Beer Review: Green Flash Rayon Vert

by Mike Lorenz on Jul 9, 2012 in Beer
Beer Review: Green Flash Rayon Vert

Some beers are considered to be in a class all their own, sui generis. One example is Orval, which is a classic, Trappist-brewed Belgian pale ale, bottle conditioned with Brettanomyces yeast. Many individuals try to replicate this historic brew at home through various recipes with varying degrees of success. Commercial micro-breweries also try to close in on the unique style, and one such attempt is Rayon Vert, a Belgian pale ale from San Diego, CA-based Green Flash Brewing Co. Of course, “rayon vert” translates directly to “green flash” and the company states on its website: “If Green Flash were founded in historical Belgium, this would be our flagship beer.”

Poured from an embossed 12-oz. bottle, Rayon Vert is everything the brewery promises in appearance and aroma. A golden brew with active carbonation and a foamy white head appears in the glass. The aroma is dry, with a slight barnyard funk and biscuity yeast scent, followed by a hint of floral hops. Rayon Vert does not disappoint in taste either, providing a strong, interesting “Brett” character — dry funk and effervescence with a delicious hop finish. For its 7% ABV, the beer goes down easily, and provides an enjoyably complex drinking experience.

Green Flash Brewing’s ode to Belgian pale ale is a remarkably satisfying American craft beer. As this beer is bottle conditioned with two distinct yeast strains, Rayon Vert will provide a different sip each time you open a bottle. The brew has wide distribution, so snag a couple and try one now, then cellar another for a few months to see how the flavors and qualities develop over time.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
The Shark Week Drinking Game

The Shark Week Drinking Game

This year, one of cable TV's longest-running programs celebrates its 29th anniversary. Enjoy it to the fullest with this handy game. Shark Week starts...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 26, 2016
A Spanish Winemaker is Producing Blue Wine

A Spanish Winemaker is Producing Blue Wine

We've all heard of red wine and white wine. But now, we can get what we've always dreamed of when looking through a wine list: blue wine. ...read more ›

by Ryan Hudak Jun 21, 2016
Devil's Creek Brewery Is Open in Collingswood

Devil's Creek Brewery Is Open in Collingswood

Collingswood's first brewery, Devil’s Creek Brewery, opened its doors recently on May 21 at its new spot on Haddon Avenue....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant Comes to Cooper River

Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant Comes to Cooper River

Cooper River Park in Pennsauken may be known for weddings and crew races, but a new beer garden is giving craft beer lovers a new excuse to check out ...read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
Tonewood Brewing Is Coming to Oaklyn

Tonewood Brewing Is Coming to Oaklyn

Oaklyn is getting a brand new brewery called Tonewood Brewing, which will be run by two brothers, with a projected opening date of Tuesday, June 7....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
Medford's Main Street Is Experiencing a Craft Beer Boom

Medford's Main Street Is Experiencing a Craft Beer Boom

Medford in Burlington County will soon be home to two craft breweries along their Main Street drag....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens May 18, 2016
The Inventor of St. Germain, Robert J. Cooper, Has Passed Away at 39

The Inventor of St. Germain, Robert J. Cooper, Has Passed Away at 39

The inventor of St. Germain passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016....read more ›

by Alexander Frane May 2, 2016
Make This Purple Cocktail To Honor Prince's Memory

Make This Purple Cocktail To Honor Prince's Memory

Make this delicious purple cocktail to honor Prince's memory....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 21, 2016
This Late Night L.A. Restaurant is Serving Boozy Bowls of Classic Kids Cereal

This Late Night L.A. Restaurant is Serving Boozy Bowls of Classic Kids Cereal

Grab a boozy, late-night breakfast at L.A.'s newest concept....read more ›

by Alexander Frane Apr 19, 2016
Disney's Tower of Terror Is Getting a Bar

Disney's Tower of Terror Is Getting a Bar

Disney's Tower of Terror is getting its very own bar....read more ›

by Alexander Frane Apr 15, 2016
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close