Watchin' the Phillies and Gettin' Freaky with the Elf

The city couldn't be more energized by the Phillies victory. I spent Wednesday on the couch watching the game instead of at Capone's on a bar stool. I traded in the chance to celebrate with joyous Phillies fans for a comfortable seat, a big screen view of the game and beer that was already paid for. The beer of choice during the game was Green Flash Brewing Company's Le Freak and I toasted the victory with a Troeg's Mad Elf 2009.

I have never had a problem spending my time with a freak but this was an especially good one. Green Flash Brewing Company in Vista California jumps into the hybrid style of Belgian IPA with Le Freak. Belgian IPAs have started to recently take off with both American and Belgian brewers putting out their renditions. The label on Le Freak describes it as, "Extreme ale converging San Diego-style imperial ale and Belgian-style trippel". San Diego and Belgium both find their way into this beer. The Belgian side shows in the aroma with hints of pepper, coriander lemon and Belgian yeast. Belgian candy sugars come out on the first sip along with the spiciness of clove and pepper. Citrusy hops quickly come to the front and the bite of pine takes over. I guess this is the San Diego side making itself known. The beer finishes slightly bitter and the 9.2% stays fairly well hidden. Along with Urthel Hop-It this was one of my favorite BIPAs.

The Phillies win sparked me to also open a bottle of Troegs Mad Elf 09. What is more appropriate? This is sort of a hometown beer. Harrisburg isn't that far from Philly. The glowing red color is perfectly suited for a Phillies celebration and the cheery elf with the glazed twinkle in his eye matches the look of jubilant fans everywhere.

The aroma of this beer is malt, fruit, hints of sour cherry and Belgian yeast. The label tells the story with the taste; it's moderately sweet cherry with honey. The finish is spicy and warm and after a few sips it's easy to tell this clocks in at 11%abv. This is a good celebratory sipper.

So hooray and congratulations to the Phillies. Lets not wait another 20 plus years to have a champion in Philadelphia.