Firestone Walker’s Wookey Jack Black IPA returns for limited release
'Wookey Jack has a hardcore following, and we get asked about it all the time,' said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson
– Firestone Walker's Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA has returned for a limited seasonal release, available in all Firestone Walker markets in six-packs and draft formats. The beer, known for its distinct flavor and reputation, first emerged over a decade ago and has won three gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival.
"Wookey Jack has a hardcore following, and we get asked about it all the time," said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. "It's a beer for those in the know and those who want to discover something different. Everyone loves the visual trick of Wookey Jack—it's as black as a stout but drinks like an IPA."
The latest edition of Wookey Jack continues with its original recipe, incorporating dark malts with rustic rye, alongside Citra and Amarillo hops in a dry-hop regimen. According to the brewing team, a bit of "Wookey Dust" is included as well.
First introduced in 2012, Wookey Jack was Firestone Walker's take on the emerging Black IPA style, inspired by Cascadian Dark Ales from the Pacific Northwest. Brynildson added rye malt to bring a spicy, rustic touch to the beer, which quickly became popular and inspired other brewers.
"It's a beer that just seems right for fall and winter," Brynildson said. "The Wookey never dies—it just hibernates."
Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker is a family-led brewery based on California's Central Coast. The brewery's main location in Paso Robles produces several popular beers, including the widely recognized 805 and the national Mind Haze hazy IPA. Firestone Walker's other locations include the Barrelworks wild ale cellar in Santa Barbara County and the Propagator R&D brewhouse in Venice.
