This is going to sound a bit odd, but I am trying to figure out if Green Flash Brewing Company makes a bad beer (it has been my experience that every craft brewery occasionally puts out a dud or two). Of the twelve beers that are in their current line-up, I have so far had six: West Coast IPA, Hop Head Red, Double Stout, Rayon Vert, Palate Wrecker, and Imperial IPA. Every single one was a delight to drink, and I would never hesitate to have them again.
This particular bottle of the Green Flash Summer Saison was purchased during a recent beer run to Wine Works in Marlton, NJ. When you visit the Green Flash website, this beer is not listed, but they do have a Farmhouse Ale called Saison Diego. Since the ingredients listed on their website are identical to the ingredients listed on my bottle, I am going to assume that this was simply a renaming of this beer. Here is what Green Flash has to say about their Summer Saison / Saison Diego:
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 find out if their Summer Saison is as enjoyable as their other beers…
- Appearance: Slightly hazy golden yellow color. Lots of tiny, fast rising bubbles that rise rapidly to form a thick fluffy head which dissipates slowly. Moderate lacing clings to the glass.
- Aroma: Lemon zest. Yeast. A hint of clove and other spices.
- Taste: Medium carbonation with lots of small, fizzy, champagne like bubbles. Smooth and creamy mouthfeel. Starts off slightly tart with lots of lemony notes. No bitterness whatsoever. The lemony citrus notes are there from start to finish and you also get some flavors that remind me of sourdough bread. Crisp, clean finish. Dry and astringent aftertaste.
- ABV: Not listed on the bottle or the Green Flash website. Rate Beer says it’s a 4.2% and Beer Advocate say it’s a 4.5%.
The streak continues! I really enjoyed the Green Flash Summer Saison. This is a beer that would be perfect on a warm summer day. It is crisp and refreshing enough to have on its own, or as a fitting accompaniment to a wide variety of food. While it’s not as funky or complex as a Saison DuPont, I would put it on par with the Goose Island Sofie as a great American interpretation of this Belgian beer style. Once again, well done Green Flash!
