Freaky Deaky - Oak Highlands Brewery Review

Let’s face it, it’s difficult to not buy a pack of beer called Freaky Deaky. So, here we are profiling a Belgian-Style Tripel from Oak Highlands Brewery out of Dallas, Texas.

But if the name doesn’t sell you, the details on the label might. This Tripel is brewed with American hops and touts a heavy 10% ABV and 46 IBU. As with most Tripel-style beers, we are expecting something light, sweet, spiced, and deceptively heavy.

Let’s get to our first impressions before this baby warms.

First Impressions:

• On the Eyes--Effervescent bubbles rise through the clear, orange-golden body to a thin cream-colored head.

• On the Nose--Spicy, fresh, and quite hoppy. I’m getting some gentle citrus (maybe from Centennial hops?), and it has a sweet aroma, though not as sweet as some Tripels, making this one more balanced and approachable, which is important for a 10% ABV beer.

• On the Palate--Floral and spicy with a bite on the tongue. It has quite a pleasant bitterness for a Tripel, which helps to balance out the sweetness. The malt is light and fresh, but there is a deeper malt lingering in the back (maybe Special B) that gives it a dark caramel note. The finish is not as dry as some Tripels but the complexity of the beer as a whole titillates the tongue and convinces the drinker they aren’t drinking a 10% beer.

Verdict:

Freaky Deaky from Oak Highlands Brewery packs a punch amidst a great balance. I would say that it leans more to the Belgian IPA side of things, if that’s what you’re into. It is quite heavily hopped and well-balanced but the Belgian character remains intact. I think this is a unique interpretation of a Belgian classic, and, most importantly, it’s pretty damn fun to drink.

Check out Oak Highlands Brewery out of Dallas if you have the chance. They have a taproom with lots of year-round and seasonal offerings to please all palates. We’ll see you there.

Cheers!

Mr. Brew