this as an ongoing venture.

Source: De Morgan (in Dutch)

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout Finally Coming to America

In a move that will surely have Guinness fans across the country rejoicing, Guinness has announced that they are finally bringing their Guinness Foreign Extra Stout to U.S. shelves.

Foreign Extra Stout makes up almost half of Guinness' global sales and typically garners the best reviews of the Guinness family, so it's pretty surprising it took this long. Better late than never, though.

Much closer to Guinness Extra Stout than the classic Guinness Draught, Foreign Extra Stout is relatively bitter, carbonated instead of nitrogenated, and has a stout alcohol content.

Clocking in at 7.5%, it's actually the second-strongest Guinness variation and nearly twice as potent as the classic Guinness Draught. The only variation stronger is Guinness Special Export Stout, a Belgian special originally commissioned by John Martin in 1912.

I've only had the Foreign Extra Stout once (pictured above), at a pub in Jamaica on my honeymoon. I don't have full tasting notes to check, but I do remember being quite impressed. I'm looking forward to getting a second crack at it soon.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout should start hitting American shelves this Friday, October 1st.

Looking for more about Guinness? Check these links out:

• How to Make Guinness Ice Cream
• Guinness Draught Review
• Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout Review
• Guinness/Bass Black & Tan Review

I'm Sick of All of the "World's Strongest Beer" Bullshit

Beer geeks just can't get enough of high ABV brews. Back in the day when Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Jim Koch of Samuel Adams were jockeying for the title of world's strongest beer, everyone had a lot of fun. It was new a whole new territory, requiring new techniques and ingredients, and gave birth to legendary beers like Utopias and World Wide Stout.

Contrary to popular opinion, Utopias was not actually the strongest beer on the market a year ago. That title actually went to Schorschbräu Schorschbock, a German beer that clocked in at 31% ABV, besting Utopias by four whole percentage points.

This was accomplished by freeze-distilling the beer, a process where the beer is placed in freezing conditions so that water will freeze out, leaving a more potent brew behind. As Utopias was fermented without the process of distillation, this might sound a bit like cheating. However, Schorschbock was an Eisbock, a totally legitimate German style that requires a level of freeze distillation.

In my mind, this meant Schorschbock was not a cheat, and had earned the title honestly. However, I still think an important distinction should be made between high-test beers that have been fermented "naturally," and those that employ distillation.

Anyway, late last year the titled changed hands again when BrewDog, a brewery with a flair for the dramatic and a keen eye for publicity, came out with Tactical Nuclear Penguin. Clocking in at 32% ABV and using the same freeze distillation process, the Imperial Stout was potent enough to just beat out Schorschbräu Schorschbock for the title and garner the brewery lots of publicity. It was all very tongue in cheek and I thought it was a cool move from the Scots.

But things didn't stay like that for long, as Schorschbräu countered with a 40% ABV version of Schorschbock, knocking BrewDog off the top of the hill. BrewDog then counter-countered with with Sink the Bismark!, an IPA clocking in at 41% ABV*. Again, it was all very clever, but it felt a little contrived. Guess what happened next? That's right, Schorschbräu came back with a 43% ABV version of Schorschbock.

If that wasn't bad enough, BrewDog countered again earlier this month with The End of History, a 55% blond Belgian ale sold—I shit thee not—in the remains of dead woodland creatures.

Obviously, at this point we were clearly getting into farse territory, and I'm sure BrewDog understood that, as they announced The End of History would be their last excursion into high ABV beers.

That's where we stood last week, with yet another world's strongest beer, this one costing over $750 and coming with a free squirrel carcass. The whole world's strongest beer race had turned into a played-out publicity stunt game, but it looked like at least with the introduction of what I'm calling the "carcass-card," things would calm down.

Wrong! The reason I bring all of this up is that today a Dutch brewer just announced another world's strongest beer: 't Koelschip Start the Future. This time though, shit got real. Instead of messing around in the 50% range, these Dutch madmen have churned out a beer clocking in at an amazing 60% ABV, totally blowing BrewDog and Schorschbräu out of the water.

However, that being said, I could not give a shit if I tried. I stopped caring back when Schorschbräu countered Tactical Nuclear Penguin. Since then, it's just been a parade of contrived press releases attached to what I'm sure are pretty shitty beers.

How about you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

* A few German labs got a hold of the stuff and both claim it doesn't hit the 41% ABV claimed on the bottle, instead topping out at about 30%. All of that horseshit and it doesn't even measure up?

Saint Arnold Announces Movable Yeast Series

Earlier this week, Saint Arnold announced the release of their "Movable Yeast" series of beers. This new line is all about the different flavors yeast can impart on beer. To showcase these flavors, the series will feature existing Saint Arnold beers fermented with a different strain of yeast.

Saint Arnold will brew up a batch of the base beer and split it into two 60 barrel fermenters. There, the "control" will be pitched with the usual yeast strain, while the new beer will be pitched with the new strain. Each beer will get a clever new name and be shipped off in kegs to restaurants. According to founder Brock Wagner, the brewery is hoping restaurants will serve the two versions side-by-side, so consumers can really get a feel for how much the yeast has changed the flavor profile of the beer.

The plan is to release a new beer will be each quarter. First up in the series is Weedwacker, which is based on the company's popular Kölsch, Fancy Lawnmower. Weedwacker will be fermented with a Bavarian Hefeweizen yeast, which will impart the traditional clove and banana flavors. Also, in a nod to the Hefeweizen tradition, the beer will be served unfiltered.

In November, Saint Arnold plans to release "Altared Amber," which is Amber Ale pitched with Belgian Trappist yeast. Planned for February is Bitter Belgian, which marries Elissa IPA wort with Belgian Trappist yeast. Following that in May, Brown Biite will combine Brown Ale with Alt yeast.

You'll be able to find the Moveable Yeast series in select Texas restaurants starting August 16th. You can find more information on the company's Facebook page.

Image via Saint Arnold

BrewDog Release Tactical Nuclear Penguin, The World's New "Strongest Beer"

Those crazy punks from BrewDog have been in the lab creating something truly wicked, and the result is Tactical Nuclear Penguin. It's a 32% ABV beer that can lay claim to the two key titles: strongest beer on the planet and the best named beer on the planet.

Most people believe the previous record for strongest beer belongs to the 27% ABV Sam Adams Utopias, but it was actually set by Schorschbräu Schorschbock at 31%. This beer may eek past Schorschbock, but it crushes the legendary Utopias by 5 full percentage points. Wow.

Tactical Nuclear Penguin started life as 10% ABV Imperial Stout, was aged for eight months in an Isle of Arran whisky cask, and then aged a further eight months in an Islay cask. It's quirky name is actually a reference to the process that boosted the alcohol content—for three weeks the beer was subjected to sub-zero temperatures, which allowed much of the water to freeze out and left the remaining beer more potent. Similar techniques are used in traditional German Eisbocks and terrible American "Ice Beers" like Bud Ice.

Here's the label text that will great those lucky enough to get their hands on this mad brew:

This is an extremely strong beer, it should be enjoyed in small servings and with an air of aristocratic nonchalance. In exactly the same manner that you would enjoy a fine whisky, a Frank Zappa album or a visit from a friendly yet anxious ghost.

As you might expect, such a time and labor intensive experimental beer is not exactly cheap. But, at the equivalent of just under $60 per 300ml bottle, Tactical Nuclear Penguin is a relative bargain in this territory. Sure, it may not come in a gorgeous bottle like Utopias, but it does come wrapped in a paper bag featuring a hand-drawn penguin.

500 bottles will be released, half of them sold as part of a package with one share of the company as part of the company's Equity for Punks program. The price for the 250 bottles bundled with the share will be about $400, which isn't too bad considering it comes with a 20 percent lifetime discount at BrewDog's site (which sells their beer).

For more info, check this video of the boys wearing their finest suits:

Monster Energy Sues Rock Art Brewery

The makers of Monster Energy drinks have sued sent a cease and desist letter to Rock Art Brewery, brewers of "The Vermonster." Why? Because they are concerned that people will confuse the craft brew with their upcoming line of alcoholic Monster products.

Apparently brewery owner Matt Nadeau has been told by numerous trademark attorneys that the law is on his side, but that proving his point might bankrupt him.

Here's his take on the whole thing: "This is just about principle. Corporate America can't be allowed to do this, in this day and age. It's just not right."

Check out this interview with Matt for more details:

So, what can you do to help? For one you can let Monster know how you feel about their decision here. And, as always, you can vote with your wallet.

Samuel Adams Announces Barrel Room Collection

After the success of the Samuel Adams Imperial Series earlier this year, the Boston Brewing Company has announced another new premium collection, the Samuel Adams Barrel Room Collection. There's not much concrete information yet, but what we do know so far is that the beers will all be aged in oak barrels and sold in big 750ml bottles.

Here are the confirmed beers for the launch:

• Samuel Adams American Kriek - 7% ABV
  
• Samuel Adams New World Tripel - 10% ABV
  
• Samuel Adams Stony Brook Red - 9% ABV
  

I have to say, the Imperial Series was rather accomplished, and I'm expecting big things from this collection. Samuel Adams can clearly brew up big, character-filled beers when they choose to, and I'm looking forward to what they're going to do with the added complexity derived from barrel-aging.

While there hasn't been a timeline released yet, I think it's safe to expect more details in the coming weeks.

Guinness Celebrates 250th Anniversary Tomorrow

It's not every day you get to celebrate a 250th anniversary, especially in the world of beer—though tomorrow, you can do just that. Guinness has dubbed tomorrow, a date marking 250 years to the day since Arthur Guinness signed the legendary 9000 year loan on the St. James Brewery, "Arthur's Day."

Events have been planned across the globe from Dublin to Malaysia, with acts including Kasabian, Estelle, Black Eyed Peas, and Tom Jones. Check Guinness' site for details.

So raise a pint tomorrow in honor of Arthur and the brand he created a quarter of a millennium ago. Cheers!

In the interest of full disclosure, I feel it important to mention that Guinness decided to include me in their "Guinness 250," and that as part of this program, they have sent me a collection of promotional items.

Saint Arnold Announces Divine Reserve 9

Hot off the heels of the release of their Divine Reserve 8, Saint Arnold has announced the next brew in the exclusive series. Divine Reserve 9 will be brewed today and tomorrow for release in either November or December. It will be an "Imperial Stout Pumpkin Ale," which sounds pretty interesting, if nothing else. The Divine Reserve series is the perfect time to experiment, and I'm happy to see Saint Arnold getting creative again. Here's what founder Brock Wagner has to say about DR9:

It's like a chocolate pumpkin pie, and 10% ABV. My complaint with pumpkin ales is typically the body of the beer doesn't carry the spice. It was a challenge to come up with enough pumpkin too. Apparently, when it's not Thanksgiving, stores don't stock much pumpkin!"

With all of the excitement and disappointment we saw a few weeks back with DR8, I wish you the best of luck getting your hands on DR9 later this year.

UPDATE:

New Beer Wars Video Featuring Charlie Papazian

Haven't bought your Beer Wars tickets yet? Well, what the hell are you waiting for? April 16th is rapidly approaching. If you are still not convinced, perhaps this latest video extra will inspire you. In it, homebrew hero Charlie Papazian talks about, what else, homebrewed beer. Look out for his awesome "malt stirrer," I want one.

Ah, makes me want to take a trip to the homebrew store and get brewing.

See the list of theaters playing Beer Wars here and check the Beer Wars website for more information.

Beer Wars Deleted Scenes

Have you bought your tickets for Beer Wars yet? If not, perhaps these deleted scenes will help persuade you to pull the trigger.

First up, Kim Jordan of New Belgium talks about her brewery and "the culture of beer."

Next, Greg Koch of Stone brewing talks about the journey his company has been on and who he considers his competition.


I have to say, the more I learn about this movie, the more excited I get.

See the list of theaters playing Beer Wars here and check the Beer Wars website for more information.

Sierra Nevada Reveals New Year-Round Beer: Kellerweis Hefeweizen

Sierra Nevada announced last year that they would be adding two new beers to their year-round stable. As there had been no changes to that lineup in over a decade, the beer community was understandably excited. The first beer was revealed to be a new "Extra IPA" named Torpedo. I just got my hands on a couple six-packs, and it's a very worthy addition to the collection.

Late last week, Sierra Nevada unveiled their second new year-round release, Kellerweis Hefeweizen. This will actually be replacing Sierra Nevada Wheat in the lineup, so if you're a fan of the Wheat, stock up. The beer is of the traditional Bavarian Hefeweizen style and Sierra Nevada is using the shallow open fermentation process and top-cropping yeast. The yeast itself is a special strain borrowed from a small Bavarian brewery and was actually the inspiration for Kellerweis.

When the brewers started playing with the strain a few years ago, they were so enamored with the results that they decided to brew up a new year-round Hefeweizen. After a trip to Germany the team realized that the key to really unlocking the yeast strain's potential was open fermenting.

The name Kellerweis comes from a combination of the German words for cellar (in this case a reference to the open fermentation tanks) and hazy wheat beers. Here's how Sierra Nevada describe the flavor profile:

The flavor is rich with bready wheat notes and massive banana and clove. The finish is clean and crisp and the beer has a low enough ABV to be scarily session-able.

Be on the lookout for Kellerweis on shelves in late May, just in time for summer. If Torpedo is any indication, it should be great.

Craft Brew Movie On The Way

Beer Wars, a film by Anat Baron, is an upcoming documentary about the battle raging in America between the craft breweries and Bud/Miller/Coors. Most of the big voices in the craft brew movement are represented: Sam Calagione, Jim Koch, Garrett Oliver, Greg Koch, Kim Jordan, Charlie Papazian, Todd Alström, the late Michael Jackson, and many more. Check out the trailer:

So what's the catch? The movie is scheduled as a one-night-only event, showing in theaters nationwide only on April 16th, so you only have one shot to see it (until it's released on DVD). The upside is that the movie will be followed by a live event hosted by Ben Stein and featuring craft brew industry people. Spread the word, buy your tickets in advance (I'm buying mine online today), and bring a friend (or five).

See the list of theaters playing Beer Wars here and check the Beer Wars website for more information.

Craft Brew Segment Continues To Grow Through Recession

This week, the Brewers Association released their 2008 American beer industry growth figures. There's lots of good news for American craft brewers to be found, as their segment grew 5.8% by volume (and 10.5% by dollars) during last year. Craft brewed beer now accounts for 4% by volume (and 6.3% by dollars) of the overall American beer market. While the craft segment didn't grow as rapidly as it did last year when it expanded by 12% by volume, there was still steady improvement.

As for the rest of the American beer market, things weren't quite so encouraging. The import segment shrunk 3.4% by volume, while the "non-craft domestic" segment grew at a rate of just 0.6% by volume. Obviously, the big loser here is the import segment. Perhaps with the economy in the state it's in people are feeling a bit more patriotic?

Here's Brewers Association Director, Paul Gatza's take on last year:

2008 was a historic year for beer with the large brewers consolidating and imports losing share, while the top ten selling beer brands dropped in sales. At the same time, small independent craft brewers continued to gain share and attention.

So is beer, specifically good beer, truly recession-proof? It's probably too early to tell just looking at the 2008 numbers. I think that when these numbers are released again next year, we'll have a much clearer answer. Here's hoping it is.

Check out the whole report to draw your own conclusions.

RIP Bill Brand

Renowned Bay Area beer witter Bill Brand died this morning of injuries sustained in an accident on February 9th, he was 70. My thoughts go out to his family and friends in this tragic time. Check out his blog What's On Tap to see some of his work.

Bill Brand

1938-2009

Samuel Adams To Release New Imperial Series

While the Samuel Adams beer portfolio is one of the widest in the market today, they're showing no signs of slowing down. Fresh from the bottling line is the new Samuel Adams Imperial Series, a collection that, according to the company, "represent[s] some of the biggest and most intense beers we have ever brewed." That's saying something with such legendary extreme beers as Utopias and Millennium under their belt. The series is composed of three different beers; two brand new and one old.

First up is Double Bock, based on the beer of the same name, one of the company's first seasonal beers. According to the brewer, the recipie has been "amped up," so this isn't just a rebranding of the beer. Here's the company line:

Over the past 20 years, Samuel Adams Double Bock has become one of the Samuel Adams Brewery's most acclaimed beers. An enormous amount of two-row Harrington Metcalfe and Caramel 60 malts, half a pound per bottle, is used to brew this intense, rich lager. This beer is close to the idea of beer as "liquid bread." Its deep mahogany color, velvet smooth, rich yet slightly citrusy flavor and mouthfeel is a testament to the beer's balance. In the past, Samuel Adams Double Bock has been available for a short six-week period. The brewers have decided to make it available year-round with the other Big Beers in the Samuel Adams Imperial Series.

Next is Imperial White, which is probably just a more extreme version of one their current seasonals, White Ale. Here's the company line:

Samuel Adams Imperial White pushes out the boundaries of the witbier style. While showcasing the traditional witbier aromas and hazy appearance, it delivers a bigger mouthfeel and body. Brewed with ten spices, and a high quality blend of two-row Harrington, Munich and Metcalfe malts, malted wheat, and an abundance of Hallertau Mittelfrueh Noble hops, Samuel Adams Imperial White is an incredibly robust, refreshing beer with notes of orange and coriander.

Last, but certainly not least, is the second new beer, and the one I'm most excited about: Imperial Stout. Here's the company line:

Much bigger than your average stout, Samuel Adams Imperial Stout is a colossal beer inspired by centuries-old stouts. These traditional stouts were first brewed by 18th century English brewers for the Russian Imperial Court of Catherine the Great. Brewed with an abundance of East Kent Goldings hops and Caramel 60 and Munich malts, this beer is intense with full rich flavors like dark chocolate, coffee and anise.

I was surprised to not see their Hallertau Imperial Pilsner (see my review here) on the list. I'm not sure what that means for the fate of Hallertau, as you would think that if they planned on keeping the beer on the market it would be rolled in the new series, like Double Bock. Here's hoping it's not going anywhere, as it's one of my favorites from the boys in Boston.

According to the company, you should start seeing these beers showing up towards the end of February, at a price of $9.99 per four-pack.

Imperial Series info on SamuelAdams.com

Saint Arnold Healthier Than Ever

My "local" brewery and Texas' oldest craft brewer, Saint Arnold, reached a major milestone in the first half of this year. Through the end of June production exceeded 10,000 barrels, (obviously) putting the company on track to produce over 20,000 barrels this year. It seems that this year, by far, will be the biggest in the company's 14 year history.

The production figures so far this year mark a 29% increase over the same point last year. 29%. In fact, the amount of beer these guys have already cranked out in 2008 is roughly equal to their entire output for 2005. For comparison, the Brewer's Association reports that the craft-brew market as a whole is grew at a steady 6.5% over the first half of the year, 22.5% less the Houston brewer. And all of this in a year of great economic slowdown and increasing prices due to the cost of inputs and transportation.

However, this isn't a sudden jump for Saint Arnold, looking back over the company's growth figures for the past 5 years or so, they consistently grow between 20-30% each year. It's not hard to see why either, Saint Arnold has a wonderful portfolio of beer and brilliant marketing. Next year, Saint Arnold is moving out of their current, somewhat cramped, location to a new (historic) location. This will allow them to double brewing capacity, and hopefully give the devoted masses that make the pilgrimage each Saturday for the "tour" a little more room to stretch out.

Check out the Saint Arnold offerings I've reviewed here on PintLog so far: Winter Stout, Fancy Lawnmower and Spring Bock. Want a different Saint Arnold beer reviewed? Ask for it in the comment section!

Producers of Samuel Adams to Share Hops With Craft-Brewers in Need

Over the past few months, the ongoing worldwide hop shortage has affected all brewers, with craft-brewers feeling more of a crunch than the macros. To help ease the pain of its peers in the craft-brew world, Boston Beer Company (makers of Samuel Adams beers) has started a hop sharing program.

Up for grabs are 20,000 pounds of premium hops, half East Kent Goldings grown by Tony Redsell and half German Noble Tettnang Tettnangers from various German growers. This is no quick grab for easy cash from the hard-up brewers without good reserves, BBC will be selling these items at their cost. That's right, they are passing these hops on to those brewers that truly need them just because it's the right thing to do.

I think this program illustrates some of the underlying principles of the craft-brew mindset: brotherhood, sharing for the greater-good and the golden rule. BBC is probably the largest craft-brewer in America and they're showing they still care about great beer and those who brew it, not just their bottom line. Kudos.

Get more details from Boston Brewing Company's site

Firestone Walker Releases Union Jack IPA

Friday, Firestone Walker announced their first India Pale Ale, Union Jack IPA. The beer is available on tap and in bottles in California and Nevada now and clocks in at 7.5% ABV, 72 IBUs and 10 Lovibond units. The brewery describes Union Jack as "citrus, pineapple, and a full chewy malt profile finish clean on your palate."

The India Pale Ale style originated during the 1700s when British brewers learned that adding large amounts of hops helped protect beer on its long journey to far away colonies. Union Jack has been double dry hopped and fermented in the brewery's oak barrel brewing system, imparting a unique character and body.

Visit Firestone Walker