Green Flash West Coast IPA

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

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If you've never heard of Green Flash Brewing Co. out of Vista, Calif., let this be an introduction. And once you try their brews, you'll never forget them. Even their motto backs this up: "Taste it once, remember it forever."

Sounds a bit cheesy, but we'll cut 'em some slack as Green Flash is brewing one of the best IPAs of not only the west coast, but arguably the country. Their West Coast IPA is basically the quintessential example of American over-the-top hopping found in many modern-day India Pale Ales. The West Coast's a hop heaven due to the accessible 45th parallel (where hops grow best around the globe) and deemed by many as birthplace of the American Double IPA. But this is just Green Flash's normal IPA at 7 percent alcohol by volume; they also brew an Imperial (aka Double) IPA at 9 percent ABV.

From the website: "Hops used include Simcoe for a unique fruitiness and grapefruit zest, Columbus for strong hop pungency, Centennial for pine and citrus notes, and Cascade for floral aroma."

That's insane, but a hophead's dream. Thankfully we're not dreaming.

The Taste

Pour this one carefully. We didn't during the first try and wound up with the unfiltered chunky dregs floating around in our pint glasses. Granted, it won't kill you and is actually good for you, but it could be off-putting for some. This IPA pours bright amber with burnt orange hues and a massively creamy foam head—like a big dollop of cream—that's sticky and retains very well. (Remember that head on a beer is good, as it releases volatiles for aroma and taste.) Strong aroma gets the glands going with grapefruit and herbals with soft grain and floral notes beneath. Near full-bodied, smooth, even consistency. Immediate smacking of grapefruit, herbs, resin, touch of mint, raw leaf and ash with a piney, grassy and oily bitter linger. So damn juicy and citric. Sweet, bready and a bit toasty beneath the hop carnage, providing just enough balance. Alcohol is very well-hidden, with a slight burnt character towards the finish with ashy resin.

Final Thoughts

Boston is blessed by the beer gods as we get our fair share of both foreign and domestic imports, including a ton of highly hopped beers. That said, few come close to the sublimely intense hoppiness that's Green Flash West Coast IPA. Available in six-packs for around $10, we highly recommend you get some now. We spotted some at the Wine Gallery [516 Comm. Ave., Kenmore Sq., Boston. 617.266.9300. wine-gallery.com]. New England brewers ... take notice.

FOR MORE INFO: GREENFLASHBREW.COM

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.