Belt's Beer Garden: One is better than none

Sadly, this week I was only able to bring one new beer to the table, so I tried to make it the best beer possible. What I found for you this week was from a small(er) brewery out west - Green Flash.

Green Flash comes to us from San Diego, California and has been around since 2002. They hit the jackpot with their West Coast IPA and have since gathered a cult like following. They love to experiment and create limited releases and seasonal beers quite often. You can find them across the US but to see everywhere they are (and what's closest to you), here's their beer finder.

Cedar Plank pours a dark copper, almost orangish in color, and is nicely topped with just a finger of head. And just like the name indicates, this pale ale smells mostly of cedar and pine with a strong backing of hops and hint of citrus. At first sip, the cedar and hops again mark their presence, but neither is overwhelming. There is a definite carbonation and some dryness to the beer, but it still manages to be an easy beer to drink. The citrus takes the back seat and is just there as a nice backing to the cedar. As smooth as it is, it is a medium bodied beer and will fill you up quick.

This beer packs a 6% ABV and 44 IBU, so it isn't overly bitter and is part of Green Flash's Hop Odyssey series, so it will only be available for a short amount of time. I love citrus beers more than piney ones but, I must say, this is a very good piney/cedar beer. And at $5.99 for a 22 ounce bomber, it's certainly priced right. Green Flash has made a lot of great beers (which is why I keep getting their new ones) and this doesn't disappoint. I give it a 7.5 but only because my liking is more towards the citrus side. However, if you like the piney beers find this beer and try it!