Category Archives: Green Flash

What’s up guys?  Thanks for checking back in on another craft beer review.  Today, I’m going to be sampling the Palate Wrecker produced by the Green Flash Brewing Company located in San Diego, California.

This has been one of the most talked about brews over the past couple of years.  Everyone seems to be raving about it, so I figured it was about time that I grabbed a bottle and gave it a test drive for myself.

Let’s get to the website, greenflashbrew.com, read the commercial description and become tempted to taste this thing.

Palate Wrecker was originally brewed for the Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Anniversary celebration. It’s the most complicated West Coast–inspired IPA we have ever brewed—mashing and sparging with hopped wort, in addition to our hop layering regimen for IPA. By popular demand, it is now released for the world to enjoy.

Alrighty.  Let’s get to it.

This beer came in a 12 oz. bottle and it possessed an ABV of 9.5%.

It poured a hazy orange to reddish color.  From a relatively easy pour, a small, off white head was formed.  The texture was only mildly rocky, but also somewhat creamy.  The retention time was decent and the lacing seemed suitable enough too.

The bouquet was very resinous.  Dank!!!  It was also very citrusy as well.  Tropical fruit of pineapple, grapefruit and mango.  There was also a very light bready and caramel malt that was discovered as the beverage warmed and opened up a tad.  No question though…. the hops dominated.

Likewise, the taste was engrossed with the hops.  More tropical and fresh summer fruits.  Grapefruit, pineapple, a bit of tangerine and maybe even a touch of lemon.  It was bitter to say the least.  Again, I found undertones of breads and sweet caramel once the beer had time to settle.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Very dry, smooth and oily.  The carbonation leaned toward medium strength and just a wee bit of warmth was felt at the back end.  After each swallow a ton of flavor was left behind completely coating my throat and the roof of my mouth.

Well, there is no doubt this a very, very good beer.  It’s a hop lovers dream for sure.  It’s an easy drink for a beer that’s nearing 10% ABV also.  I really liked it, but I’m not so sure that it’s the best Imperial IPA that I’ve ever tried though.  For me that still may be Founders Double Trouble, Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf or Three Floyds Dreadnaught.  However, if I were looking for a substitute I would have no trouble at all in picking up the Green Flash Palate Wrecker and making a night out of it.  You guys should give a try if you’ve yet to do so. Feel free to leave me a comment if you’ve tried it.  I’d like to hear if you think it’s one of the better Imperial IPA’s out there.

Thanks for reading everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.25 out of 5

Grade:  A-

What’s up guys?  Let’s drink a beer shall we?  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be sampling the Green Flash Saison Diego produced by the Green Flash Brewing Company located in San Diego, California.

I’ve only had this beer once before and I remember liking it, so I figured I better give it a proper review.

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

Unfiltered golden farmhouse ale, brewed with Seville orange peels, Chinese ginger and grains of paradise. Light, bright, spicy aromas, lively carbonation and earthy flavors co-mingle with musty notes that add funky complexity.

Let’s pour.

This brew had a light ABV of 4.2% and it came in a 22 oz. bomber.

It poured a very nice, semi-hazy, golden color.  The head was white, rocky, fluffy and soapy.  It was sized great and it had some outstanding retention time.  The lacing was patchy and fairly attractive.

The aroma was a bit lighter than I was expecting it to be, although it did present some decent shots of lemon and orange citrus.  Grassy tones and coriander type spices followed.  Touches of hay and yeast sat underneath while a very minute funkiness became more noticeable as it warmed.

The flavor released some very nice splashes of orange citrus and lemon peel.  Clean breadiness and some wheat type characteristics stood out too.  More of that coriander as well as some herbal tones made themselves known as I continued to drink.  Little to no funkiness was to be had in the flavor.  Oh well, it was still an all around solid tasting brew.

The mouthfeel was on the lighter side.  Dry, snappy, crisp, refreshing and thirst quenching. The carbonation was lively and zesty.  An “ok” amount of flavor was left behind on the palate for me to enjoy after each swallow as well.

Overall, this was a pretty good beer.  Definitely a great session beer for the Summer season.  I would love to have this after a day of doing yard work.  It’s not quite on the level of some of those Belgian Saisons that I love so much, but the Green Flash Saison Diego would be an awesome gateway Saison for someone interested in exploring the style.  It has some of the proper attributes without being too overwhelming.  I’d say give it a try.  I wouldn’t mind picking it up again sometime when the weather starts getting warmer.  Be sure to let me know of your opinion if you sample it.

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

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  3.7 out of 5

Grade:  B