I recently made my first trip to the woods and farmland where Tree House has setup shop. Though a new brewery is coming soon for now the old location, which was the new location as of Dec. 2014 in Monson, Ma is the destination for some of the most sought after and highly regarded brews the New England craft beer scene has to offer. It was such an enjoyable experience I went back the following week for more beers to taste (and review soon!).
Driving to Monson, MA
Driving up from the lower region of the hudson valley it’s about 2 and a half hours, depending on traffic. Mostly major highways it’s an easy, if unexciting trip. After exiting the highways the drive becomes much more rural and enjoyable with tree lined windy roads and small towns with a roundabout and ice cream stand. The brewery itself is about 20 min beyond that point where you worry your GPS has the incorrect location. Fear not, if it’s a Tree House business day and you’re within 2 hrs of open or the “we’re gonna run out soon” twitter update, you will not be alone on the roads leading back to this temple of hops. If you’re still unsure and the 3 full parking areas aren’t enough reassurance you have found the place then the pungent sent of hops in the air as you stroll down the driveway looking for the end of the line should ease any remaining concerns. You are indeed in the right place. Come as you are, bring your dog, bring your kids, or just a friendly demeanor, and relax while they churn through the pleasant masses. On a can release only day (every Wednesday 12-6) I’ve never been there longer than an hour, and that was the Wednesday before July 4th. I haven’t had the chance to go on a growler fill day yet but from what I’ve read they keep that moving as well.
If planning a visit to Tree House there are 2 important things that will tell you everything you need to know. The Tree House Twitter feed and the on-tap page. Via their Twitter feed they respond to questions, give line updates and provide allotment/availability updates on a regular basis throughout the day. Beers available for purchase are announced almost exclusively day of or night before. Plan to be surprised and don’t worry you won’t be disappointed.
Tree House Brewing Co.
Julius
Now to this fine brew they call Julius. I’ve seen it referred to as The Doctor or Dr. J and I would love to believe they named it after the legendary Julius Eeeeeerving. My guess is its name has more to do with a drink stand that was once found in almost every mall around the country. When popping the top on a can of this American IPA it is an experience unto itself. Your nose is filled with the sweet, juicy hop profile they have mastered at Tree House. Poured from the can into a tulip for drinking you see the color matches what you’re already smelling, oranges. It’s almost eerie that a beer can instantly invoke the idea of an Orange Julius but, hence the name, that is exactly what happened to me. The tasting experience is silky smooth with a slight sweetness. This is balanced against the fruity citrus tartness and a very mild hop bitterness. This delicate dance of competing flavors creates a beer that laughs in the face of the hop bombs many micros throw out for IPA acclaim. This beer is a bit over hyped but for good reason, it is a masterpiece. I’m not going to go all BEST BEER EVER, but I will say it is a crushable beverage that I would buy above most other shelf offerings and other local favorites. Does it warrant a special trip to get your hands on some? YES! Is it a beer to hoard and trade like some kind of whale? Nah. Side note: We really need a stock exchange like value system for beer trading, just saying. Few beers warrant the level of hype they achieve but this comes close. It is a wonderful American IPA that any craft beer lover should get the chance to or, if in the area, make the effort to try.