Green Flash Saison Diego

Brewed By: Green Flash Brewing Co. in San Diego, California

Purchased: 12oz bottle from a 4-pack purchased at West Lakeview Liquors in Chicago, Illinois; 2013

Style/ABV: "Session" Saison, 4.5???%

Reported IBUs: 20

First off, congratulations Chicago Blackhawks. Not just for winning this series, and ultimately the Stanley Cup, but for that crazy 7-game series against Detroit. How do you top that? My only regret is I took five years off my life, and my heart hates me. It only seems fair to bring my liver down to that level as well. About Green Flash:

Green Flash Brewing has only been around since 2002 and only puts out about 14,000 barrels annually, but they seem to be on the rise. Based out of San Diego, California, Green Flash Brewing Co. was founded by Mike and Lisa Hinkley in 2002 (in Vista, California). The company brews big beers, and focuses on premium styles and traditional styles with modern twists. The company describes their beer as "cutting edge." Since its inception, Green Flash has won a number of awards for their beers, and has already carved an impressive mark in the world of craft beer. For more info, check out their website HERE.

I thought we reached our limit with hop puns, and apparently Green Flash agrees. Now we are doing....Saison puns! Yes, tonight's beer is aptly titled Saison Diego. Get it. He he he. That's funny. Because San Diego. Anyway, as per Green Flash's website, and the Saison Diego page, this beer is an unfiltered, golden farmhouse ale. It is brewed with Seville orange peels, ginger, and grains of paradise. It also features some Czech Saaz hops. It's unclear what type of yeast is used from the description, but we can take a stab at that in a moment. What is also unclear about this beer is the fact that it's a low-ABV session beer. When I first tried this beer, I was expecting a robust Saison, and I had to adjust my expectations accordingly. More on that in a bit too...

Green Flash Saison Diego

The beer pours a hazy, yellow/straw/lemonade color, with a couple of fingers of fluffy, white head. In bright light, the beer has hazy straw tones, a ridiculous amount of lively carbonation streaming upwards, and a creamy white head that is hanging around for the duration. It definitely looks like a Belgian/Wheat/Saison-type beer.

The aroma is really nice, and reminds me a bit of the Rayon Vert. You get vibrant lemon, lemon peel, bright and fresh orange, and citrus zest on the nose. The grains of paradise are evident on the nose, and you pick up a bit of biscuit. But the intriguing character on the nose is definitely the hint of funk, must, and mild barnyard. There's just a hint of funk, and maybe some leather on the nose. Weirdly enough, I'm also picking up a dash of corn or grain. 

The taste is light, refreshing, and super quaffable. You get big citrus, lemon peel, mild Belgian funk, barnyard, biscuit, and some must/funk up front. That rolls into some clove, mild bitterness, and a light, grainy finish with hints of corn. 

The mouthfeel is creamy, and has great supporting carbonation....it's medium-light bodied, with a good palate and very average complexity. At around 4.5%, this is stupid drinkable. My thought on that is: come on, Green Flash! Why is this only available in 4-packs? I could pound a 6-pack of this over a Saturday. Let's make that happen. The front is all about the citrus, lemon peel, light grass, barnyard/leather/light funk...that rolls into some earthy hop kick and clove...the back end trails off into a grainy, corn, maybe Pils malt finish. 

Rating: Above-Average (3.5/5.0 Untappd)

This is a very Light Above-Average. I was originally let down by this beer, but at the time I didn't realize how light this really is. For what this beer is...something you can drink 3 or 4 of in an evening without feeling like an alcoholic...this is pretty legit. A lot of Saisons do dial up the ABV into that 6.0%+ range, which can transform a dangerously drinkable style of beer into a beer that can get you dangerously drunk. You could pair this beer with lighter poultry, fish, lighter cheeses...cucumber sauce? Mmm. Is cucumber sauce not the greatest thing ever. It is. I can recommend this as a session beer to drink multiple bottles of. Great for a weekend. If you're looking to crack open a single bottle of beer to mull over for a bit, and if you're looking for a Saison, look elsewhere. 

Random Thought: Apparently it's like World War Z in Wrigleyville...but then, it's always like World War Z in Wrigleyville. You know what they say, Cubs fans will celebrate anything.