Tag: IPA

Tree House Brewing – Green

August 19, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

I decided to bookend my week of Tree House beers with another Green beer, this time the American IPA Green. There is no doubting the traditional juiciness of a Tree House IPA is present but there is certainly a more pronounced bitterness. It doesn’t detract from the drinkability like some hops bombs but it is a noticeable difference.

What surprises me most about this beer is the first word I have written in my notebook from when I last had this beer, resin & grapefruit. Most people associate Tree House with juicy tasting profiles. The citrus flavor of this beer comes second to the hoppy-ness. This IPA is a great blend of citrus and pine. I am much more a fan of fruity, juicy IPAs than bitter earthy ones but when combined correctly that extra complexity is really what makes IPAs so much fun to try.

This beer is done right, it’s smooth from start to finish and gets a 4.60 out of 5.

Tree House Brewing – Haze

August 18, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

Continuing my week of Tree House beers is Haze. This is the beer I was most excited to try. I have heard nothing but great things about it. I was not disappointed.

This is a luscious brew. Of all the beers I’ve tried from Tree House this one seems the most luxurious. It’s rich with dank fruity goodness. Pungent sweet tropical and stone fruits come to mind, think nectarines and peaches. The smell is juicy as expected with a touch of bitter grapefruit and a floral, pine aroma that is just enough to make sure you know this is a IPA. It pours a cloudy pale yellow and lives up to its name. Julius (Link to previous post) may be the beer that really put Tree House on the map but Haze is what sets them apart. The mouth feel is silky smooth but the amount of flavor that has been packed into this beer is awesome. As with the way it smells Haze tastes of tropical fruits like pineapple and passion fruit with a faint dry finish.

Of the beers I’ve had from Tree House this is my favorite so far. If I ever do a top 10 list this will be on it and may even crack my top 5.

I’m giving it a 4.80 out of 5.

Tree House Brewing – Sap

August 16, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

My second beer from my Tree House Brewing haul is Sap. Having had several Tree House beers I think I can safely say this is the least Tree House-y beer I’ve had from them. It verges into traditional American West Coast IPA territory. It’s still hazy but there is more of a pine, resin presence and it’s a dryer less juicy beer. This is not to say the traditional Tree House juice forward flavors are missing they just aren’t as pronounced. It pours a tight white head that dissipates quickly leaving a lite lacing of little bubbles around the side of the glass. The color is a hazy pale yellow. My nose picked up hints of tropical fruits like pineapple, and sweet mango with a clear presence of earthy pine.

This is the first beer from Tree House that I saw scores dipping near the lower world class line and while waiting in line this was the beer that was generating the least interest. Maybe some Tree House regulars have been spoiled. I still found it to be really enjoyable. I will admit that it does seem just a step below their other offerings but this American IPA is still far better than many of its rivals.

I give it a solid 4.55 out of 5.

Jack’s Abby and New England Brewing Co. Tasting

August 11, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

Today I’m writing about a Jacks Abby/New England Brewing Co. tasting on July 27th in The Armonk, NY DeCicco’s. This is a little gem of a craft beer spot. It’s in a grocery store with shelves and coolers full of craft beer offerings. I almost always find something I’ve never had and/or want to try when visiting there stores. When in Armonk, do not neglect the large selection in the mezzanine. My first visit I only perused the coolers on the main floor. What a mistake. There are several more rows to see upstairs and the entire area is ringed with tables and boxes of great options to choose from.

They were hosting a Jack’s Abby Brewing and New England Brewing Co. (I’m going shorten to NEBCO from here on) event. I sampled 4 beers, 2 from each brewery. From Jack’s Abby I chose Cucumber Basil Sour and Brandy Barrel-Aged Framinghammer. From NEBCO I took advantage of this being my first opportunity to taste Fuzzy Baby Ducks and Double Fuzzy Baby Ducks.

Before I get to the beer I want to acknowledge how smooth this event was. These folks at DeCicco’s know what they are doing. Promptly at go time they started pouring. In minutes everyone was enjoying their beers. New arrivals were handled quickly and refills were easy to come by. There was no delay when ordering a flight vs single glasses. Only difference was you got a sheet of paper with everything on tap and you were asked to circle your four options. That was it. A few minutes later the flight was in front of me ready for tasting.

Here are the beers listed in the order that I drank them, ABV lowest to highest:

Jack’s Abby – Cucumber Basil Sour

This was one of the most unique flavor combos I’ve ever seen. I am still pretty new to sour beers so take my views with a grain of salt. I thought this was a very delicate beer. It lives up to the cucumber name. I was little surprised they were able to bring that very light vegetable flavor forward as much as they did. It is a light, crisp beer. The earthy basil levels out the almost vinegar/fruity tartness. This is not some huge funky beer. It was light, smooth and enjoyable.

NEBCO – Fuzzy Baby Ducks

This lite hazy New England style IPA has gained a serious following. After missing out a few times on visits to their tap room I was determined to get a taste of FBD on this day. It did not disappoint. This beer has bitter, grapefruit and citrus rind on full display in the aroma. It was surprisingly smooth in flavor, the bitter hops fade nicely on the back end rather than just punching your taste buds relentlessly. Another thing I really enjoyed was that there was none of that malty-ness you sometimes get from higher ABV IPAs.

NEBCO – Double Fuzzy Baby Ducks

Delicious. I could just leave my notes at that and it would be completely accurate. It’s a wonderfully smooth, juicy New England IPA. It’s got a similarly lite haze like its forbearer but it takes everything up a notch. It’s silky smooth, lightly bitter and a complete juice bomb with notes of citrus that leave you looking for pulp at the bottom of your glass. Easily my favorite beer of the day and NEBCO beer overall.

Jack’s Abby – Brandy Barrel-Aged Framinghammer

The biggest surprise of the day for me had to be Brandy BA Framinghammer. I had a Bourbon BA Framinghammer a few years ago that was OK but nothing especially noteworthy. Here in my notes on Brandy BA Framinghammer I have written WOW as the first entry. This Baltic Porter comes off more like a Stout. The slight thinness reminds you that it isn’t a stout but otherwise it might as well be. There is a deep roasty smell and there is no missing the brandy either. It might be a bit boozy for the uninitiated but overall this is a fantastic BA beer. If I had to make one critique it would be that it was a little over carbonated. I could do with a little less of the effervescent mouth feel so the dark fruitiness of the brandy and the smooth roasted flavors could have presented better. Still, this was probably my second favorite beer of the day and easily the biggest surprise.

Coriolis – New England Brewing Company

August 5, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

On this IPA Day I’m cracking open my review on Coriolis from New England Brewing Company. If your curious what Coriolis means here’s the wikipedia link, I believe I slept through this chapter of Physics. I kind of remember the term “Coriolis Force” or “Effect” but I don’t know if it has anything to do with this beer. The can has a Tyrannosaurus Rex eating an elf holding hops. I doubt the inertial force of an object in circular motion and the perceived direction of the motion/force is related… unless it’s because Superman forced the Earth to reverse its spin in an attempt to turn back time and totally screwed the space time continuum but I digress. Back to the beer.

Coriolis is a nice. Double India Pale Ale. I haven’t had a lot of IPAs that use Nelson Sauvin hops, let alone exclusively. It’s a pretty bold flavor. Initially the smell is all resiny hops. There is definitely a citrus/juice note that brings a little sweetness but also a dryness, like a wine. It pours almost clear and gave a tight white head that dissipated in a few minutes but did leave lacing behind on the glass as I sipped and swirled. With each sip I kept expecting it to get bitter but it never happened. There also isn’t a huge malt character considering it’s a DIPA, which pleases this drinker! This combination of bold hop flavor without being overly bitter, not malty and juicy citrus makes for a really enjoyable tasting experience. At 8.2% ABV you’re not going to down a 6 pack in one sitting.

Overall I give this beer a solid 4.25 out of 5.00

Alter Ego – Tree House Brewing Co.

August 2, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

Alter Ego – Tree House

On a previous trip to Tree House I picked up some cans of Alter Ego. I have yet to encounter an IPA there I didn’t enjoy. This one is no different. The first thing I got from this beer once opening would best be described as dank, with a nice side of grapefruit.

This beer, like many of their best IPAs, seems rooted in the Julius tradition but a little more complex and tart. I noticed more tropical fruit/grapefruit flavors but it is still very juicy. I don’t know if it’s the mosaic hops or what but after the juiciness subsides an almost evil delicious dank flavor takes over. I can’t think of any other way to describe this beer besides dank and by dank I mean the craft beer term meaning pungent, funky and odoriferous not that wet musty smell you get from a basement. Maybe I need a dictionary or thesaurus but that’s the word I’m using. It strikes a perfect balance on several levels. It’s so citrusy and yet not bitter. It’s sweet and pungent but not malty . The mouth feel is effervescent without being over carbonated.

Of the Tree House beer I’ve had this is my second favorite behind Julius. I still have to post my reviews of Green and Doppelganger so look for those in the near future. Hopefully until I get around to posting those write-ups I’ll be able to squeeze in another trip with some additional beers to add into the mix.

Alter Ego gets a 4.70 out of 5

Troegs – Nimble Giant

July 27, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

While perusing the beer section at my local grocery store I noticed they had 4 packs of Troegs Once a Year DIPA (IIPA – imperial india pale ale), Nimble Giant. I’ve enjoyed beers from Troegs like Nugget Nectar and Java Head Stout. This was my first IPA from the brewery located in The Sweetest Place on Earth, Hershey PA.

Nimble Giant side/back

I had no idea what to expect with this beer so I was shocked when the first think I smelled was pineapple. I don’t mean like I’m fooling myself into smelling pineapple I mean this straight up smelled of pineapple and hops. It was more delicate a nose than I expected but there was definitely a dank, malty aroma that ensures you are aware of it’s imperial IPA status.

It pours a clear orange with a fluffy fast dissipating head. Mouthfeel was slightly over carbonated to me. The pineapple flavor actually comes through in the taste but doesn’t overpower the other flavors such as grapefruit and floral notes. According to the label its IBU comes in at 69 which seems a little low for a imperial india pale ale. This results in a palate pleasing bitterness. There is a malty, booziness that I could have done without but you can’t have it all!

I look forward to drinking the other 3 cans of my 4 pack but I won’t crown this a fantastic DIPA.

It’s slightly above average, I give it a 3.50 out of 5.

A Trip to Tree House and a Taste of Julius

July 26, 2016 / approachable beer / 0 Comments

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.