Green Flash Brewing is a company that I don’t really see too much of around town. My only experience with the company is their Double Stout that I had a year and a half ago. Having liked that brew, I figured that would be enough to pick up this bottle of Le Freak I happened across last week.
Besides, it’s a Belgian IPA — a style I have been increasingly enjoying just about every time I have one. Though, I think the Belgians have the best examples of the style, Stone’s recent Cali-België IPA was pretty damned tasty. Let’s see how Green Flash has done with their own take on the style.
Appearance
Le Freak pours a golden amber in color with a large white head that faded to a sticky lacing.
Aroma
Smells great! There’s a decent helping of piny, citrus hops with a light green apple presence. The Belgian yeast adds a slight funkiness that gives this one a Tripel nose.
Taste
Right away my first thoughts turn toward the taste profile of a Tripel. Le Freak is definitely a Belgian brew, but then come in the west coast hops with a pronounced pine and bitterness. Citrus and the light apple are there as well, along with a the peppery yeast. It’s pretty well balanced and a smooth drinker, even for the 9.2% ABV which warms nicely in the semi-dry finish.
Overall
I think I still prefer the Belgian take on this style, but Le Freak is a damn fine American example. I found it well balanced with just the right amount of hop and yeasty funkiness. I could have easily gone for another bottle had I had one in the house.
Rating: 4/5
January 26th, 2010
Aaron Mielke said:
Nice. I’m quickly becoming a fan of complex and interesting IPAs myself.
I’m confused…at the outset of your post you state this is a Belgian IPA, then when you wrap it up, you say it’s an American…did I miss something or am I not reading it correctly?