Green Flash Brewing Corporation

A quirky question popped into Mike Hinkley’s mind one day: “What if a beer could capture the magic of a green flash sunset?”. That question, born from a love of craft beer and San Diego’s coastal beauty, led to the creation of Green Flash Brewing Company in 2002. Green Flash Brewing Company, nestled in the Mira Mesa neighborhood of San Diego, isn’t just a brewery. It’s a testament to the adventurous spirit of craft brewing. Mike and his wife, Lisa Hinkley, envisioned a brewery that pushed boundaries and defied expectations, much like the elusive green flash phenomenon itself. From its inception, Green Flash Brewing Company has been synonymous with bold, innovative IPAs. Their West Coast IPA, first brewed in 2005, became an instant classic, its aggressive hop profile and high ABV a defining characteristic of the San Diego style. Green Flash’s reputation for intensely flavored, high-octane beers quickly spread, attracting a loyal following of craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery expanded, its beers flowing not only throughout the US but also internationally, reaching countries like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, and even across the pond to Europe. In 2011, Green Flash Brewing Company moved from Vista to a larger facility in Mira Mesa, a move that allowed them to significantly increase their production. They even opened a second brewery on the East Coast in 2016, a testament to their growing ambition and desire to bring their unique brews to a wider audience. However, the road wasn’t always smooth. Rapid expansion, coupled with increasing competition, led to financial challenges. Despite setbacks, Green Flash Brewing Company persevered, driven by the same passion that ignited its creation. The brewery re-focused its efforts, returning to its San Diego roots. They even brought back the original recipe for their iconic West Coast IPA, a nod to their loyal fans who yearned for the classic brew. Green Flash Brewing Company continues to innovate. They release experimental and seasonal offerings alongside their core lineup, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Today, Green Flash Brewing Company stands as a symbol of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of exceptional craft beer never fades. So next time you’re in San Diego, raise a glass of Green Flash and toast to the adventurous spirit that brought it to life. You might even catch a glimpse of that magical green flash sunset that started it all.