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:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

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

Close