Wookey Jack

A: Deep brown, but clear. Beige, and soft foam. S: Nice toasted malt, which is very well matched with a low citrus notes. Best aroma of any black beer I've ever had. Very well done. T: Crisp and fresh, light hop citrus (low grapefruit). Some nut-like notes also present, with slight spiciness. Could be sweet, but balanced by a nice hop profile. Solid medium mouthfeel. O: I don't know why there was initial controversy about this style. This brew proves the blend of hops and dark malts can be melted into a great new style. Lots of flavors and a level of complexity that sort of a surprise to me. FW does not make a average beer. O:

Aroma: Black Malt- per the site "debittered". Right up front. Smoothness to malt with hint of sweetness in background. Look: The edge of glass, translucent brown Center, deep brown. Thin lace, nice cling to glass. Big carbonation, actually increases aroma and brings out flavor. I get the Amarillo, the site lists Citra as well. Tastes damn good. The rye spice is present through out. I love rye. The black patent is heavy in the aroma, but hardly present in beer, which has a more even smoothness to carry you from front aroma through hop even bitterness at the end. So easy to drink.

Pours a dark brown, almost black with quarter inch slightly yellow head. The head settles out leaving a thin layer of foam testing on top. Lacing starts before the first sip. The aroma is a nice blend of dark malts and citrus hop. The taste is rich dark and clean. A blend of dark toated malts that has a soft delicate nature and a clean rich citrus hop flavor that works into the finish. Perfectly balanced beer. The toasted malts are the perfect balance with the citrus hops. Light to medium body with medium carbonation. Smooth, crisp, refreshing. Overall, Firestone mailed it again! The is the best black IPA that I have had. Perfectly balancec , smooth, crisp, clean , rich and refreshing. Doesn't get much better than this. Try one.

Pours opaque with 3/4 of an inch of deep tan, frothy foam. Retention as about average. Retention is spotty with most falling back to level. Aroma has hints of dark malt shadowed by citrus hops that bring it tropical and flower. Darkened caramel. Taste sweet but balanced with the dark malts and hops. Tropical and citrus hops carry the end and finish. Bitterness is pleasant, non-lasting. Light body but maybe a bit more. Medium carbonation stays on top of a juicy finish. Nothing is harsh or unpleasant: very smooth around the edges. Possibly one of the best Cascadians I have had. This is a definite must. Enjoy!