Hello Green Flash Double Stout! Where have you been all my life? I can’t say that I know, but I can say that I’m happy you’re here now. First, though, I have to figure out what to call you. Obviously, Green Flash Double Stout is an imperial stout, but the brewery also calls it a “modern stout” and “black ale” on the website and label. I suppose it’s both to be fair, but I’ll stick with calling it an imperial stout since that’s what comes to mind when I drink it.

This is a year-round offering from Green Flash, though I only see it sporadically here in Georgia. I’ve had it in the bottle and on tap, and it’s truly wonderful both ways. It’s the perfect nightcap beer, to be enjoyed with a book at bedtime as Michael Jackson was always fond of saying. Here’s what Green Flash says on their website:

We explored 19th Century British Stout recipes, then charted a fresh course to land on a modern American version of the old-world classic. Our Double Stout encompasses the very best of both worlds. Golden naked oats, dark crystal and roasted malt offer a luscious balance of bittersweet chocolate and hints of coffee.  Fair winds and following seas. Smooth sailing, all the way home.

I first tried Green Flash Double Stout on tap at Taco Mac back on November 22^nd, 2013. It was served in an 11 ounce glass, but at a reasonable $6.25. Bottles will run you $11.99 a six-pack around here. The beer has an alcohol content of 8.8% by volume and 45 IBUs. My bottle says best by 10/04/14 but I am drinking it past that and think it would be fine much longer as well.

Green Flash Double Stout pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head and a rich roasted espresso nose.  A very thick layer of Brussels lacing forms on my glass. Taking a sip I get just what I want in a big bold imperial stout like this: huge dark bittersweet chocolate, roasty espresso, licorice and big roasted barley notes. The mouthfeel is full and luxuriant and slides over the tongue like a dream, and in the finish the huge assertive roasty bitterness really dries this one out nicely. Very well done!

I’m giving this one a full five stars because it’s so good. I would take off a half star for the high price in bottles, but the reasonable draft price kicks it back up to 5.

Not to be missed.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 

 

 

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