Brewer Description
As craft beer pioneers, we embarked on an expedition to brew the benchmark West Coast IPA. We ventured into the unknown and struck gold, discovering a tantalizing menagerie of hops. Simcoe for tropical and grapefruit zest, Columbus for hop pungency, Centennial for pine notes, Citra for citrus zest and Cascade for floral aroma are layered throughout the brewing process. West Coast IPA® exemplifies the Green Flash spirit of adventure and discovery.
I purchased a 12-pack sampler of Green Flash that contained four bottles of their West Coast IPA, two bottles of Hop Head Red and two bottles of Double Stout. The West Coast IPA is the most prominent brew in the sampler. The flavors of the chosen hops produce an array of citrus, pine and floral notes that bound to your taste buds and never let go.
The name says it all…this is the definition of the West Coast style. It pours an interesting bronze color that can be described somewhat as burnt orange. A thick white head grows in the glass leaving a ring of lacing as the alcohol swirls throughout. The aroma develops a blend of malty sweetness and a galore of hoppy citrus, pine and floral notes pulls in behind.
West Coast IPA tastes incredible; there are millions of flavors swirling around. You first get a sweet maltiness brought on by the caramel malt, then the swill of hop presence hits you right in the face. A parade of floral, citrus and piney notes break through leaving your mouth puckering like never before. The finish is highly bitter with a slight blast of alcohol. Then after it is all down the hatch, the dank, resinous hops stick to your tongue to ruin your ability to even taste the next beer.
This is a big, beautiful beer that defines the West Coast style. I applaud Green Flash for this well-crafted ale. It is easy to write a good review when a beer is better brewed.