Thursday, May 19, 2016

Green Flash Soul Style IPA

I have heard such great things about Green Flash, but never had it until tonight. My first bottle was a revelation of greatness, their Soul Style IPA. The label tells the story well:
"Get stoked on a single. Our brewers rip-creating huge and complex double and triple IPAs at the pinnacle of craft beer enlightenment. Soul Style IPA® is their effortless and pure manifestation of the Single IPA. Simcoe, Citra, and Cascade hops are layered, allowing bright tropical waves of flavorful citrus and floral notes to break gently on the palate. Get stoked on a laid back single and ride a wave to sooth your soul."
I tend to think I need a good double or even a triple IPA to get the same intensity of hops that this beer displays. It certainly is missing that resinous character of the stronger styles, but it is bright and fresh, with what I would characterize as a west coast style of bitterness: stronger and more lingering on the back of the tongue than usually is made here in the east. The biggest weakness is a sweetness that lingers too long in the back of my throat after the bitterness fades. That can easily be solved with another sip ... until it's gone.