Hi guys.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the Hop Head Red produced by the Green Flash Brewing Company located in San Diego, California.

Let’s just go ahead and get to the website, greenflashbrew.com, and see what we can find out about this brew shall we?

Resinous hop characteristics emerge from an enormous hopping with Columbus, Nugget and Amarillo overtaking the rich caramel malt base. To add luscious
hop flavors and enticingly floral hop aromas, we dry-hop the brew with bucket loads of Amarillo hops. Welcome to the world of Red IPA.

Time for a sip or two, don’t ya think????

This brew comes in a 12 oz. bottle with an ABV of 7.0%.

From a fairly aggressive pour, this beer had a cloudy, deep red to copper color.  It was nearly amber to tell the truth.  Some burnt orange highlights caressed the bottom and sides of the glass when held toward the light.  The head was light tan and super sized.  Its texture was rocky, billowy and soapy.  The retention time was quite good and the lacing looked more than adequate as well.

The nose revealed hints of rye bread and baked biscuits.  Some slightly sweet caramel malt intermingled with some earthy and herbal hops.  Some citrus in the form of grapefruit juice too.  I thought this was a very nice smelling beer.  Nothing too complicated or over the top, but rather sturdy and well balanced.  To be honest, I loved that rye fragrance.

The taste was more of the same.  Fresh rye breads and biscuit malts.  Grapefruit citrus and sweet caramel sugars.  Earthy undertones added a bit of “roundness” and just a touch of spiciness added some complexity.  It had a very good hop presence and the bitterness was of medium strength.  More than pleasing in my opinion.   

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Super smooth, creamy and dry.  The carbonation was spot on and an adequate amount of flavor was left behind on the palate after each sip.

Well, I thought this was a very nice brew.  I loved the rye aspects.  It’s super easy to drink and it’s solid all around.  It doesn’t drink like a 7.0% ABV beer that’s for sure.  It’s well balanced and reliable with both the aroma and flavor.  I’m sure glad I picked it up and you should too if you happen to see it.  The Green Flash Hop Head Red is a “sleeper” of a beer in my opinion.  I didn’t know what to think going in, but by the time I finished….  I was a fan.  I’m going to have to pick this up again sometime soon that’s for sure.  Remember, be sure to let me know what you thought of this beer if you’ve tried it.   

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.0 out of 5
Grade:  B+