Union Jack and the Old Beer

Union Jack is an IPA from the Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

I want to start out by putting this in context - I believe I got an old bottle. It wasn't undrinkable, but the flavors were pretty mild and there was a slight soapy note at the end. There is an almost illegible time stamp that I think reads "16-10" and I have no idea what that means. I actually looked for it at the store, but didn't see it until I got home. I'm pretty annoyed because I rarely see this one and had heard good things.

This goes to the importance of time stamps and the ability of stores to watch their stock.

The beer pours a light amber yellow,with big head that sticks around andleaves lots of lacings. The aroma is mild with whiffs of sweet malts and fruit hops. The first sip had a big alcohol bite in it, but afterwards the flavor was balance between sweet hops and light pine and citrus hops. The finish has a soapy note. It has a medium body with medium-low carbonation.