Green Flash Brewing Co., Sorrento Valley

Everyone talks about how big this place is, and it is in terms of square footage, but there is very little seating. There are no seats inside, only a couple of small standing tables near the gift shop, and just a few tables outside. I had to share a picnic table with some other folks–no biggie, and an opportunity to meet some people, but I think Green Flash could increase their business by having more seating.

Half of the beers on the (large, very professionally designed) menu board are Green Flash brand, and half are Alpine brand. Green Flash now owns the Alpine brand and brews all the Alpine beers that get distributed to bars and stores.

My impression was that the bartenders were not terribly well informed about the beers they were pouring. There’s no set flight size or even a tray to carry them on, but when I mentioned the lack of a tray to carry my four tasters the bartender did go and get a regular bar serving tray that I borrowed. Especially since there is so little seating, a standard flight tray would make sense here.

The people who were there on a beautiful winter afternoon were definitely having a good time and enjoying the beer. I focused on the Green Flash brands and they were pretty good.

Sea to Sea (unfiltered Zwickel lager, 4% AbV). Light and refreshing with a nice crisp finish and touch of lingering bitterness.  3.5/5

Comet Hopper (Pale Wheat Ale, 5.3% ABV). Juicy, flavorful, medium mouthfeel, light amber. Very good.  3.75.5

Special Release Lager.  A surprisingly flavorful lager.  3/5

Silva Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, 10.1% ABV). Sherry, prune, raisin, solvent. Black with a persistent tan head, a thinner-than-expected mouthfeel. The ABV bite is softened by aging but definitely there.  Seemed to be missing something. 2.5/5

My ultimate feeling is that I don’t quite understand what the big deal is about this place. It isn’t bad, I just don’t understand the level of hype compared to other places I think are better. 

greenflashbrew.com     6550 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121