I announce each of my posts on Twitter (@1KBeers), and recently got a suggestion via Twitter from @Lauren_BILLYves – who as it turns out, is Lauren Hinkley, the daughter of Green Flash Brewing founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley. Obviously, she suggested I try a brew from Green Flash Brewing, and specifically, Le Freak. The bottle says, “Extreme ale converging San Diego-style imperial pale ale and Belgian-style trippel.” It looked interesting, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Numbers: 9.2% ABV, 101 IBUs
Appearance & Aroma: It was very hazy and orange in color. There was a thin, creamy, bright white head, and there was a nice floral-hoppy aroma to it.
Taste & Feel: The medium bodied brew had a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. There was a big honey-malty flavor up front, followed by a big piney-citrusy floral hop bitterness in the middle. It finished with a more piney, slightly airy, floral like hop finish.
Food Pairing: I really struggled to come up with a food to pair this one with. It needs something thick or strong to match the big West Coast IPA hop flavors, yet something that might complement the airy floral-like flavors in the finish. In orer to match the big hop flavor, yet complement it, I thought something like a beer cheese soup might be best. Thick enough match its strength, yet the cheese flavors would match the hop flavors. Better yet, perhaps make a beer cheese soup with this beer in it.
Overall Impression: As described, it was an interesting convergence of flavors – a big citrusy and piney hop flavor, yet a bit of an airy floralness from the trippel style. It was an interesting flavor, and I had a tough time trying to describe it. It’s definitely a unique tasting beer. If you love big West Coast IPAs and are looking for something a little different, try this one.
My Rating: 
Reader Ratings[five-star-rating]
January 19, 2011
Another reason to visit San Diego?
January 20, 2011
Yes, I think so!