Green Flash West Coast I.P.A. - Green Flash Brewing Co.

BDLbrewster

Minnesota

3.2/5  rDev -24.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours a ruby hue of amber, very hazy with a small head that leaves clumpy lacing.

This smells like a west coast IPA. Gobs of slightly sweet smelling citric hops. Smells fresh and green with noticeable fruity esters. Toffee marks the back end of the nose along with a tiny bit of alcohol.

Orange pith, grapefruit and a moderate dose of pine dominate here. The malt backbone struggles to stand up to the hop assault, what I do pick up are chunks of toffee and some toast. The finish is quite bitter and marked by a dose of alcohol that doesn't hide.

The mouthfeel is smooth and somewhat dry, a tad syrupy for a single IPA and a little short on carbonation.

Overall this brew is good, but in the grand scale of amped up west coast IPAs I'm sorry to say that this one comes up a little short for me. I can't lie though, damn tasty.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2010 23:49:10 | More by BDLbrewster

sarahspat

Illinois

3.18/5  rDev -25%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Another treat I got from my trade with raoulduke37.

Quotation on the neck label: "A menagerie of hops are layered throughout the brewing process. Simcoe for unique fruitiness and grapefruit zest, Columbus for strong hop pungency, Centennial for pine and citrus notes, Cascade for floral aroma. A multi-dimensional hop experience." I like their style. Providing a little education along with the beer. Nicey!

An inch and a half of frothy tan head. A nice little cap sticks around for the duration. But only a tiny amount of lacing hangs on to the sides of the glass. The liquid is cloudy and a dark orange, almost iced tea brown color.

I literally could smell the hoppy goodness the second I popped the cap off. You gotta love when that happens. In the pint glass, I detect a little bit of burnt roastiness, grapefruit, pine, very faint bit of candied pineapple... however, the nose as a whole is more subdued than I was expecting, especially based on the first whiff from the bottle. Strange.

The taste is very strongly influenced by pine, with extreme bitterness. Unfortunately, I have to say I'm having trouble picking out the fruit flavors here. Where they at? It's very hoppy. There's no denying that. I just wish it were a more well-rounded kind of hoppy. Okay, as it warms, it improves a little. There are now a few hints of grapefruit, pineapple and flowers, but these are very difficult to pick out of the sea of... well, just bitterness. I love bitter beers, but I think 95 IBUs might be going a little overboard, and actually working against the beer in this case. Even as it approaches room temperature, the bitterness still almost completely overpowers all other flavors, but it's definitely better warmer. I would recommend starting it out at room temp. for maximum hops flavors, but even then, you need to be prepared to have your taste buds destroyed by bitterness. Now, at the end of the glass, I can hardly taste it anymore.

Mouthfeel is medium, and I like the amount of carbonation. West Coast IPA is drinkable if you can stand the bitterness, but I imagine this beer would be practically undrinkable for someone not used to bitter beers.

This IPA is insane! I would be terrified to try a DIPA from Green Flash, based on this little number. I'm glad I got an opportunity to try this, but it's not really working for me.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2009 01:41:33 | More by sarahspat

Northsider

Illinois

3.18/5  rDev -25%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Again, I tried this from a taster last night. Not my style, but I wanted to try and branch out. Much better than I thought from an IPA, but a bit too much for me.

A - Yellowish-copper body and head that dissipated rather quickly

S - Smelled very citrusy!

T - almost a spicy, citrusy taste on this one. Again, not my style, but I can see IPA folks loving this one.

O - Overall for me a bit too hoppy. Had I been into IPAs I think I would have loved this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-08-2011 13:28:18 | More by Northsider

adamette

Ohio

3.18/5  rDev -25%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Enjoyed by me on tap two days ago at Winking Lizard in Peninsula, Ohio at a cost of about $4 (sorry I do not recall the actual price, it was reasonable). It was poured into a clean, clear pint glass.

A Translucent deep copper body under a brief light brown creamy head. Good look. 4.0

S Distant bitterness and minimal malt. I am surprised that there is not more of a hops bitterness presence to the nose as I had expected. 4.0

T Bitterness returns to center stage in a big way here as there is a very strong grapefruit bitterness and little malt sweetness to balance it out. The hops are earthy, harsh and, of course, bitter. This beer is too unbalanced for me. I have to conceded that it delvers on its promise of bitterness, however. 2.5

M The high bitterness makes for a "big" feeling beer. That is certainly appropriate to the style. 3.5

D/O Not that good drinkability. Overall this is a slightly above average IPA. I do not know why the ratings here on BA are so high. I wonder if most of the high reviews are from reviewers from the West Coast? 3.5

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2012 14:05:56 | More by adamette

Kulyboy

Maryland

3.15/5  rDev -25.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours to a carmel orange color with good lacing, cloudy and hazy.

Smell of hops with a citrus finish.

Very hoppy with dry bitter alcohol after taste. Toasted hops.

Mouthfeel started light and finished with the bitter hoppy after taste.

It's a decent IPA, the 7.3% alcohol is apparent but not overpowering. Would not purchase again however, if I'm in a bar and it's on tap I might try it if one of my favorites are not available.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2010 21:57:44 | More by Kulyboy

belgbeerdrinker

Colorado

3.13/5  rDev -26.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

a: clear orange color, steady carbonated stream in the middel, huge foamy head settles to two fingers thickness
s: piny hops aroma overpower anything else going on
t: piny hops form the backbone here with citrus fruits appearing near the finish, subtle hoppy bitter finish
m: medium body that finishes crisply with plenty of carbonation
d: not a bad ipa, not the best but worth a try

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2007 04:26:59 | More by belgbeerdrinker

BRANDY818

California

3.13/5  rDev -26.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This beer was available at a hotel lobby bar in New York City and I was dying for some hops.

Overall, not that impressed with how it traveled. At home it's typically a solid choice. Seems like the strong bitterness and a round maltiness took over from what is normally a range of hoppy flavors.

Can't wait to get home and drink the real deal.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2013 20:23:36 | More by BRANDY818

bishopdc0

Maine

3.1/5  rDev -26.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

The beer is an amber and cloudy. The head on the beer is amazing. Fluffy clouds float on top and cling to the edge nice.

The nose is punget citrus, slight pine and plent of hoppyness not really any malt

The taste reminds me of furious but bitter. Full of hops citrus floral flavors but the taste dramatically turns to a full on bitter. Hrm. This beer is confusing the flavors don't mix well each ok on their own but fruity hops the earth bitterness don't meld for me not to say its bad just not for me

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 02:18:27 | More by bishopdc0

suspect

New York

3.1/5  rDev -26.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a Dogfish Head Signature glass.

A: Pours a hazy reddish orange color. Normal pour leads to a 1 finger light tan head that disappears to a small ring in a few moments. Lacing is thick and plentiful.

S: Definitely pulling some hops but the malt is shining through this one more than anything. This probably means its past its prime but who knows seeing as there is no freshness date.

T: Follows the nose although the malt base is really wonderful it's really the foremost flavor in this beer. Normally that wouldn't be bad but this beer is called "West Coast IPA" and I'm sure while fresh it's hop forward but this one, not so much.

M: Nice feel, creamy, bitter finish. Bitterness is actually pretty prevalent.

O: Well, I'm kinda pissed that I dropped $11 on a 4-pack. I've been waiting and waiting to try this beer because it gets good reviews. Well, Green Flash. You burned me. I won't be going back to this IPA until you start putting freshness dates on the bottle.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 01:50:14 | More by suspect

RaulMondesi

California

3.1/5  rDev -26.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap, at the joint: The playground in Downtown Santa Ana, CA

If the Bro's gave this thang a 100, then Twilight needs an Oscar. No way. No how. Uh uh. It aint like it crazy bad, but like the opposite says: it aint crazy good. Just like IPA n like. Nothing special. No extra boom boom when I swallow the goodies.

Drank it, but don't trip.

Serving type: on-tap

11-30-2012 07:10:20 | More by RaulMondesi

ReebShorts

Washington

3.08/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

wow, this thing has a huge head for an IPA. Thick and foamy 2 finger job, and sticks around. Color is they typical IPA, cloudy brown-orange.

Holy crap, is there a bottle of perfume in this thing?!?!? this baby has some kind of floral presence... behind that i get hops and maybe some brown sugar.

This baby is hoppy alright, but it's a real floral hop, not really feeling it. My mouth feels like I just took a sip of perfume. the beer seems to be constructed well, just not my style of hop i guess.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2006 07:16:28 | More by ReebShorts

sleazo

New York

3.08/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A_Medium cloudy amber with a one finger creamy head. Nice sized bubbles dot the crown

S_mild aroma. Mid level pine notes

T_mostly pine soaked hops. Not too strong though. As a whole it is mostly dry and bitter. Faint biscuity malt comes out a bit. Some spice on the finish. There is a slight acidity which detracts a bit

M_Med body and carbonation

D_A middle of the road IPA. Nothing offensive here but nothing that really stands out and grabs you.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2008 02:59:16 | More by sleazo

crnipeter

Slovenia

3.08/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

355 ml bottle, into tulip. Pours cloudy (indicating dry-hopping) orangeish body with thick, stable off-white head that sticks to the walls. Aroma is clean malty sweetness with spicy, earthy, floral, citrusy hops and fruitiness that might be ester or hop-derived. The flavor is spicy, earthy and grapefruity hops with some pungency, supported by solid backbone of clean malty sweetness. Dry finish with resinous bitterness that lingers into the aftertaste with a presence of oaken flavor which is inappropriate. Medium-light bodied with moderate yet still soft carbonation. The West Coast IPA, well, the brewer might not be a Master of his profession but he certainly knows the Geography well.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2011 23:15:04 | More by crnipeter

stcules

Italy

3.08/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Amber orange color, with a lot of floating corpuscles.
Egg shell colored foam, creamy, right.
Piney, resiny at the smell, with citrus fruit notes.
In the taste again piney and resiny, even more intense. Malt and caramel support all.
A good long bitterness in the aftertaste, with sharp grassynotes, root, rhubarb.
Maybe in the long run it will be a bit boring, but it is clean and balanced.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2011 20:24:14 | More by stcules

jcdiflorio

West Virginia

3.05/5  rDev -28.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours with a white creamy head doesn't last a long time. Light coppery color sightly cloudy apperance. Sweet malty aroma slight hint of pine. Nice malty taste piney slight citrus hop taste. Good balance not as hoppy as I would like it to be.Medium bodied good clean taste.not a great beer but not a bad one either. I could drink another.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2006 04:09:47 | More by jcdiflorio

tigg924

Massachusetts

3.03/5  rDev -28.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance: apricot/amber..clear, medium head

Smell: grapefruit and pine

Taste: grapefruit, pine, with a honey finish

Mouthfeel: smooth and bitter

Drinkability: To me this is a strong hop bomb. If you love hops, you will love this beer. I find this one very one dimensional and will be passing for more interesting IPAs.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2009 02:58:17 | More by tigg924

barleywinefiend

Washington

3.03/5  rDev -28.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A: Poured a goldenish deep orange color with almost no head to it.

S: Pine and citrus notes

T: Caramel malt, pine, citrus and Dawn dish detergent. Grassy

M: Heavy for a single West Coast IPA and soapy, bittering on end with pronounced booze

O: Average is generous

Serving type: growler

08-14-2011 21:26:24 | More by barleywinefiend

BrewnZ

Washington

3/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

14 Feb 08

Had a draft at the Toronado, San Fransisco.

A: Gold with lost of rising bubbles, thin white head.

S: Full-o-citrus, low malt & esters.

T: Med malt with huge hop flavor. All US citrus and more citrus, becoming too much. . . is that Simcoe I taste? Way out of balance. A hop hammer which can be good, but usually not great.

M: Medium body with high CO2 and prickly pallet.

D: Medium to low due to lack of balance. I wonder how the hop shortage will change this beer?

Serving type: on-tap

03-11-2008 15:50:23 | More by BrewnZ

drummstikk

California

3/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

The West Coast IPA is a pretty standard West Coast IPA. Hops are blended nicely without too much harsh astringency, but in the end, it's the same grapefruit and resin aromas we all know by heart.

Malt is 2-row and caramel.

Medium body

~ 2.5 V carbonation

A great beer, and I've heard it won some awards, but you could probably make something similar at home with your eyes closed.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2010 06:43:53 | More by drummstikk

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This beer pours a slightly hazy amber with a thin head and lacing to the end. The aroma is fruity, with hints of pine and sweet malt. The flavor is citrus fruit, mainly grapefruit with pine, grass, and toffee notes. The mouthfeel is meedium and slightly dry. Green Flash West Coast IPA is a good beer, a good match for chicken burritos. Recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

11-15-2011 01:47:49 | More by B967ierhunter177

Brno

New York

2.98/5  rDev -29.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Murky orange color with a cream colored head. Smelled to me sort of like paste, (of course it is allergy season so my sniffer might be off...) and a richness. Good hoppiness jumped right out at me, but has a nice bitter flavor. Thin body that washes down easily leaving a strong aftertaste of hops and almost a latent smokiness, like with scotch. A bit too much for all day, but an enjoyable flavor explosion to relax with.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2010 02:39:04 | More by Brno

Hokies

Rhode Island

2.95/5  rDev -30.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

I don't know if this is unfiltered or not but this is definitely a hazy orange color with some sediment floating around in this one. Their is a slight white head with some lacing left on the glass.

Their is a lot of pine aroma and with a faint malt aroma buried in between the hops.

This one is dominated by the piney hops that at some points tend to get quite grassy. The hops are traditional to the west coast style of a slick feel that coats the tongue with an oily feeling and leaves quite a bitter aftertaste. I like my IPA's to have more of a fruity taste which is missing in this one. Probably will pass on this one next time.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2009 06:10:00 | More by Hokies

Deingeist

Massachusetts

2.95/5  rDev -30.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

NOTE: I BELIEVE I HAD A BAD POUR BASED ON OTHER REVIEWS. Read the following to hear why.

I don't understand how this beer got anything more than average if it is supposed to taste like the beer I was given last night. I feel like I've had this beer before, and really enjoyed it, which is why I ordered it last night, but something must have happened to the keg or my glass at the restaurant I was at.

A: It came in a short fluted snifter, sorta like a belgian ale glass and the appearance was a cloudy amber, a nice rich color for an IPA. Average off-white head.

S: This is where the biggest issue was: It smelled like caramelized onions. Other scents barely noticeable. It was like someone had rimmed the glass with sweet cooked onions. Sort of buttery too, which is weird. Not much of that fresh hoppy aroma that I was expecting.

T: Nice and hoppy, crisp citrus, but with a good balance of the sweet malts to balance the beer out, but, as a large part of flavor is smell, i couldn't help but feel like I was also eating buttered onion crackers. It was pretty awful. The smell really ruined the beer.

M: A nice combination of a heavy mouth feel, but with the crispness of an IPA. Went down smooth.

O: The smell really ruined this one. I hope it was just a bad glass and not the beer because I remember liking this one. Maybe I'll complain to the restaurant that either someone with onions on their hands handled my beer, or the dishwasher isn't working as well as it should (it's a new restaurant so who knows). Very very strange...

Serving type: on-tap

09-29-2012 14:30:31 | More by Deingeist

Norfawkers

Virginia

2.93/5  rDev -30.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Has a nice smokey smell to it, which does not translate into taste as the IBUs are out of this world. This beer pretty much ruins your tastebuds for any additional tastings.

Overall it's not a bad beer for a bitter but I wouldn't consider it a good IPA.

Serving type: bottle

06-05-2009 00:59:29 | More by Norfawkers

AgentMunky

Alabama

2.93/5  rDev -30.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a Koningshoeven chalice.

A: Pleasant, frothy head tops an amber-clear beer. Great lacing.

S: West coast hops...surprise, surprise. I suspect the C's...Definitely Cascade/Centennial. Pine, a touch of fruit, and a bit of garlic.

T: Disappointing, dull, and not nearly as good as I remember it. Vegetal hops are reminiscent of boiled cabbage. A pine bite on the endtaste can't make up for the muddled and poor maintaste. Dry finish.

M: Lightly carbonated. The sense of flatness comes from the boring flavor, rather than the actual mouthfeel.

O: I can't recommend this particular iteration of what I'm sure is a very fine IPA. Alas.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2012 04:32:53 | More by AgentMunky