What to drink after a day outside basking in fall and its entire splendor? This question is circling my head as I scan the shelves looking for the perfect beer to quaff after a day outdoors. As sunlight flees and Old Man Winter approaches I find myself craving a more full flavored beer, something with a bite. Green Flash Brewing has the perfect barley pop for the season, the appropriately named Le Freak.
The 13-year-old brewery located in San Diego has built up a reputation for their numerous award-winning hybrid styles of beer, like Dr. Frankenstein these folks continually crank out interesting inventions. Le Freak earned its moniker because it’s merging of two styles that should compete; a Belgium Tipple and American Imperial IPA instead they blend beautifully. The beer was the brainchild of Brewery owner Mike Hinkley and brewmaster Chuck Silva. It just won a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival last week. It is a two time Gold Medal winner at the festival, plus it has been awarded Bronze medal at the World Beer Cup and several other awards in California. It has a rating of 98% on Ratebeer.com and 90% on Beeradvocate.com. It is available year round in a 22oz bottle format and tips the scale at 9.2% ABV. This should be fun.
As I crack the bottle the first thing I notice is the light citrusy hop scent wafting from the bottle. I pour into a tulip glass and am immediately impressed by the bright hazy golden color of the brew. It has excellent lacing an inch up the side with a full two fingers of bright white head. The smell is sublime with a mixture of floral hops, slight pine, caramel malts and bananas—a good sign of things to come. The mouth feel is medium, not to bubbly, with strong malt body backed by a nice hop hit. The taste is fantastic, a perfect blend of Belgium yeast, American Hops and delicate spices. The first taste of sweetness slowly slips into the background as the hops take center stage. I am left wondering after each sip if more secrets wait in the next sip.
Take a chance with Le Freak it will help to ease the loss of summer and allow the mind to embrace the beauty of autumn.
Liquid Gear is proudly sponsored by Hazel’s Beverage World which is the go-to store for outdoor enthusiasts and everyone else on the go. Featuring Boulder’s largest selection of wine, beer and spirits at everyday low prices, Hazel’s has lots of beverages that are easy to carry along and enjoy no matter what your adventure. So don’t forget to pack the party—fly by Hazel’s before your next excursion and stock up on your favorite liquid refreshments. Hazel’s – Same Planet, Different World.
