Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week:" Green Flash IPA

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Nov 18, 2009 7:00PM

While in DC the previous weekend we decided to dive deep into the beer menu at the Brickskeller. Our favorite selections from our visit belonged to Green Flash Brewing in Vista, CA, particularly their hop Head Red Ale and West Coast IPA. We were back in town in time for all the "OMG! BIG STAR IS OPEN!!" twittering going on. We went to Big Star last week and made sure not to use any tasty adjectives that would draw the ire of the Twitterati.

Perusing the menu, we found Green Flash West Coast IPA on the beer menu for $3 (an 8-ounce serving). The nose on this is like something Goose Island or Three Floyds would've brewed a decade ago. It's a serious hop bomb, with elements of pine, citrus and flora. The mouthfeel is aggressively bitter, reminiscent of a strong ale like Stone's Arrogant Bastard. What taste buds we didn't numb with the side order of 125 proof Buffalo Trace "White Dog" Mash #1 were flooded with an assault of hops. As we drained the glass we were reminded of what attracted us to beer in the first place.

The crowds at Big star aren't dying down soon, but you can purchase a six-pack of Green Flash West Coast IPA at Binny's for $10.99.