Firestone Walker Brewing Company Double Jack IPA

Firestone Walker started brewing back in 1996 in Santa Barbara County, California in a small rented facility part of the Firestone Vineyard.  Relocated to Paso Robles in 2001 where they have been growing in production and reputation ever since into a craft beer powerhouse brand.   All their ales are fermented in their custom Firestone Union oak barrel brewing system, which consists of 65 gallons of American fine oak barrels.  The Double Jack IPA is a strong bold choice rounding out at 9.5% ABV and part of their select proprietors reserve series.  This IPA won a bronze medal at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival in the Imperial IPA category.  You can definitely taste the fruit overtones mixed in with a very intense hoppyness but the flavor is well balanced.   Remember to store below 44 degrees since they don't pasteurize any of their bottled beer.  For convenience, and to make sure their ales are enjoyed in their optimal freshness window, all bottles have a production date clearly stamped on the front of each bottle.  Firestone recommends to partake within 120 days of production due to the lack of pasteurization.

Next up Wookey Jack...

9.5% ABV

9 out of 10 Blackjacks (near perfection)

http://www.firestonebeer.com/home.php