Green Flash West Coast IPA

Brewed by Green Flash Brewing Co.
Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
Vista, California USA

I’m re-rating this on 3/10/09 - original review is below. Why the perfect rating? For me, it’s the perfect IPA. It’s the perfect balance of hop bitterness, hop flavors, malt body, aromas, carbonation etc. If I’m not trying new beers, there’s not a single beer that I can think of that I’d rather have than this one. It’s the only perfect RB score I’ve ever given and probably will ever give.

bottle / tap - wherever I can get it
I can’t believe I haven’t rated this one. Since Spring ’08 when we could get this in Philly, this has been my "must keep around the house" IPA. Big hop aromas, good malt body w/o the biscuity toastiness so many IPAs have these days. Good crisp hop bite and more importantly, the flavor of the hops is really nicely done - citrusy grapefruit and resiny pine in a nice mix.

All summer we’ve been able to get this with blue labels. The other night, someone brought over a green labeled version. Not sure if that’s s different beer or not (it sure tasted different, but that was after quite a few other beers).

So many beers owe a debt to Vinnie the the father of super hopped beers this is an excellent example and Vinnie would be proud. Over the top aroma, great taste and super hopped. Damn good.

Another great west coast IPA, can’t wait to try ale smiths,,,,this one is lighter than stones but close to Wipe out IPA great if they could blend em all. Another GREAT BREW

One of my favorite beers. Clipper City’s Loose Cannon is my standby but only because it’s about 20% cheaper. I try to keep both on hand. The only beer I’ve had with a stronger hop aroma is Russian River Pliny the Elder. The Simcoe, Columbus, Centennial, Cascade, and Amarillo hops give a very complex aroma but over time it’s possible to pick each out. The hops are complemented by an excellent maltiness. The first few times I had the beer I was overwhelmed by the hops but lately it seems the maltiness is really shining through.

Deep yellow-gold. Soft texture; mildish carbonation, yet still crisp and refreshing in a curious way. Big flowery aromas. Citrusy-orange bitterness. Slight perfume; just a hint. Somewhat estery here and there, adding complexity. Lovely bits of "green" hops throughout. Healthy bitterness balances things out. Long ago I used to think this was a really good IPA. Now I think it is one of the most drinkable and tasty IPAs on the market. I find myself buying this beer more and more as my "go-to" IPA for everyday drinking. It’s simply delicious. It doesn’t completely slap you in the face with hops or alcohol or malts or depth, but it more than does its job as a solid IPA, and it’s got hefty alcohol to boot. I’m really impressed, and I’d say this is one of those severely underrated beers.

WOW.............my new favorite IPA. For hop heads out there, get this beer!!! Unreal how amazingly hopy this is. I find this is bordering Double IPA territory. WOW!!!!! So hoppy, its almost skunky, i love it!!!

Aroma hoppy and malty. Hint of caramel. Golden color. Average white head diminished quickly. Fair lacing. Tastes of hops and a little citrus. Medium sweet and a a little bitter. Finish absolutly delightful. Light to medium body perfect for style and to my liking. Perfect carbination. Overall, an excellent IPA.

Tap at brewery and the 3rd of 3 growlers I bought. Another awesome G.Flash brew. Love the styles of hops, floral,citrus, tounge ripper grapefruit and fresh pine. Strong malt backbone and great 7% tart finish. 95% at least