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Union Jack

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Union Jack is the brewery's original West Coast IPA, first released in 2008. Simcoe, Chinook and Centennial give it a bold hop profile of grapefruit, orange zest and classic pine, with touches of passion fruit, berry and orange blossom in the aroma. Only a hint of crystal malt sits beneath the hops, keeping the body lean. The bitterness is firm at 70 IBU and carries through to a dry, resinous finish.

ABV
7.0%
Bitterness
Very bitter70 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
golden7
PaceTwo or Three

AWARDS

Gold · 2008
Great American Beer Festival
Gold · 2009
Great American Beer Festival
Bronze · 2011
European Beer Star
Gold · 2025
World Beer Cup
Gold · 2025
Brussels Beer Challenge
English IPA
Best American Beer · 2025
Brussels Beer Challenge
★Gold — Great American Beer Festival
★Gold — Great American Beer Festival
★Bronze — European Beer Star
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
hoppycitrusyresinous
hoppy
citrusy
resinous
piney
orange
berry
Aroma
The nose leads with assertive citrus notes—grapefruit and orange zest—layered beneath a distinct pine resinousness characteristic of the Simcoe, Chinook and Centennial hops.
also:tropical,floral
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Union Jack

◎ Appearance

Union Jack presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright transparency. The head forms with good density and displays crisp, fine-bubbled retention that leaves delicate lacing around the glass. Carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a visually inviting presentation.

pale goldenclear and brightpersistent headfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with assertive citrus notes—grapefruit and orange zest—layered beneath a distinct pine resinousness characteristic of the Simcoe, Chinook and Centennial hops. Secondary aromatics reveal touches of passion fruit, subtle berry notes, and a delicate orange blossom floral quality that adds complexity to the bouquet. The Malz foundation remains restrained and understated, allowing the hops to dominate.

grapefruit, orange zestpine, resinouspassion fruit, floralclean malt base

◐ Taste

The palate enters crisp and direct, with the citrus and pine hop character asserting immediately without overwhelming sweetness. Mid-palate maintains a lean body—only a hint of crystal Malz providing structural support—while the bitterness grows firm and structured at 70 IBU. The flavors remain dry and focused throughout, with no lingering sweetness or cloying malt presence to soften the bitter edge.

citrus-forwardfirm bitternesslean bodydry palate

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and decidedly resinous, with persistent bitterness that carries cleanly to the aftertaste. The pine and grapefruit notes linger subtly, leaving the palate crisp and refreshed rather than warming or lingering heavily.

resinous finishdry aftertastepersistent bitterness
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
82
Appearance
83
Finish
80
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Union Jack

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About West Coast IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a West Coast IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar West Coast IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, citrusy, resinous character as Union Jack will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

FEATURED IN

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