This one is also an example of an American Amber Ale or Red Ale. This style usually heavier on the malt, contains hops and very often has a fruity character to it, with spices sometimes present. It has been said that the American Amber Ale is a kind of catch all category for ales that are amber in color all the way to read.
Brought to us again by the Green Flash Brewing Co in Vista, Ca, San Diego County. Locally owned and operated by Mike and Lisa Hinkley. The name is unique and the owners describe the name “Green flashes are real phenomena seen at sunrise and sunset, when part of the sun suddenly changes color.Green flashes usually are brief, lasting only one or two seconds.Green flashes do not always light up the sky, but are often small and inconspicuous. To see green flashes, you must be in the right place. An ocean horizon can often provide optimum green flash viewing conditions. To see green flashes, the air should be reasonably clear.” They
This one poured a medium to deep amber color into a pint glass, having a small almost half finger head that settles into a sustainable thin one and leaves a very nice lacing that sticks well to the glass.
The aroma of this one is wonderful. Heavy hop aroma is very predominant when first sniffing this one and have a definate floral aroma to them, with a nice balanced malt smell.
This flavor of this the Hop Head Red is just that: hoppy, and very bitter. Unusual for a beer labled as a red ale. The floral I smelled before also come out in the flavor and with this one being as bitter as it taste, it has to be dry hopped. The malt is there, but takes a nice supporting back seat to the hops and has a slight caramel accent to them.
Mouthfeel on this medium and just right for this brew. Crisp, yet has some weight to it. The longer it lingers, the more bitter the hops taste.
Overall, not quite what I expected from what is billed as a red ale, but also exactly what I was hoping for with the description ‘Hop Head’ in the name. Green Flash poses the question: ‘Is this a Red IPA?” Me thinks it is. Some characteristics of a red ale, but this brew is all about the hops. Paired nicely with the bananas I had as a snack, as they brought out a slight citrus flavor in the brew. Yes, I said bananas..
Hop Head is an excellent name, conjuring up images of someone who likes to snort their beer