Green Flash Le Freak
Appearance: A lightly hazy copper-orange body capped by two fingers of off-white head that fade slowly and leave almost no lacing. Aroma: A mix of spice, golden fruit, doughy yeast, and pale malt accompanied by lots of leafy and tropical fruit-like hops. So far, this is reminiscent of a hoppy Tripel. Flavor: Bananas, clove, pepper and pale malt mixed with lots of hops. The hops are complex with green, resinous, tropical fruit, and medicinal character. Everything is actually balanced quite decently here, though the hops do take the lead. Yeast and leafy hops in the finish. Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with medium carbonation and a dry finish. Some very mild burn and general oiliness from the alcohol. Drinkability: Quite drinkable for the ABV, you'll have to keep an eye out. Verdict: Le Freak could break either way: bitter and pithy Tripel or Belgian-infused San Diego IPA. It's pleasant enough, and certainly lives up to the promised mix of San Diego and Belgium, though it doesn't quite strike the note I was hoping for. I like the concept and most of the flavors, but the hops are just a little too medicinal for me.