Hop Odyssey: Citra Session IPA – Green Flash Brewing

Even in sunny Southern California, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and in craft beer terms, signals a reduction in the availability of the fantastic summer beers that have hit the market this year. So before we dive into fall and the impending wave of pumpkin madness, I wanted to sample one more Session IPA, capping off a season rich with brews like Easy Jack, Go To IPA, and a parade of incredible Pils’ and Lagers. In my search I was happy to find Citra Session IPA, a session-able single hop offering from Green Flash Brewing.

The fourth edition of the yet to be completed Hop Odyssey series, Citra Session pours a light golden straw color with exceptional clarity. A fluffy white head of intricate bubbles recedes slowly leaving subtle lace.

Our Citra Session™ IPA is brewed with high-quality Marris Otter and Vienna malt but the flavor is dominated by the Citra hops introduced throughout the boil and again in the dry hop for maximum aroma intensity. Notes of lemon, orange and grapefruit make this hop-laden brew a perfectly potable summer session IPA. – Green Flash Brewing

The nose is a big bold dose of tropical fruit, lemon, grapefruit, orange, and pine. A very inviting fresh hop aroma from the copious amount of Citra hops. Taste follows suit with a punch of fruity hop flavors, mainly citrus riding on a light to medium body as it coasts to a nice hop bitterness on the back end that knocks nothing out of balance. Body and mouthfeel are crisp and refreshing, with no lingering aftertastes, adding up to a great session beer that leaves you wanting more. Lemon and grapefruit rind play more prominently as the beer warms.

This is a great Session IPA with a deserved rating of over 90 on Beer Advocate. The body is just right for an easy-going summer drinking experience. The pronounced hop character of this brew is exactly what I expected from Green Flash’s take on this newly popularized style. I say find this one while you can, and look forward to the last two Hop Odyssey releases; Cedar Plank and Symposium IPA.

Cheers!
DAVE