Beer of the Weekend #379: Le Freak
The beer tonight is Le Freak, brewed by the Green Flash Brewing Company of San Diego, California.
Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. No freshness date.
Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The color is hazy orange with a tint of amber. Three fingers of dense, buttery head dissipated very slowly.
Smell: Mostly Brett funk from the Belgian influence and orange/grapefruit citrus and floral hops from the American. There are also hints of granny apple, caramel, toffee, and clove spice. The nose is not overpowering, and none of the scents dominate, but it is a very enticing balance.
Taste: The hops make an immediate impression; I could feel the bitterness flow through my mouth as I took the first sip. It is not overpowering, though; it leaves a nice lingering residue and compliments the mostly floral flavor. The citrus notes become more prominent as the beer warms, though. I want to say the funk is hidden but I think it offers a hint of farmhouse. What is definitely hidden is the alcohol: there is zero hint of the ABV. It has a dry, metallic finish.
Drinkability: This is an excellent brew that is well worth the price.
Fun facts about Le Freak:
-Style: The brewery website calls it “[a]n ‘out of the box’ modern ale crafted by converging two beer styles, Belgian Trippel and American Imperial IPA.” BA classifies it as Belgian IPA.
-Price: $3.49/bottle at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.
-Serving temperature: 40-45ºF.
-Alcohol content: 9.2 percent ABV.
-Food pairings: BA recommends sharp, pungent, and tangy cheeses; and salad.
-IBU: 101. I think that IBU count may be the highest of any beer I have ever had.
The Quiet Man’s grade: A-.
Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. No freshness date.
Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The color is hazy orange with a tint of amber. Three fingers of dense, buttery head dissipated very slowly.
Smell: Mostly Brett funk from the Belgian influence and orange/grapefruit citrus and floral hops from the American. There are also hints of granny apple, caramel, toffee, and clove spice. The nose is not overpowering, and none of the scents dominate, but it is a very enticing balance.
Taste: The hops make an immediate impression; I could feel the bitterness flow through my mouth as I took the first sip. It is not overpowering, though; it leaves a nice lingering residue and compliments the mostly floral flavor. The citrus notes become more prominent as the beer warms, though. I want to say the funk is hidden but I think it offers a hint of farmhouse. What is definitely hidden is the alcohol: there is zero hint of the ABV. It has a dry, metallic finish.
Drinkability: This is an excellent brew that is well worth the price.
Fun facts about Le Freak:
-Style: The brewery website calls it “[a]n ‘out of the box’ modern ale crafted by converging two beer styles, Belgian Trippel and American Imperial IPA.” BA classifies it as Belgian IPA.
-Price: $3.49/bottle at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.
-Serving temperature: 40-45ºF.
-Alcohol content: 9.2 percent ABV.
-Food pairings: BA recommends sharp, pungent, and tangy cheeses; and salad.
-IBU: 101. I think that IBU count may be the highest of any beer I have ever had.
The Quiet Man’s grade: A-.
