I follow a number of other beer writers, both local and national, on twitter. Discussing everything that’s happening in the world of beer with these writers is usually a blast, even when I respectfully disagree with their points of view. There is one national beer writer who is based in Massachusetts and while I respect the work he does and many of his opinions, I get frustrated by his harsh negativity when discussing the local beer scene. Some of his attacks are at particular breweries that he doesn’t care for, while others are general. I agree that the local scene isn’t perfect, Massachusetts is middle-of-the-pack in breweries per capita and it seems like some new breweries open without thinking about a niche or even developing good recipes. I think the breweries per capita statistic is a little overblown, one of the advantages of the geographically small states in New England is that breweries in neighboring states aren’t that far away, especially compared to the West Coast. I also don’t understand the point in attacking breweries you dislike, I think it is more productive to praise the brewers who are making delicious and innovative beer and hold them up as the example to be followed. One of the breweries that is unquestionably making great local beer is Tree House Brewing Company, and the one of their standout beers is their flagship IPA Julius. Tree House makes a number of tasty beers, but it was the popularity of Julius that helped turn a farmhouse in Monson into a beer lovers mecca. Julius has all of the desirable characteristics of the new class of American IPAs, huge fruity hop flavor and aroma but still extremely easy to drink. On a recent visit I filled growlers and bought cans, and it still disappeared from my fridge quicker than I would have liked. Tree House Julius is available on a rotating basis for growler fills and in tall boy cans at the brewery, check their website for availability.

Treehouse Julius pours a hazy deep orange with a moderate off-white head. The scent is a big burst of fruity hops, distinctive of a new-school American IPA. The hops dominate the flavor, notes of orange, grapefruit, guava and mango. Hop bitterness is present but soft, enough so you know it’s an IPA but it doesn’t linger on the palate. The malts add just enough balance, touches of grainy bread and just a hint of honey. This beer is incredibly easy to drink, so much flavor without going over the top, and at 6.5% ABV it isn’t overly boozy. The finish is clean with lingering hop flavor and just a hint of crisp bitterness. This is easily one of my favorite beers in New England, really one of my favorite beers period. I have dedicated this blog to celebrating the best beers brewed in this area, and this is clearly a beer worthy of that distinction. Hoppy Boston score: 5.0/5.

Previous Tree House Reviews:

Tree House Alter Ego, Tree House Haze

This weekend I violated one of my principal rules as a beer connoisseur. I have stated that I strongly dislike the idea of waiting in line for beer, I even wrote a whole article last year about why it bothers me. Yesterday was my birthday, and on Saturday my wife was taking full baby duty and giving me the morning and early afternoon to do whatever I wanted. Obviously I was going to a brewery, and under the circumstances it had to be one that was a little out of the way and more of a challenge to visit. After some debate I chose Tree House Brewing in Monson. I have enjoyed every Tree House beer that I’ve had the pleasure of trying, but it is a rare occasion that I make my way out to Monson (which is pretty much the only place you can buy their beer). This week they had over 450 cases of cans of both of their flagship IPA Julius and their 3rd Anniversary IPA Alter Ego when they opened on Wednesday (plus a substantial amount for growler fills). Despite relatively limited hours both beers were sold out by Saturday afternoon. I made the trip Saturday morning, arrived 30 minutes before the brewery opened and I was still #88 in the growler line. Despite the crowd they have the process down to a science, and in a little over an hour I was back on the road stocked with cans and full growlers. While I generally stand by my stance against waiting in line, I’ll put up with it on occasion for these super-fresh and flavorful beers. This was my first chance to try Alter Ego, brewed with the same malt base as Julius but it’s dry hopped with Amarillo and Mosaic hops. Tree House Alter Ego is available on a rotating basis on draft and in tall boy cans.

Tree House Alter Ego pours a hazy deep orange with a substantial off-white head. The scent is a huge burst of hops, mostly citrus and tropical fruit. The taste is also very hop forward, notes of tangerine, grapefruit, passion fruit, pine and lemon. The hops add a noticeable but soft bitterness, you know you are drinking at IPA but it drinks very smooth. The malts provide some balance and a base to showcase the hop flavor, touches of whole grain bread and just a hint of caramel. Alter Ego is medium bodied but very easy to drink, the 6.8% ABV is about what you’d expect from and American IPA. The finish is crisp and clean with some lingering hop flavor. While Julius gets tons of hype (for good reason), it’s cousin Alter Ego is a great IPA is it’s own right, the massive hoppiness you want from an American IPA but still balanced and easy to drink. After my first glass of this beer I knew that the trip and even the wait in line were worth it! Hoppy Boston score: 4.75/5.

Previous Tree House Reviews:

Tree House Haze