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

Boxus

California

4.55/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I love this beer. Taking into account all factors including availability and reliability, this is probably my favorite IPA.

It pours smoothly with a midsized fluffy head. The thickness of the brew is immediately apparent in its rich gold-red sap color. The scent is HEAVENLY. One of my favorite things about this beer is the scent of opening and pouring one. An absolutely delightful medley of sweet citrus and deep boxy pine tickle the nose and excite the brain. Smells absolutely FRESH, like waking up outside basking in the morning sun.

The flavor matches the scent beautifully. Though it earns its 95 IBUs with aggressively hopped bitterness, there is at the same time a deep and well-tamed citrus explosion going on all over your tongue. This beer is bursting with tropical tangy overtones, but it maintains a refined presence, leaving a satisfying aftertaste which is not as sticky as you would initially imagine. The mouthfeel is often considered harsh. I personally find it very appealing to have this thickness in an IPA, but I agree that it subtracts somewhat from drinkability.

Hop fanatics will love this beer. Others will likely take it or leave it. For me personally, it is a reliable and consistently entertaining friend, who always has a few new jokes to tell.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2010 05:54:55 | More by Boxus

dnarx

Texas

3.25/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A- a nice deep amber/red ish tone
S- I didn't get much from the smell...wondering if my nose if off???
T- the bitter is a bit overwhelming even though I am a hop whore, self proclaimed....again, questioning my palate
M- goood solid mouthfeel not too thin, not tooo thick.
D- mediocre simply due to the bitter bite I am perceiving...

I should check the hop schedule and choices just to be sure there isn't a "litmus test" effect.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2011 23:52:57 | More by dnarx

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

BlueBloodBrew

California

4.28/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The West Coast I.P.A. is a unique beer and a very worthy session beer.

A- Pours a copper color clear with a good finger head and laces very nicely. This beer seems to be bottled with an adequate but low level of carbonation.

S - On the nose you will find a nice aroma of citrus, and a piney aroma. There is also a slight bready or biscuity aroma. This beer is well balanced and although not as highly hopped as its sister beer it delivers a good level of hoppiness and subdued yet prevalent bitterness.

M - I want to chew this beer. It provides a feel of hearty nutrients, high quality ingredients, and a beer of good character and body.

D - This is a beer that could be drunk by the case load.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2009 07:06:02 | More by BlueBloodBrew

WindUpBird

California

3.9/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The label reads "Extravagantly Hopped." This is an understatement. The intense pine, and to a lesser degree citrus aroma races out of the neck of the bottle as soon as the cap is lifted.

The beer pours a deep amber color and a sturdy head of half and inch or so crowns the top.

The flavor is intense - crisply bitter.

The carbonation seems to deliver just enough relief from the hop assault to make this beer enjoyable.

The intense flavor signature of this beer pretty much relegates it to one serving per session, for me at least

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2010 03:14:52 | More by WindUpBird

edmonan

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a cloudy golden with a finger of off white/amber tinted, tight head.

Fruity, floral, hoppy aroma.

Malty base with a clean hoppy note that fades and then crashes back as a bitter, but brief, aftertaste.

Light bodied with a slightly foamy feel. Very drinkable.

Overall a nice balance of complexity and drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2011 02:28:38 | More by edmonan

Bodart

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Just finished a bottle of Green Flash West Coast IPA that I purchased earlier today from Total Wine and More in Richmond. Not much of an IPA selection here in Tappahannock Virginia so I have to make an occasional beer run into "civilization". I consider Bell's Two Hearted ale my favorite IPA, but...Green Flash is running a very close second. Bells better not stumble or Green Flash will take the lead. Upon smelling it the citrus grapefruiit aroma is excellent and the taste lives up to the smell. Very impressive IPA! Very pricey IPA too...but you get what you pay for. Won't let the cost keep me from picking up this excellent ale on my next trip.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2011 03:36:22 | More by Bodart

HoposaurusRex

North Carolina

4.48/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Serving type: on tap

A: Pours vibrant amber, somewhat hazy, with a half inch off-white head. Significant lacing on glass.

S: Very strong citrus and floral notes. Noticeable grapefruit aroma. Maybe a hint of pine.

T/M: Sweeter taste than I expected from the hoppy aroma. Very citrusy. Grapefruit and lemon flavors dominate. Crisp, clean hoppy finish that leaves a slight puckering sensation.

O: A very well-balanced IPA with strong notes of grapefruit. Excellent crisp floral finish that does not leave the palate completely dominated by hops. I would definitely get this one again and I am very happy that it is showing up on draft at more and more locations in North Carolina. Paired very well with the spicy Cajun chicken wings I ordered.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2012 19:01:29 | More by HoposaurusRex

Taylor8189

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Just finished this beer out of a 12oz bottle and WOW..I do see what the hype is all about.
This beer finally made it to CT last week.
I've had it on tap and in bottle and both ways it is a perfect IPA.

The beer is dark, unfiltered, almost dark brown.

Smells very hoppy, gives you a good idea of whats to come.

The taste is fantastic, hops, sweetness, sticky to the sip, leaves you wanting more.

Mouthfeel is great, lots of carbonation, sticky, hoppy, makes you pant for more.

Overall, this beer lives up to the hype. These west coast IPAs have got it down.

A MUST TRY!!

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2012 04:19:52 | More by Taylor8189

draiiinage

Georgia

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Slow pour resulting in monster head with foam that lingers. Dark gold color with crisp bubbles.

Smell: Citrus, pine, hot dog buns, and sweet white wine.

Taste: Hop-flavored grapefruit candy without much body.

Mouthfeel: Light, watery, with a mild delayed bite.

Overall: Good IPA, nothing spectacular. A bit overpriced at $8 for a 22oz bottle.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2012 00:17:24 | More by draiiinage

HoppyPeteSkolnik31

4.63/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at PJ's Bethlehem

A: Rich orange color, almost amber. Inch thick head when delivered. Delicious lacing throughout the sips.

S: Deep, dank hoppy goodness. Citrus, mild pine, slight metallic twinge.

M: Full in the mouth, you can definitely feel that you are drinking plenty of hops from the syrupy consistency.

T: A beautiful mirror of the smell. Citrus, pine, juicy hops, with slight malt flavor in an attempt to keep some balance.

O: So glad to taste this beer. Near perfect example of the style; employing that delicious hop resin hopheads like me can't resist. Definitely find this beer if you are a fan of West Coast IPAs, this one is no joke.

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2012 04:14:25 | More by HoppyPeteSkolnik31

bubbaoyster

Virginia

4.65/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

The ultimate hop experience!

Had it first at a beer festival and couldn't taste any of the other beers after having it. Very strong citrus flavor and exceptional aroma make this a hophead's holy grail! Really an imperial IPA without the extra malt.

Extreme, over the top, unique! Great as a finish beer to a session of IPA's!

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2008 00:36:03 | More by bubbaoyster

gau8a

Massachusetts

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

on my mission to try everyones varieties of ipa's i put this at the top. with a smash in the mouth taste, all these different hop signature characters do their jobs extemely well!. if you like the "piney" ipas, then this should please you. it is hoppy, but has a lot to offer. their hop head red is also a great find!!!.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2009 23:33:35 | More by gau8a

Gribbs23

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle poured into a standard pint glass

First had this beer on tap at Redbones Barbeque in Somerville, MA. At first smell I noticed the ridiculous piney hop. Some citrus notes after that...have to admit getting cocked on this brew (didn't take much considering the ABV & the sappy quality) Very clean aftertaste...one of my favorite west coast american IPA's- would recommend getting educated on some lighter IPAs before giving this monster a shot. Fabuous beer overall

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2010 05:02:49 | More by Gribbs23

jackscrow

Ohio

4.47/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Great beer. But at $15/6-pack, is it as good a buy as Lagonitus Dogtown, which is very similar in taste? In a word, no.

Very good beer, but as I try to limit my session beer (and this is a great session beer) to under $10/6-pack, this is not a good buy.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2010 18:29:31 | More by jackscrow

kramerboy

Ohio

4.55/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Got two bottles of these from someone that "didn't like 'em"...

Wow. What an excellent gift for me. This beer was amazing. The name says it all. This is West Coast style all the way.

Poured from the bottle into a Sam Adams sensory glass. Big fluffy head that stuck around for a while.

The smell blew me away. Tons of citrus and hops.

Taste was excellent with a great dry hoppy finish.

Excellent beer overall. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Sux to be them I guess....

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2010 02:49:22 | More by kramerboy

nickfromsacto

California

4.05/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I was in LA at this Brazilian bistro last weekend, the waiter was really friendly and funny. They had a dish that was called "chicken on fire" i asked him if that meant that it was spicy or just really well cooked. After he explained that it was spicy he made me a recommendation for a dish that was awesome. I also ordered a beer, the green Flash west coast IPA. The waiter said, "I do not recommend that beer, it is fucking terrible." He continued on to tell me that I could return it if I didn't like it. After about ten minutes I ordered a second.

This beer had a nice yellow pilsner color with a descent size head. Good filtration. This beer has a really strong inviting aroma for the hop loving beer drinkers. A citrus smell probably from simcoe or citra hops, definitely some dry hoping going on. The beer however is not well balanced in the taste department. There is no trace or warmth from the alcohol and there is little sign of malt when you compare the punch from the hop character. This also plays a roll in the way the beer felt going down.

Overall this is a great beer if IPA is your thing. For the sake of variety I would Drink this beer again, that is if simcoe is still affordable enough over the next few years.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2011 22:24:14 | More by nickfromsacto

HopToIt420

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Such a consistent IPA. Pours well has a great amber/golden appearance.Nose is very aromatic with notes of grapefruit, resin, and leather. Loaded with a smooth and hoppy flavor which focusing on balancing citrus and pine hop notes and has a clean and crisp finish.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2012 17:33:58 | More by HopToIt420

kuchen75

New York

4.63/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into my Surly pint glass. A good two fingers of head. Slightly cloudy with fine hop sediment in the shade of apricot. Ah yes, the pine aroma. Like a Christmas tree in my glass. First taste hits with all the hop bitterness and solid malt backbone that made me first fall in love with this beer. Some abstract lacing to admire on the glass now. Hop-covered grapefruit emerges as it warms. My tongue feels medicated. Good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2010 04:39:46 | More by kuchen75

rossmctostadas

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle poured into a imperial pint glass

Appearance- A beautiful copper color with a significant white head that lasts all the way to end. Clinging lace lingers after the beer is finished. A little bit on the hazy side with some identifiable chunks floating around but all in all a good looking beer.

Smell- Huge hop aromas. Pine, grapefruit, apricots from the hops with a nice caramel malt aroma. Really quite amazing.

Taste- At first all the aroma takes over and the taste is amazing. A little less of the malt flavor than I expected but the hops spread out and coat my tongue with oily goodness. However the bitterness just seems to be a little bit too much. I love it at first, but it just lingers on my tongue and overwhelms my senses to the point that each sip seems less and less interesting until the bitterness just takes over. That first sip is heavenly though.

Mouthfeel- I like the dryness of it, but the body seems a little too big for the lack of sweetness. Again the bitterness just clings to my mouth.

Drinkability-Could I drink this all night? Yes. Would I want to? Well, maybe. If the finish was a little bit cleaner I would go back for more a little bit quicker.

Conclusion- A superb beer but definitely not my favorite IPA. I think the 94 IBUs are a little to much for a ~7% ABV beer. If they could use the same amount of hops but push more of them to the aroma side and bring it down to maybe 80 IBUs I think just enough of the malt could push through to balance this beer while still keeping it dry and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2010 08:33:47 | More by rossmctostadas

sanatar

California

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Great hop aroma, wish every IPA smelt this good. Citrus, grassy and piney. Very clean aroma, no off flavors. Slight alcohol presence.

F - High in hop flavor. Citrusy, floral and piney, just as the aroma would lead me to believe. Solid hop bitterness that lingers between sips. There is a definite malt backbone which complements the bitterness. Medium-dry finish.

Ap- Pours golden with a creamy off-white head. Amazing foam stand and lacing. My only complaint about the appearance is that the amount of yeast in the bottle usually makes it hard for me to pour a clear pint.

M - Medium bodied with a solid medium carbonation level. Slight alcohol warmth.

O - Overall, a very pleasant and drinkable beer. I could probably go through a six-pack in a night. Great example of a West Coast IPA with impressive distribution.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2008 07:21:22 | More by sanatar

manja0banja

Oregon

4.05/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The appearance of this beer is nice. A burnt sienna and amber color mix creates a nice golden red look when held to light. A murky unfiltered haze fits the brew. I should have poured this faster to get more head but even still I got about a half an inch. This dissipated somewhat quickly while I drank it.

I love the smell of this beer. The first smell that came to mind was strong pineapple, with some orange-like citrus tones helping it along. There are some floral and earthy smells that linger in the background but do not go unnoticed.

The taste was definitely hop-filled, no question about it. This beer is not the most balanced, with little other influences besides the hops. However, the hop taste is very complex and seems to be able to stand on its own without much help. The floral and wood flavors are stronger than the smell seemed to indicate which adds to the complexity of the hops.

This brew has little body with a good amount of carbonation. The carbonation gives a nice bite on the top of the tongue. The hops stay on the back of the tongue for quite a while after swallowing the beer.

This beer is great for the hop lover. A very hoppy IPA with a good amount of complexity to keep it interesting.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2009 06:44:23 | More by manja0banja

sustainabrew

New York

4.47/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Look: The IPA poured from a cask is a hazy golden straw color. A thin off white head resides at the top with a bit of lacing as it recedes.

Aroma: A complex hoppy nose. A strong floral bouquet is followed up with just a hint of sweetness and a nice citrusy back end with pronounced grapefruit notes.

Taste: The flavor is like the nose but intensified. The hops just hit in the same complex interplay of floral and citrusy notes, with a bitterness that lingers on the tongue a while after the sip is done. A slight sweet maltiness is just perceptible in the background, balancing this amazingly hoppy IPA just enough.

Notes: Great cask IPA. Green Flash has made a monstrously hoppy IPA but it is far from a single note beer. The hop flavors come in layers and add an interesting complexity in its own right. The cask brings down the carbonation just enough to let the flavors blend and show off with still just enough bubbles to be crisp and cleanse the palette. Overall one of the better IPA's I have had in a long time.

Serving type: cask

06-22-2009 22:40:16 | More by sustainabrew

RothBrews

North Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A personal beer review.

Color/Look - Pours a gorgeous golden with a slight red haze. The Head seems to be very thick and heavy. Poured with 2 fingers of head, Good to ok head retention.

Aroma - A pleasant hop bouquet, sweet and inviting.

Taste - A well rounded west coast IPA. The hop flavors are strong and confident, but artfully designed. The initial taste is very sweet and morphs into a spicy bitterness and a slightly tart but bearable aftertaste. Well rounded and balanced with its malt bill, a great example of an American IPA.

Mouth Feel - this is an easy drinking beer, lasting carbonation with accompaniment from the hop profile gives this beer a prickly feel at first, then smoothing out.

I love this beer, reasonably priced at the saucer here in Raleigh.

-Eric Roth, Roth Brewing Company

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2010 15:07:16 | More by RothBrews

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