Paso Robles, California – Firestone Walker Brewing Company is thrilled to announce the return of its iconic Wookey Jack, a Black Rye IPA with an 8.3% ABV, for a limited seasonal release. First crafted over a decade ago, this beloved beer has earned a cult following and three gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Now available in six-packs (12-ounce cans) and on draft across all Firestone Walker markets, Wookey Jack is ready to captivate both longtime fans and new drinkers with its unique blend of bold flavors and striking appearance.
Brewmaster Matt Brynildson describes Wookey Jack as a standout in the Firestone Walker lineup, noting, “It’s a fan favorite that surprises with its dark, stout-like look but drinks like a vibrant IPA.” True to its original recipe, this edition features rich, roasted dark malts and spicy rye for a rustic grain character, complemented by a robust dry-hop blend of Citra and Amarillo hops. The result is a balanced IPA with toasty rye notes, citrusy brightness, and a crisp finish, making Wookey Jack a must-try for craft beer enthusiasts seeking something bold yet approachable.
Origin Story
Wookey Jack was first brewed in 2012 as Firestone Walker’s riff on the emerging Black IPA style.
Wookey Jack came into the world at a time when Cascadian Dark Ales were starting to storm into California from the Pacific Northwest. Also known as Black IPAs, these beers brought a unique regional expression to the exploding IPA genre.
With Black Rye IPAs gaining a foothold, Brynildson decided to put his own stamp on the style, adding rye malt to bring a spicy, rustic element to the beer he would call Wookey Jack. It was an instant hit that would spawn many imitators. After later going on hiatus, Wookey Jack has re-emerged in recent years as a seasonal release.
“It’s a beer that just seems right for fall and winter,” Brynildson said. “The Wookey never dies—it just hibernates.”
About Firestone Walker Brewing
Firestone Walker Brewing Company was born in 1996 on a family vineyard in California’s Central Coast, founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker with a passion for crafting exceptional beer. Starting with a makeshift brewhouse cobbled together from second-hand dairy tanks and winemaking equipment, they pioneered their signature Double Barrel Ale (DBA) using the patented Firestone Union system, a nod to traditional British brewing that ferments beer in oak barrels. By 2001, the brewery relocated to Paso Robles, establishing a state-of-the-art facility that laid the foundation for national acclaim. Their commitment to quality and innovation, paired with a deep connection to the Central Coast’s agricultural roots, helped Firestone Walker grow from a small operation to a craft beer powerhouse, producing over 500,000 barrels annually by 2021 while maintaining a fiercely independent spirit.
At the heart of Firestone Walker’s success is Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, affectionately dubbed “Merlin” for his alchemical touch. Joining in 2001 after stints as a hop chemist and brewer at Goose Island, Brynildson brought a scientist’s precision and artist’s creativity, elevating the brewery with iconic beers like Union Jack IPA, Luponic Distortion, and the barrel-aged Parabola. His expertise earned Firestone Walker four World Beer Cup Champion Brewmaster titles and six Great American Beer Festival Brewer of the Year awards, cementing his reputation as a craft beer legend. Brynildson’s innovative approach, from experimenting with hop blends to mastering barrel-aging, has kept Firestone Walker at the forefront of the industry, blending tradition with bold experimentation to create beers that resonate with enthusiasts worldwide.
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