A deeper shade of pink

There are few charitable causes as universally backed by the brewing community as the fight against breast cancer. This has much to do with how many peoples’ lives are touched by this scourge. One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. One such individual was Green Flash Brewing Company co-owner Lisa Hinkley, who was diagnosed in 2010 and, through proper treatment and her strong will, has since come out the other side victorious. But just because she’s put breast cancer behind her from a physical standpoint doesn’t mean she’s done fighting.

With the support of her husband, brewmaster, staff, and numerous restaurants around town, Hinkley helps raise funds for the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation through an annual event called Treasure Chest Fest. Held at Green Flash’s Mira Mesa facility, the festival features a plethora of rare keg and cask beers paired with dishes from local eateries. Each year, the beer list includes an ale brewed specifically to benefit Susan G. Komen — Green Flash Treasure Chest.

The style changes each year. In 2011, Treasure Chest came in the form of a Brettanomyces-spiked Belgian-style pale ale, while 2012 brought a Belgian-style blonde followed by 2013’s Belgian-style brown. They were brilliant creations, but this year’s edition, which was debuted at last weekend’s Treasure Chest Fest, is perhaps the best yet, and certainly the most fitting. A barrel-aged Belgian-style farmhouse ale made pink with the addition of plum purée, the beer is fruity and flowery with a very subdued spice that comes on in the finish.

Brewmaster Chuck Silva is pleased with the brew and looking forward to it being conditioned and offered in Champagne-style bottles later this year. For now, it will be available on draft at Green Flash’s tasting room through the month of October, and at special events around San Diego County as well as the home of the company’s future East Coast facility (which is scheduled to open in 2016), Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s worth seeking out in all its forms, both for its flavor and the nobility behind its creation.