New England IPA - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 01:49:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 New England IPA - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 Beer Review: I’m 40% Galaxy (Local Craft Beer) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/07/29/beer-review-im-40-galaxy-local-craft-beer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-im-40-galaxy-local-craft-beer Tue, 30 Jul 2024 01:00:24 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15346 Beer Review: I’m 40% Galaxy (Local Craft Beer)

I’m 40% Galaxy by Local Craft Beer

Futurama is Back Baby

Futurama aired it’s first episode of “Season 12” (and I put that in quotations) on Hulu today (or Disney+ if you have the bundle). The A-plot is another Bender existentialism episode where he meets his family from Mexico, and the B-plot is a heist about stealing NFT’s.

While the idea being the NFT’s is pretty cringe and very dated at this point, the overall episode is pretty solid (as most Bender episodes are). Its not as funny as the FOX era or some of the best Comedy Central episodes, but its a decent episode, that on first viewing I felt “meh” about due to the NFT story beats, but then with a second viewing I enjoyed a bit more. Most likely falling in the 6.5 or 7/10 range for me.

Interestingly Danny Trejo voices Doblando, and I am currently reading his book – Trejo.

I’ll post more thoughts on the episode, and some references and things after the beer review.

Beer Review

I’m 40% Galaxy by Local Craft Beer (LCB)

Brewery: Local Craft Beer (LCB)
Style: Triple New England / Hazy IPA
ABV: 10%
IBU: 15
Untappd Description: More like 80% Galaxy but Bender doesn’t care as long as it’s beer!

As Bender might say, “I’m 40% Galaxy” is 100% amazing. This Triple New England IPA from Local Craft Beer (LCB) pours an inviting, hazy golden-yellow, reminiscent of a glowing sunset over New New York. Topped with a thick, creamy white head that shows impressive retention, it leaves a delicate lace that would make even the most indifferent of robots take notice.

The aroma of this beer is an olfactory feast dominated by the hallmark characteristics of Galaxy hops. Imagine Fry’s favorite Slurm drink, but transformed into an explosion of tropical fruit aromas featuring passion fruit, ripe peach, and zesty citrus. These fruity notes are complemented by subtle undertones of pine and resin, adding complexity and depth, much like the intricate plots of “Futurama.”

From the first sip, “I’m 40% Galaxy” delivers a smooth and juicy experience that would make Leela trade in her single-eye view for a taste. The tropical fruit flavors take center stage, with passion fruit, mango, and pineapple dancing on the palate like Hypnotoad’s mesmerizing performances. The sweetness from the malt is perfectly balanced by a gentle bitterness, ensuring that the beer remains refreshing and not cloying, akin to the refreshing humor that “Futurama” fans adore.

The mouthfeel of this Triple NEIPA boasts a medium to full body with a luxuriously creamy, velvety texture. The moderate carbonation provides a lively yet smooth drinking experience, much like a seamless delivery run by the Planet Express crew. Despite the high ABV, the alcohol is well-masked, making the beer dangerously easy to drink, even for a robot with Bender’s legendary tolerance.

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of tropical fruit and a mild, resinous bitterness. There’s a subtle warmth from the alcohol, reminding you of the beer’s strength, but it remains well-integrated and pleasant. This is a beer that, like the best episodes of “Futurama,” leaves you wanting more.

“I’m 40% Galaxy” by Local Craft Beer is a stellar example of a Triple New England IPA, showcasing the beloved Galaxy hop in all its tropical glory. The balance of flavors, the creamy mouthfeel, and the masterful hiding of the high ABV make this beer a must-try for hop enthusiasts. Its complexity and depth ensure that each sip offers something new, making it a perfect subject for a detailed review. Just as “Futurama” continues to captivate with its blend of humor and heart, this beer captivates with its blend of flavors and aromas. Cheers to a beer that would make the Planet Express crew proud!

My Untappd rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 4.02 (as of 7.29.24)

Futurama Season 12

Futurama Season 12 picks up after the 10 episode “Season 11” aired last year (2023) on Hulu. In 2025 there will be another additional 10 episodes, and then another 10 in 2026. So, I suppose you could say – Futurama is DEFINITELY Back Baby!

Season 11 of Futurama on Hulu (and I am using Hulu’s season and episode numbering here) was…. ok. I reviewed some of the episodes (you can find the links below). I am hoping for a rebound season with Season 12, and this was a decent kick off to it.

For a list of the Futurama episodes you can view the Wikipedia article here: List of All Futurama Episodes.

A fun review of “The One Amigo” (S12: E1) by Johnny 2 Cellos:

For some fun Instagram posts (PG-13+ rated) check these out: Alana Acker. Alana Acker.

I might post some more video reviews the episodes from this season, if I do, they will most likely come out on Wednesdays or Thursdays. We’ll see. Would everyone want to see them?

All of Our Nerd Content

Here’s all of our nerd content, served up best in one single place. Enjoy!

I know ya’ll here for the nerd reviews. So check out our other nerd reviews below:

Star Wars:

Futurama

Lord of the Rings:

Magic the Gathering:

Zelda:

Rick and Morty:

Space Balls:

Game of Thrones:

The Simpsons:

Back to the Future:

Scrooged:

Groundhog Day:

A Christmas Story:

The Peanuts:

Pro Wrestling:

Soccer:

World Cup:

Phillies:

Philadelphia Eagles:

Matrix:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

Seinfeld:

The Muppets:

Other:

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

 

 

 

 

 

]]>
15346
East Meets West: The Duel of the IPAs – West Coast vs. New England https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/02/03/east-meets-west-the-duel-of-the-ipas-west-coast-vs-new-england/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=east-meets-west-the-duel-of-the-ipas-west-coast-vs-new-england Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:59:02 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=14518 East Meets West: The Duel of the IPAs – West Coast vs. New England

New England “Hazy” IPA versus West Coast IPAs. Whats the differences?

New England – or Hazy – IPAs and West Coast IPAs are similar, but yet so very different. Both are IPAs (or India Pale Ales), but both are also very different. Its akin to saying Fiction and Non-Fiction books are similar. Both are books, but both are so very different.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of craft beer, few styles have sparked as much debate, devotion, and innovation as the India Pale Ale (IPA). Within this beloved category, two sub-styles stand out, representing not just geographical distinctions but also contrasting brewing philosophies, flavor profiles, and cultural identities: the West Coast IPA and the New England IPA (NEIPA). Let’s dive into the hoppy heart of these brews to explore what sets them apart and why beer enthusiasts might pledge their allegiance to one over the other.

The West Coast IPA: The Pioneer Spirit

Torpedo IP by Sierra Nevada Brewing.

The West Coast IPA is the elder of the two, born from the American craft beer revolution that gained momentum in the late 20th century. This style is a testament to the pioneering spirit of West Coast brewers, who embraced and amplified the bold, aromatic potential of hops. Characterized by its clear, golden to amber hue and a penchant for high bitterness, the West Coast IPA is a beacon of the “hop-forward” approach.

Flavor Profile: The hallmark of the West Coast IPA is its crisp, assertive bitterness, derived from generous hop additions. These beers often feature piney, citrusy, and resinous hop flavors, with a clean malt backbone that steps aside to let the hops shine. The finish is dry, encouraging another sip.

Aroma: Aromatically, these IPAs burst with the scents of grapefruit, pine, and herbal notes, inviting the drinker to plunge into their hoppy depths.

Appearance: Clarity is king, with these brews sporting a transparent body that ranges from light golden to deep amber.

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel tends to be medium-bodied and refreshing, with a carbonation level that complements the beer’s crisp finish.

The New England IPA: The Hazy Revolution

A juicy looking hazy New England IPA.

The NEIPA is a more recent innovation, rising to prominence in the 2010s and quickly becoming a darling of the craft beer world. This style is marked by its hazy appearance and a radical shift in hop utilization, focusing on late addition and dry hopping techniques that emphasize hop aroma and flavor over bitterness.

Flavor Profile: NEIPAs are known for their juicy, fruit-forward hop flavors. Think mango, peach, orange, and other tropical fruits, with a soft, rounded bitterness that takes a backseat to the hop-driven fruitiness. The malt profile is often slightly sweeter, adding to the perception of juiciness.

Aroma: The aroma of a NEIPA is akin to sticking your nose into a bag of fresh hops or a bowl of ripe tropical fruits. It’s all about the explosive, aromatic hop character.

Appearance: Haze for days is the motto here. NEIPAs are typically unfiltered and opaquely hazy, ranging in color from pale straw to deep orange.

Mouthfeel: Soft, smooth, and almost creamy, with a full body that coats the palate. The carbonation is moderate, balancing the mouthfeel without detracting from the lush texture.

The Clash of IPAs: A Matter of Taste

Choosing between a West Coast IPA and a NEIPA often comes down to personal preference in bitterness, clarity, and flavor profile. West Coast IPA enthusiasts might crave the bracing bitterness and clear, piney sips, while devotees of the NEIPA could prefer the soft, fruity embrace of a hazy brew.

In the grand tapestry of craft beer, both styles represent the innovative spirit of brewers and the diverse palates of beer lovers. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp, bitter edge of the West Coast or the juicy haze of New England, the world of IPAs offers a rich landscape to explore.

As the debate between these two IPA titans continues, it’s clear that the real winner is the beer drinker, who gets to enjoy the fruits of this friendly rivalry. So, next time you’re at your local brewery or bottle shop, why not grab one of each and celebrate the incredible diversity and creativity of the craft beer

community? Whether you’re Team West Coast, Team NEIPA, or somewhere in between, there’s no denying the impact these styles have had on the beer world. As brewers continue to experiment and evolve, who knows what new variations await us on the horizon? One thing’s for sure: in the quest for hoppy perfection, the journey is just as thrilling as the destination.

Cheers to the IPA, in all its glorious forms!

Some Related IPA Articles

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

]]>
14518
Tree House Brewing Releasing Woodstock IPA, Haze, and Julius Cans https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/12/18/tree-house-brewing-releasing-woodstock-ipa-haze-and-julius-cans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tree-house-brewing-releasing-woodstock-ipa-haze-and-julius-cans Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:03:11 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=13373 Tree House Brewing Releasing Woodstock IPA, Haze, and Julius Cans at their Woodstock Location

At their Woodstock location – Tree House Brewing Company is releasing Woodstock IPA, Haze, and Julius cans. Located at 54 Joy Road, Woodstock CTTree House Brewing’s Orchard Farm and Fermentory is releasing their newest Woodstock (an IPA), as well as Haze, and Julius cans.

Haze is a Double IPA that is 8.2% ABV. Woodstock IPA will be a 6.8% ABV IPA, and Julius is an American IPA that clocks in at 6.8% ABV as well. They will be released in typical 16 oz pounder cans as per normal for Tree House Brewing Company.

Some Articles We’ve Written About Tree House Brewing Company

Beer Reviews We’ve Done

Looking for some beer reviews of Tree House Brewing Company that we’ve covered? Then check these out:

Other Related Articles

More Information on Tree House Brewing Company

The following information comes from Untappd.

Tree House Brewing Company is considered one of the best breweries in the country (United States). They are a bucket list brewery and a “must visit” for many people. Untappd has them listed as a regional brewery from Charlton Massachusetts. They have 1094 unique beers with over 4.5 Million ratings. They have a global average rating of 4.33 (as of 12.18.23). Their Untappd description reads: “Tree House Brewing Company brews a vast array of ales. The offerings vary based on the season, our moods, and innovations discovered in the midst of day in and day out brewing. Our artisan brewery knows no bounds and we are driven by an intense curiosity of ingredients and how they blend together to create something special.”

For more information on Tree House Brewing Company, check out their social media pages:

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

 

 

 

 

]]>
13874
The Rise of Hazy IPAs: Exploring the Juicy Trend in Craft Beer https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/06/07/the-rise-of-hazy-ipas-exploring-the-juicy-trend-in-craft-beer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-hazy-ipas-exploring-the-juicy-trend-in-craft-beer Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:25:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=11838 In recent years, the craft beer world has witnessed an extraordinary surge in popularity with the emergence of hazy IPAs. These delectable brews, also known as New England IPAs or NEIPAs, have captured the taste buds and imaginations of beer enthusiasts around the globe. Join us on a journey as we dive into the origins, brewing techniques, and the profound impact of hazy IPAs on the ever-evolving craft beer scene.

Understanding Hazy IPAs

Hazy IPAs have captured the hearts and palates of beer enthusiasts worldwide with their hazy appearance and explosive flavors. Through careful hop selection, generous dry hopping, and the omission of filtration, brewers have mastered the art of crafting these juicy delights. The result is a beer style that offers a refreshing and mouthwatering experience, with tropical and citrus flavors taking center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or new to the world of IPAs, exploring hazy IPAs opens up a whole new realm of sensory pleasure and showcases the boundless creativity of brewers in the craft beer industry.

Hazy IPAs: Unveiling the Juicy Delight

Hazy IPAs have taken the craft beer scene by storm, captivating beer enthusiasts with their distinct appearance and explosive flavor profiles. These beers are characterized by their hazy, opaque appearance, often resembling a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice. But what sets them apart goes beyond their visual appeal – it’s the explosion of juicy flavors that truly makes hazy IPAs a delight for the senses.

Brewing Secrets: Crafting the Haze

The secret behind the haze lies in the brewing process. Brewers employ specific techniques to achieve the characteristic cloudiness and intense hop aroma of hazy IPAs. One key aspect is the careful selection of hops. Brewers opt for varieties that contribute tropical fruit, citrus, and stone fruit aromas, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy hops.

To maximize the hop flavors, brewers employ generous dry hopping. Dry hopping involves adding hops during or after fermentation, allowing the volatile oils and aromas to infuse the beer. In the case of hazy IPAs, brewers often employ multiple dry hop additions to enhance the hop character and create a more pronounced aroma.

Unlike traditional IPAs that undergo filtration to remove sediment and achieve clarity, hazy IPAs skip this step. By omitting filtration, the beer retains the naturally occurring proteins, hop particles, and yeast, resulting in the characteristic haze. This decision not only adds to the beer’s visual appeal but also contributes to its creamy and smooth mouthfeel.

The combination of the unique hop selection, generous dry hopping, and lack of filtration results in a beer bursting with intense hop aromas and flavors. Hazy IPAs often exhibit notes of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, as well as citrusy nuances of grapefruit and tangerine. The absence of filtration allows the hop oils and other flavor compounds to remain in suspension, giving hazy IPAs their juicy and fruit-forward character.

The popularity of hazy IPAs has led brewers to experiment with different hop combinations, exploring new and exciting flavors. Some brewers even incorporate fruit additions, such as pureed fruits or fruit juices, to enhance the beer’s fruity profile and create a more vibrant sensory experience.

The Origins of Hazy IPAs

Hazy IPAs have their roots in the New England region of the United States. Breweries like The Alchemist and Tree House Brewing Company in Vermont, and Trillium Brewing Company in Massachusetts, played pivotal roles in popularizing this style. These early pioneers focused on brewing hop-forward beers with a softer, smoother mouthfeel and a haziness that set them apart from their clear counterparts. As word spread and beer enthusiasts sought out these unique offerings, the popularity of hazy IPAs began to spread far beyond New England’s borders, influencing brewers worldwide.

From New England to a Worldwide Craze

Rapture (photo courtesy of The Alchemist’s Instagram page)

Hazy IPAs, although now enjoyed by beer enthusiasts globally, have their origins deeply rooted in the New England region of the United States. The style emerged as a response to the prevailing trend of clear, West Coast-style IPAs, which showcased bold bitterness and crisp clarity. However, a group of pioneering breweries in New England sought to challenge the conventional notions of what an IPA could be.

In the early 2010s, breweries like The Alchemist, Tree House Brewing Company, and Trillium Brewing Company, among others, began experimenting with brewing IPAs that possessed a distinctive haze and a unique flavor profile. These breweries focused on creating beers that emphasized the juicy, fruity hop flavors while minimizing the bitter bite traditionally associated with IPAs.

One of the most notable early players in the hazy IPA movement was The Alchemist, located in Waterbury, Vermont. Their flagship beer, “Heady Topper,” became a cult favorite and an emblematic example of the hazy IPA style. Heady Topper showcased a hazy golden appearance, a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, and an explosion of tropical and citrus hop flavors. Beer enthusiasts lined up for hours to get their hands on this elusive and highly sought-after brew.

Around the same time, Tree House Brewing Company, based in Monson, Massachusetts, gained recognition for their hazy IPAs, particularly their flagship beer, “Julius.” Tree House focused on brewing hop-forward beers with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel and an intense fruitiness that delighted drinkers. Their dedication to quality and consistency elevated hazy IPAs to new heights.

Trillium Brewing Company, located in Boston, Massachusetts, also played a crucial role in shaping the hazy IPA movement. Trillium’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and their relentless pursuit of flavor excellence helped establish them as a leader in the craft beer industry. Their lineup of hazy IPAs, such as “Congress Street” and “Fort Point,” showcased the brewery’s ability to create beautifully balanced and exceptionally aromatic beers.

As word spread about the unique and enticing qualities of hazy IPAs, beer enthusiasts from all corners of the country and beyond sought out these breweries and their highly coveted beers. People would travel long distances, trade beers, and eagerly await releases, creating a fervent and passionate following.

The popularity of these New England breweries and their hazy IPAs sparked a phenomenon that quickly spread across the United States and, eventually, the world. As more breweries and beer drinkers embraced the style, hazy IPAs became a recognized and highly sought-after category in the craft beer landscape. Brewers from all regions began experimenting with their own interpretations of hazy IPAs, resulting in a vast array of styles, flavors, and variations.

Today, the influence of New England’s hazy IPAs can be seen in breweries worldwide, with countless interpretations and iterations of the style available to beer enthusiasts. The impact of these early pioneers cannot be overstated, as they paved the way for a beer revolution that continues to captivate palates and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of craft beer.

The Popularity and Impact

Within Central Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene, one style has truly captured the hearts of both brewers and beer enthusiasts: hazy IPAs. These juicy and aromatic brews have become a sensation, drawing crowds and igniting a passionate following. The popularity of hazy IPAs in Central Pennsylvania reflects the broader craft beer movement, where these beers have earned a prominent place on tap lists and in beer fridges across the region.

The impact of hazy IPAs extends beyond their popularity among beer drinkers. These beers have spurred creativity and innovation among Central Pennsylvania’s breweries, inspiring brewers to experiment with hop varieties, adjuncts, and brewing techniques to create their own unique takes on the style. The rise of hazy IPAs has also contributed to the growth and expansion of the craft beer industry in Central Pennsylvania, attracting new breweries and fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among brewers. As a result, the region’s craft beer scene has flourished, offering an abundance of hazy IPAs that showcase the talent and passion of Central Pennsylvania’s brewers.

The Allure of Hazy IPAs: A Consumer’s Delight

Hazy IPAs have gained immense popularity among beer enthusiasts for several reasons. One factor is their approachability. The juicy and fruit-forward flavor profile, coupled with a softer and less bitter hop presence compared to traditional IPAs, makes hazy IPAs more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, their smooth and creamy mouthfeel adds to their allure, creating a highly enjoyable drinking experience.

Fueling Creativity: Brewer’s Perspective

Brewer’s Best – New England IPA Recipe and Kit

The rise of hazy IPAs has had a profound impact on the brewing industry. Brewers have embraced the style, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The hazy IPA trend has encouraged brewers to experiment with hop combinations, exploring new flavor profiles and showcasing the versatility of different hop varieties. As a result, the craft beer market has seen an influx of exciting hazy IPAs with unique hop profiles, tantalizing fruit additions, and captivating can designs. The popularity of hazy IPAs has also led to an increase in the number of breweries producing this style, further fueling its growth and diversifying the options available to consumers.

New England or Hazy IPAs have also become a favorite for home brewers to make. Its an easier style to produce, and the hops typically hide any deficiencies in the brewing process. If you attend any home brew festivals you will be sure to encounter many New England or Hazy IPAs, so be prepared. (Good thing you brought those pretzel necklaces along to cleanse out your pallet!)

Noteworthy Hazy IPAs to Try

Everyone should try some New England or Hazy IPAs in their life time, if nothing else, to at least get a well rounded feel (or taste) for them and to know if they like them or not. The following are some notables ones. Mostly curated for the Pennsylvania market (most of my readers are from Pennsylvania).

Indulge in Hazy Bliss: Must-Try Recommendations

Lustra by Dancing Gnome

“Dancing Gnome – Lustra”

  • Brewery: Dancing Gnome Brewery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Description: Lustra is a standout hazy IPA from Dancing Gnome Brewery. Bursting with juicy hop flavors, it showcases a velvety smooth mouthfeel and a hazy golden appearance. This beer boasts tropical fruit notes of mango, pineapple, and citrus, balanced with a subtle hop bitterness. Lustra exemplifies the creativity and quality of hazy IPAs coming out of Pennsylvania.

“Tired Hands – Alien Church”

  • Brewery: Tired Hands Brewing Company, Ardmore, Pennsylvania
  • Description: Alien Church is a cult favorite hazy IPA from Tired Hands Brewing Company. With its hazy, golden-orange hue and fluffy white head, this beer delivers an otherworldly hop experience. It features a juicy and resinous hop profile, with notes of grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruits. Alien Church showcases Tired Hands’ expertise in brewing exceptional hazy IPAs.

“Voodoo Ranger – Juicy Haze”

  • Brewery: New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado (but available in Pennsylvania)
  • Description: While not brewed in Pennsylvania, Voodoo Ranger’s Juicy Haze is widely available throughout the state and deserves a mention. This hazy IPA is bursting with citrus and tropical fruit flavors, including hints of pineapple, mango, and tangerine. It offers a balanced bitterness and a silky-smooth mouthfeel, making it a go-to choice for hazy IPA enthusiasts in Pennsylvania.

“Yards – Hazy Juicy IPA”

  • Brewery: Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Description: Yards Brewing Company’s Hazy Juicy IPA is a local gem that showcases the brewery’s commitment to producing high-quality hazy IPAs. With its hazy golden appearance and fluffy white head, this beer delivers a bouquet of tropical fruit aromas. The flavor profile is packed with juicy notes of citrus, mango, and stone fruits, complemented by a subtle hop bitterness. Yards’ Hazy Juicy IPA is a must-try for any craft beer lover exploring Pennsylvania’s vibrant beer scene.

More Notable New England or Hazy IPAs to Try

There are numerous highly rated New England IPAs that have gained acclaim among beer enthusiasts. Here are a few notable examples:

  1. “Tree House – Julius”
    • Tree House Brewing Company’s flagship beer, Julius, is often regarded as one of the top-rated New England IPAs. It showcases a hazy golden appearance, a soft and velvety mouthfeel, and an explosion of citrusy hop flavors. Julius consistently receives high ratings for its balance, juiciness, and overall drinking experience.
  2. “Trillium – Congress Street”
    • Trillium Brewing Company’s Congress Street is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and flavor profile. This hazy IPA delivers a juicy and tropical hop character, with notes of mango, pineapple, and citrus. Its pillowy mouthfeel and well-rounded bitterness contribute to its high ratings and widespread acclaim.
  3. “The Alchemist – Heady Topper”
    • Heady Topper, from The Alchemist, is often hailed as one of the pioneering hazy IPAs that helped establish the style. It boasts a hazy appearance, a creamy mouthfeel, and an explosive hop aroma. Heady Topper showcases a range of hop flavors, including tropical fruits, pine, and citrus, leading to its consistently high ratings and cult-like following.
  4. “Other Half – Green City”
    • Other Half Brewing Company’s Green City is renowned for its juicy hop character and exceptional craftsmanship. This New England IPA showcases a hazy, golden appearance and bursts with flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, and resinous hops. Green City consistently earns high ratings for its depth of flavor, smooth texture, and overall quality.
  5. “Bissell Brothers – Substance”
    • Substance from Bissell Brothers in Portland, Maine, has gained a strong following for its exceptional hazy IPA offering. This beer exhibits a cloudy appearance, a soft mouthfeel, and a superb balance of hop bitterness and fruity flavors. Substance’s high ratings reflect its ability to deliver a juicy and satisfying drinking experience.

These are just a few examples of highly rated New England IPAs, but there are countless other exceptional brews available from breweries throughout the region. It’s worth exploring the diverse range of hazy IPAs to discover new favorites and experience the creativity and craftsmanship that defines this popular beer style.

Conclusion

The rise of hazy IPAs has reshaped the craft beer landscape, captivating beer enthusiasts with their irresistible flavors and distinct appearance. From their humble origins in New England to their global influence, hazy IPAs have become a sought-after style that continues to evolve and captivate the palates of beer lovers worldwide. As the hazy revolution unfolds, we encourage you to explore the diverse range of hazy IPAs available and embark on a delightful journey through the exciting world of craft beer. Savor the juicy explosion and discover the next level of hop-forward bliss in every glass.

Hazy IPAs have transformed the craft beer landscape, captivating beer enthusiasts with their distinct appearance, explosive flavors, and widespread appeal. What started as a regional phenomenon in New England has blossomed into a global sensation, influencing brewers and delighting palates around the world.

The rise of hazy IPAs is a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation within the craft beer industry. Brewers have embraced this style, pushing the boundaries of hop-forward beers and exploring new flavor territories. The result is a vast array of hazy IPAs that showcase the artistry and expertise of brewers, as well as the incredible diversity of flavors that can be achieved within this style.

These beers have fostered a sense of community among beer lovers, sparking conversations, collaborations, and a shared appreciation for the craft. From the early pioneers in New England to breweries in Central Pennsylvania and beyond, hazy IPAs have brought people together, whether at taprooms, beer festivals, or through online communities.

As the craft beer landscape continues to evolve, hazy IPAs remain at the forefront, capturing the hearts and taste buds of beer enthusiasts everywhere. Their juicy, fruit-forward profiles, coupled with the enticing haze and velvety mouthfeel, create a sensory experience that is both exhilarating and satisfying.

So, whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or just starting your journey into the world of IPAs, exploring hazy IPAs opens up a world of flavors and experiences. Raise a glass to the hazy revolution, celebrate the brewers who continue to push the boundaries, and embark on your own flavorful adventure through the captivating world of hazy IPAs. Cheers to the hazy delight that has forever changed the way we enjoy beer.

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

This is just one of several in a series of over arching ‘craft beer’ related articles. Several alone in a ‘flagship’ series. In the next few weeks there will be some more that come out as well. I would like to have this general level of different ‘craft beer articles’ that everyone can kind of jump to and read and use for informative purposes, and give a better understanding for the other articles on the site.

Some of these articles are about definitions (like “What is Craft Beer?“) and others are about Craft Breweries in general like the Top 50 Producing Craft Breweries, etc.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

-B. Kline

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

]]>
11838
Hoppy Easter – Five Great Central PA IPAs (2023) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/04/09/hoppy-easter-five-great-central-pa-ipas-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hoppy-easter-five-great-central-pa-ipas-2023 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:06:52 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=11000
Hoppy Easter Everyone!

Hoppy Easter

Hoppy Easter everyone! I hope the best for everyone of all religions and dominations have a wonderful and Hoppy Easter today. I am just about to make breakfast using the hop shoots that are popping up and growing, but first wanted to get this fun little IPA article posted.

(Hoppy Easter – IPAs [2020])

Cascade Hops Popping Up (2023)

As you can see above, my cascade hops are already springing up pretty quickly. (You can find images on our Instagram here: The Beer Thrillers – Instagram.) I will be cutting these early shoots to make breakfast this morning, possibly doing a Hop Shoots Omelet, I’ve done this in years past.

Hop Shoots Omelet

(That’ll probably be an article for tomorrow then. I’m not a big foodie or great cooker, so fingers crossed it’ll go well.)

In the meantime, lets take a look at five great Central PA IPAs, of this season. Enjoy!

Five Great Hoppy Central PA IPAs

Green Machine – Boneshire Brew Works

Green Machine by Boneshire Brew Works

Beer: Green Machine
Brewery: Boneshire Brew Works
Style: IPA – American
ABV: 7.2%
IBU: 75
Untappd Description: Green Machine! Green Machine! Green Machine! This hop fueled juggernaut smashes your senses with its not-so-delicate bouquet of floral notes, tropical fruits, and pine. Drink up IPA lovers, drink up.

Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.80 (as of 4.9.23)
My Untappd Rating: 4.25

This is one of my favorite IPAs and why I lead off with this one. Its a year round flagship at Boneshire Brew Works, and it is absolutely delicious. If you get the chance to stop in at either of their locations, you have to try it.

Lollihop by Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

Lollihop by Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

Beer: Lollihop
Brewery: Troegs Independent Craft Brewing
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
ABV: 8.2%
IBU: N/A
Untappd Description:

We Taste: pear, citrus, hint of Melon.

When we make our annual pilgrimage to the hop-growing hotbed of Yakima Valley, we’re like kids in a candy store. We eyeball the hops on the lines, crush them in our hands and rub them til their oil fill the air. LolliHop brings together three of our favorites. Dry-hopping with Citra and Mosaic layers in notes of orange, grapefruit, and melon, while Azacca in the kettle adds hints of papaya and pineapple. Locally harvested rustic pale malt provides the backbone, and wheat and oats make this beer silky smooth with a touch of haze.

Global Average Untappd Rating: 4.03 (as of 4.9.23)
My Untappd Rating: 3.75

A fan favorite this time of year here in Central PA. Living five minutes from the brewery certainly has its perks. This is one of Drew (of Knights of Nostalgia)’s favorites from Troegs, and his favorites in general. Personally I can’t wait for Nimble Giant season which will be right around the corner.

Silent Disco by Funk Brewing

Silent Disco by Funk Brewing

Beer: Silent Disco
Brewery: Funk Brewing
Style: IPA – New England / Hazy
ABV: 6.1%
IBU: 62
Untappd Description: A bowlful of tropical juicy flavors.

Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.89 (as of 4.9.23)
My Untappd Rating: 4.25

This is a fun New England IPA. It might not be their most notable, but its certainly one of their stellar flagship IPAs. They have many other IPAs that are very good as well like Citrus IPA, Double Citrus IPA, Pipe Dream, and Prop, and even a Double Disco. We have previously reviewed their seasonal IPA – Royal Rumble. (As well as another beer from them – Griddle.)

Broken Heels by New Trail Brewing Company

(Broken Heels by New Trail Brewing Company)

Beer: Broken Heels
Brewery: New Trail Brewing Company
Style: IPA – New England / Hazy
ABV: 7%
IBU: N/A
Untappd Description:

A Hazy IPA hopped intrepidly with hand-selected Citra and Mosaic, leading to High Aromatics of luminous Citrus, rich Conifer, and refreshing Tropicals. This beer packs a full mouthfeel with low bitterness that is soft on the palette. Broken Heels is available all day everyday, and reminds us that no adventure is without its risks.
Pack The Essentials.

Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.94 (as of 4.9.23)
My Untappd Rating: 4.25

Albeit this is a little bit north of Central PA (Harrisburg wise), but its everywhere here. Sheetz, WaWa’s, Rutters, you name it, you can find it in their beer coolers. While I do love hammering some of the tall boys of these, I do typically prefer the Double Broken Heels, a good four pack of the Double Broken Heels will have you feeling all kinds of good.

We did review this previously here: Beer Review: Broken Heels. Here’s a brief quick excerpt:

This is like drinking hoppy juicy dank orange juice. It is so full of citrus fruit juicy hop taste and is just so easy to drink. You get a flourish of hop notes as soon as you start sipping, you get citrus, you get the tropical fruits, you get practically no bitterness, you just get a smooth drink. The pilsner malts and the flaked oats gives this a really smooth and tasty brew and just makes it like a wonderful NEIPA that drinks easy. After one sip of this you can quickly see why New Trails Brewing Co. is known for their outstanding IPAs.

Beer Review: Broken Heels (New Trail Brewing Co.)

We have reviewed a few other New Trail Beers in the past, and I know I can sometimes get a bit cynical of their IPAs tasting the same, but at the end of the day, their IPAs are absolutely wonderful even if they are all very similar. (You can find our review of Icicle here – Beer Review: Icicle.)

Annville iPA by Rotunda Brewing Company

Annville iPA by Rotunda Brewing Company

Beer: Annville iPA
Brewery: Rotunda Brewing Company
Style: IPA – New England / Hazy
ABV: 7.8%
IBU: 110
Untappd Description: (Blank)

Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.90 (as of 4.9.23)
My Untappd Rating: 4.00

This is the highest IBU on the list. But thats nothing to hold against this (or to prop it up either I suppose). No Central PA IPA list would be complete without this wonderful IPA on it (so, it might be five on my list, but its not the least, or the last, this list is in no order). This is a delicious, juicy IPA, very tasty, and you can find it at Rotunda Brewing Company’s main brewery in Annville, or their brewpub in Hershey, or at a lot of different bars in the Hershey, Harrisburg, Hummelstown, Palmyra, Annville, Lebanon area.

We’ve reviewed a couple from them, such as: Juicy Fruit sWheat Tart, Irish Car Bomb Nitro Stout, Chewbacca, and Mango Guyabano sWheat Tart. Please check them out.

Hoppiest of Easters

Just want to wish everyone one last time, the Hoppiest of Easters. If you are looking for more great IPA and beer review and related articles from us, please be sure to check these out:

Thank You For Reading

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. I’m off to make breakfast for Amy and Scarlet (well, she’s not gonna be eating, but all the same), and myself. Later we are getting my older three girls, and will have a wonderful Easter day. I hope the same for all of you.

We are currently starting to work on creating maps of all the breweries in each state, starting geographically with Maine. So be on the lookout for these great resources to soon be popping up on the blog. Hoping to get a state done every 2 – 4 days. (Some will be quicker and easier than others, but 50 states, plus Washington D.C., will certainly take some time!)

We just got the Maine map done, you can see that here: Map of Maine Breweries.

Currently right now we are in the Finals of our Battle of the Breweries (2023). You can check out the final four breweries left in the Finals Fatal Four Way here and vote:

In the upcoming two weeks I am going to do a more thorough look at the full tournament, breaking down the votes and how well each conference winner did. I will also do a full write up on each of the breweries in the Finals Fatal Four Way too, where I will list what articles we’ve done about them, and my visits to each of those places.

Thank you everyone for reading and please like, share, follow, subscribe, all that good stuff you see at the end of every YouTube video.

Cheers All!

-B. Kline

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

]]>
11000
Rubber Soul Brewing Supporting and Hosting World Down Syndrome Day https://thebeerthrillers.com/2022/03/21/rubber-soul-brewing-supporting-and-hosting-world-down-syndrome-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rubber-soul-brewing-supporting-and-hosting-world-down-syndrome-day Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:32:26 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=9002
World Down Syndrome Day at Rubber Soul Brewing Company in Hummelstown, PA

World Down Syndrome Day

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, and Rubber Soul Brewing Company in Hummelstown is supporting and celebrating the cause. World Down Syndrome Day was started by the World Down Syndrome Day Organization which you can find more information about here: World Down Syndrome Day Organization (Home Page).

From their page:

‘What is Down Syndrome?’

Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. Learn more at DSi.

World Down Syndrome Day – What is Down Syndrome?

‘What is World Down Syndrome Day?’

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

World Down Syndrome Day – What is World Down Syndrome Day?

Rubber Soul Brewing Company Supporting World Down Syndrome Day

Rubber Soul Brewing Company Hosts World Down Syndrome Day on 3.21.22 at their Hummelstown PA Brewery

Rubber Soul Brewing Company is hosting World Down Syndrome Day at their brewery in Hummelstown Pennsylvania, all day Monday 3.21.22. From 11AM to 9PM. They have a whole host of things going on for the day, which you can see here (from their Event page):

Join us on Monday, March 21st to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day for the first annual 3.21 FOR LIFE event! 3.21 FOR LIFE is a non-profit organization that was created by a group of individuals in the Hershey/Hummelstown area who have personal connections to individuals with Down syndrome. To help raise awareness and funds, we have brewed DOWN the Hatch IPA and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to 3.21 For Life! You will be able to purchase this beer on March 21st on draft and in 4 packs to-go! Throughout the day we will have games, raffles, and live bands performing. The PA Dairyman’s Milkshake Truck will also be stopping by from 12-4PM! Mark your calendar and we hope to see you there to celebrate all those with down syndrome CAN do!
Live Band Schedule:
11-11:50AM: The Riders
12-12:50PM: Thomas Emond (Tommy B)
1-1:50PM: Joe Cooney & Friends
2-2:50PM: Amber Nadine
3-3:50PM: Mr. Music
4-4:50PM: Dave Gates
5-5:50PM: Jake Mach
6-7:00PM: Hold Fast

For more information, please visit www.321forlife.com

Rubber Soul Brewing Hosts World Down Syndrome Day

You can view their event page here: Rubber Soul Brewing Hosts World Down Syndrome Day (Event Page).

On 3.14.22 Rubber Soul posted on their Facebook page:

Down the Hatch by Rubber Soul Brewing Company

1 WEEK UNTIL WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY AND OUR INAUGURAL 3.21 FOR LIFE EVENT! can you tell we are really excited?! because we are REALLY excited. the second batch of pre-order for our DOWN the Hatch IPA is being picked up tonight and it’s our final team meeting to iron out day-of details like our raffle items, games, live bands and more! plan to join us next Monday from 11AM-9PM to help us celebrate all of the amazing individuals with Down syndrome and their DOWN right awesome abilities!

Rubber Soul Brewing Company – Facebook

Down the Hatch

Down the Hatch is a New England style hazy IPA that will be released today on 3.21.22 and is named in honor of the World Down Syndrome Day and in support of Down Syndrome. The beer is fully called – 3.21 Down the Hatch.

You will be able to get it in 4 packs and on draft all day on 3.21, and if any makes it past the day (I am not expecting it to last too long after 3.21). This looks like another high quality New England style IPA from Rubber Soul, which has made some fantastic IPAs in the past with Nimbus, Dropout, their Frosted series, and others.

Rubber Soul Brewing Company

Rubber Soul Brewing Company is located in Hummelstown Pennsylvania along South Hanover Street in what was formerly the police station in town. They have been there just over a year, having originally started in Salsbury Maryland.

For more information on the brewery, you can check out our articles on them:

They were a finalist (made it to the final triple threat face off) in our last year’s Battle of the Breweries. This year, they are currently in Round 3 going up against Crooked Run Fermentation. You can vote for them here:

You can find out more information on Rubber Soul here:

Thanks For Reading

Thanks for reading everyone! Hopefully I’ll get to see some of you there tonight. I will be going after work to meet my mom there for dinner and beer. So I probably won’t be getting there til 7PM’ish. My mom helps teach students with disabilities and learning support issues for Lower Dauphin (the school district of Hummelstown and other nearby townships) and is looking forward to getting to support the organization.

Hopefully you all will be able to come out and support and donate as well! See you there!

Cheers!

-B. Kline

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

]]>
9002
Beer Review: Let the Haze Flow Through You (Black Flag Brewing Co.) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2022/01/26/beer-review-let-the-haze-flow-through-you-black-flag-brewing-co/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-let-the-haze-flow-through-you-black-flag-brewing-co Wed, 26 Jan 2022 12:53:50 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=8613
Let the Haze Flow Through You by Black Flag Brewing Co. (with collaboration from Pherm Brewing)

So We Find Ourselves Here Again

So, we find ourselves yet again here at another Wednesday (well, technically its 11:45PM on Tuesday night and I am writing this up to start it up to finish early in the morning on Wednesday before I go to work) – and so – that means its time for another Star Wars beer review.

I debated which one to pick for this week’s episode. I was going to originally do Tall Tales Brewery’s ‘Wookies and Cream’ that we just recently had our on trip through Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. (Which you can read in the following: Big 3 Day Weekend, Big 3 Day Weekend: Friday Recap, Big 3 Day Weekend: Saturday Recap, Big 3 Day Weekend: Sunday Recap). But I decided on this… primarily though so I could get my Legos out again for a fun little photoshoot.

I do wish I had the Duel Aboard the Death Star II set, but sadly I don’t. It is one I’m looking to get soon. So this smaller Cantina set that they released, and the Desert Skiff with Sarlacc set will have to do for the photoshoot unfortunately.

Star Wars Wednesday

Since December 29th (2021), when the first episode of ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ premiered, I have been doing a Star Wars themed beer every Wednesday to review. Starting with BoBull Fett by Bolero Snort, which included us driving all the way out to New Jersey to pick it up that day.

You can read the past Star Wars Wednesday Beer Reviews here:

“Thank The Maker” (please hear that in Anthony Daniels’ C-3PO voice) that plenty of brewers seem to be nerds and Star Wars geeks too, so there is no shortage of Star Wars themed beers. You can check out the end of this article to see the full multitude of nerdy beers we’ve reviewed, as well as some book reviews, and other articles also.

And as per tradition with some past articles, I will present here a few YouTube video tie-ins with the show for everyone’s interest (and if there is anyone out there that cares about the show and wants to know a bit more about them). These videos are not mine, but I think some might find them worth the small time spent to watch them.

Star Wars Explained: Episode 4 Easter Eggs
The Danish National Symphony plays The Mandalorian Theme Song
Star Wars Explained: Who Else Might Appear in The Book of Boba Fett?

The Book of Boba Fett

I’m not going to go too heavy into thoughts and opinions and comments I want to make on ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ this week. (Or for this beer review anyway.) I started this article rather late on Tuesday. Had a friend over, had dinner, spent some time, and had some beer (Double Nugget Nectar and F*ck 2021 as Well), then after my friend left, I cracked a can of this for the review. Typically I write these articles up for the most part on Tuesday nights, wake up early (like 4-5AM) to watch the episode (it always drops at 3AM EST on Disney+), and then finish up afterwards.

And yes, I just finished watching the episode. But… I don’t really want to go into it, because I do kinda want to watch it again before making some comments on here, instead of just my gut reaction thoughts on it.

So lets move on and get to the beer review:

Beer Review

Beer: Let the Haze Flow Through You
Brewery: Black Flag Brewing Co.
Collaborator: Pherm Brewing
Style: IPA – New England / Hazy
ABV: 7.1%
IBU: 35
Untappd Description: This Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Idaho 7 hopped hazy IPA is a collab with our good friends Pherm Brewing! Soft grassy melon is complimented by the oat heavy body and Idaho 7 dankness. Expect a cloud of haze to carry you home on this one!

Lets start with some background information on Black Flag Brewing Co. They are firstly a top tier brewery in Columbia MD that is a blast to visit and have been quickly moved up to the top of my list. They also lean in heavy on the nerd brand and do a lot of nerdy themed beers and beer names. According to Untappd they are a micro brewery and have 443 unique beers with over 160,000 ratings (as of 1.26.22) and have a global average rating of 3.87.

Their collaborators on this beer is Pherm Brewing. According to Untappd they are a microbrewery from Gambrils MD. They have 93 unique beers and just over 15,000 ratings and a global average rating of 3.95 (as of 1.26.22). Their Untappd description reads: Pherm Brewing Company was founded by friends based on their love of art, live music, and quality beer. We are beyond excited to have you all out for a beer and to enjoy our unique event space. Our Intent Is For Your Delight!

First had this on a trip to Columbia MD a while back and stopping in at the Black Flag brewery as part of a flight. Picked up a four pack of it to go. Glad to be able to try it out of the can as well.

Right from cracking open the can, this is a citrusy, juicy smelling beer. This is a wonderful smelling New England IPA. Soft aromas, no hop bitterness on the nose, you get gentle soft notes of citrus, melon, rind, and a bit of tangerine.

Appearance is a pretty slightly less than bright orange New England IPA look. Hazy, turbulent, but not sediment heavy. While definitely not see through, it’s nothing like a frothing storm, just cloudy and a bit hazy (with… a side of force lightening?). Also just look at that great head in those photos. Big soft pillowy cloudy head.

Oooh boy…. the haze does flow through you on this bad boy. With just a hint of crackling evil and talk of unlimited power, this New England IPA is completely on point and delicious too. It is juicy, it is fruity, it is soft, and it is delicious. This is enough to turn anyone to the Dark Side and get them force choking people and force lightening your number two’s son. (Especially if it came with a kick ass dark cloak and robe.) Immediate notes of citrus hit you as you take your first sips of this, followed by notes of melon, rind, and a wee bit of tangerine. Some soft notes of slight earthy hops, a small bit of grass and pine, give it a soft balance around all the fruit tastes. Big time fan of Black Flag’s IPAs, and this is proof why. Just tremendous flavor and a very robust and full IPA. Knocking the New England style right out of the Death Star on this one. This is worth having clones of your body left over on Exegol for a stupid future storyline involving your clone kid’s daughter that was hidden from you and trained by Luke… oh…. I went off on a tangent there…. my apologies…. Moving along….. This is very soft, tasty, nothing bitter, nothing cloying, a really good mouthfeel, and a wonderful smelling beer. The carbonation, the head on the beer, the lacing on the glass, and the look of the beer are all great. Big taste and big flavor, nothing off putting, nothing off the flavor profile, and no horrific aftertaste. Just a great brew all around.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.98 (as of 1.26.22)

So Your a Nerd Huh?

So…. your a nerd huh and love to read about nerd and pop culture themed beer reviews do you? Well, we got the beer reviews for you then. Check them out here:

Star Wars:

Rick and Morty:

Space Balls:

Game of Thrones:

The Simpsons:

Back to the Future:

Scrooged:

A Christmas Story:

Pro Wrestling:

Matrix:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Seinfeld:

Other:

Book of Fett Man

So whats everyone’s thoughts on the show so far? Five episodes down, and only two to go. Are you enjoying it? Living up to expectations? Big fan or disappointed? Let me know in the comments or on our social media platforms!

Mara’s Birthday

I’d like to close with a quick shoutout to my youngest daughter turning 9 years old today. Mara Ariel was born in a blizzard but with a warm heart that has been a love-bug and a social butterfly ever since. Named after Mara Jade from the old Star Wars EU canon (first Hand of the Emperor, and later Luke’s wife). You can actually see her in the background of the photo on my beer review for Sunburst by Boneshire.

Thanks For Reading

Thanks for reading everyone. Hope you all enjoyed reading this review and I hope the cold months find you all staying warm. Until next time,

Cheers!

-B. Kline

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you!

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

]]>
8613
Beer Review: Heady Topper (The Alchemist) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2021/10/10/beer-review-heady-topper-the-alchemist/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-heady-topper-the-alchemist Mon, 11 Oct 2021 01:15:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=9516
Heady Topper (by The Alchemist Brewing Company)

Heady Topper

Heady Topper | ABV 8%

BJCP Style: Double IPA

CraftBeer.com Style: Imperial IPA

CraftBeer.com Sensory Style: Hoppy & Bitter

Hops: Proprietary blend of six hops

Malts: Proprietary

Brewery: The Alchemist

City: Stowe, VT

Beer Review

Appearance: Clear, light amber (unfiltered) with fluffy white head, good retention

Aroma: Pine, citrus & tropical fruit and woody/musty.

Flavor & Aftertaste: Alcohol noticeable. Citrus & resinous pine prominent with spicy notes mixed in. Aggressive bitterness on a low to moderate sweet malt backbone.

Palate: Highly astringent with a lengthy dry finish. Bitterness builds and lingers well into the finish.

Do you have a Bucket List of beers you’d like to try? I technically don’t have a formal list, but there are some beers out there I’d love to try at some point. High on that list is The Alchemist’s Heady Topper. It’s definitely a hype beer, one of those coveted beers that people stand in line at the brewery to get. Considering The Alchemist is out of Vermont (I rarely travel to that area of the country) and its not distributed down in Georgia, the odds of me getting to try it were pretty slim. As my good fortune would have it, I am active on Beer Advocate and BA buddy saw a post about me hoping to try it some day and contact me about sending me a can. I was blown away and offered a trade, but he insisted that I didn’t have to send him anything, he’s just happy to send me some. Sure enough, a few days later a package arrived with it and a can of Bearded Iris Attention Please DIPA. Wow, amazingly generous. Needless to say, I still plan to return the favor with some interesting local product. Let’s take a look at Heady Topper.

John Kimmich keeps his Heady Topper recipe close to the vest, but a little digging reveals it utilizes over six different hops. With that many hop varieties involved, it’s tough for one to really stand out. That being said, you will experience layers of hops aroma and flavors. Some are quite subtle, others very prominent. I believe this is what makes it such a popular beer. There are a number of beers out in the market place today that utilize multiple hops varieties, but this was among the first. Upon opening the can, the pine aroma will be the first thing you notice, followed by tropical fruit, citrus fruit, and a woody/must note (some refer to it as dank). Dankness is not one of my personal favorite beer aromas, but a lot of people like that. Something you’ll appreciate about this DIPA is that it is not too heavy. In today’s market place, the overuse of adjuncts to boost the mouth-feel of many IPA’s causes the beer make you feel full sooner.

What’s my final take? I’m not a big drinker of DIPA. I prefer something more sessionable, less bitter and less overwhelming. That being said, if I were a big fan of DIPA, this would definitely be one of my favorites. While the malt bill is simple, the layered hops characteristics make this a delight to the senses. It’s easy to see why this is a craft beer drinker favorite.

Let Us Drink Beer

Thanks for reading, until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!

Remember, always drink responsibly!

Other Let Us Drink Beer Reviews:

]]>
9516
Beer Review: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907) (Adroit Theory) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2021/02/04/beer-review-the-death-of-civilization-in-slow-motion-i-ghost-907-adroit-theory/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-the-death-of-civilization-in-slow-motion-i-ghost-907-adroit-theory Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:42:38 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=7258
The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion by Adroit Theory

Another streaming session with my good friend Drew of Knights of Nostalgia means me drinking some fine craft beers and of course, that also then means, future beer reviews of said fine craft beers. And I couldn’t think of a finer craft beer I had that night than Adroit Theory’s ‘The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I’ (Ghost 907).

My buddy and co-writer here at The Beer Thrillers – Josh Doncevic – absolutely loves and raves about Adroit Theory and is constantly pushing their beers. And I can see why! I’ve had a few in the past, but sadly not many, and hopefully now in the future I will be getting to try plenty more!

(See Josh’s Adroit Theory reviews here):

Lets Have a Discussion on Can Art….

First, lets have a discussion on can art. I think Adroit Theory is absolutely nailing it. (Here is an article I found from January 31st, 2015 about the can labels for Adroit Theory: Shawn Johnson Signs Can Labels for a Contest). If you are a fan of Warhammer 40K, or steampunk or futuristic dystopic landscape looking art, Mad Max, Fury Road, stuff like that, you’ll love these can labels. Here is a link to The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I on Adroit Theory’s page, it gives some of the same information thats on the can label here; such as pairings, ingredients, percentages, etc. (It is for a different version of this beer, but the artwork and information mostly holds up.)

For those unaware, Warhammer 40K is a massive tabletop miniatures game that has been around since at least the 90s (back in the day when I used to play it at Omnidon’s in Hummelstown, and then when they moved to be Twilight Games in Paxtonia). My faction of choice was the Chaos Space Marines and the Chaos army in general with the Chaotic God of Korde. Warhammer 40K has gone on to be a massive book library with hundreds of books, as well as some video games, and I believe there is a movie or a Netflix TV show in the works.

Here is a sampling of artwork from Warhammer 40K courtesy of “Inside the Artwork of Warhammer 40K”:

For comparison sake, here is a small sampling of Adroit Theory artwork:

You can definitely see some interesting comparisons between the two. And I absolutely love it. Its gorgeous artwork and deserves all the praise it can get. I also love how Adroit Theory does dabble a bit into the pop cultural realm (they’ve sported GI Joe and Cobra beers this past summer over quarantine / COVID-19 as well as the above Cthulhu reference. Interesting note to point out, in the past I did a beer review about Azathoth – see above reference to Cthulhu for why I am mentioning this. You can find that review here: Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewery)

But keeping this to a discussion on the can art, I have to continue my gushing and say about how much I love it. I can admit to being guilty and buying quite a few beers based on can labels and beer art – usually due to some pop cultural or nerd culture reference (and oh boy, is there a long list of them that I’ve reviewed here on The Beer Thrillers; I’ll post the full list of links at the bottom of this post), but I am also just as guilty of buying beers based on beautiful artwork as well. And this can be a hit or miss practice. I’ve been burnt many a time, as well as been uplifted and surprised by how good a beer is. Thankfully this provides a wonderful segue here, speaking of beautiful can art…. ….and beautiful can liquid…..

Beer Review: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907)

The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion by Adroit Theory

Beer: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907)
Brewery: Adroit Theory
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double New England
ABV: 8%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: A pillowy texture, slight bitterness, and an aroma of tropical fruit with Pineapple and Mango forward notes and Berry and Pine on the finish.

Appearance for this is a beautiful orange, golden glow, and very hazy. Holds up perfectly to the style. Nothing transparent or translucent here, this is pure golden, hazy, dank New England (D)IPA goodness. Wonderful head to it as well, nice carbonation, head retention, and lacing on the glass, with nice dispersed and varied bubbles.

Hmmmm hmmmm hmmm the aroma on this smells just perfectly wonderful. Like a beautiful fruity hoppy aromatic dream. You get a great hop nose-kicking aroma right as soon as you crack open the can, and it mixes in with mango, pineapple, and a wee bit of pine notes from the hops, edging and giving the tropical fruits something to combine with.

Good great Wilbur’s ghost this is a wonderfully smooth beer! It is delicious, tasty, smooth, all the main characteristics of a great New England (D)IPA. There is a wee bit of hop burn at the end, some nice hop bitterness with those pine notes, that makes this not a completely full juicy bomb, and thats just perfect. It compliments the overall hop experience so perfectly well. You get mango, pineapple, berry notes, and the pine notes from the hops, providing a very nice, smooth, fruity, flowery, fluffy like New England (D)IPA. This is (or should be) a standard for the New England IPA and DIPA and TIPA style, like textbook, “Oh you want to learn how to make a New England DIPA? Or you want to know what a really good New England DIPA tastes like? Well here you go!” Textbook definition excellence. The mouthfeel is on point, not too heavy, not watery, not thin, no cloying notes to stick to your tongue or mouth, just a well drinkable beer. The 8% ABV is very nice too; thats a good middle ground. Its not substantially high and its not terribly low either. (For comparison’s sake – Troegs Brewing’s Perpetual IPA – their flagship IPA – is a 7.5%, and Nugget Nectar – their flagship Amber Ale / Red Ale is a 7.5% as well.) So this is really only .5% higher than those two beers, and with how smooth this is, its probably a good thing it’s not much higher. Sometimes too smooth and high ABV just don’t go well together…. especially the next morning. This is a beautiful beer too, well crafted and well made, and an exceptionally terrific smelling beer. The hops work really well in this, and the flavor profile is perfect and on point. The mango, pineapple, pine, and berry are all superb and work so well in conjunction with each other that this is just so extremely tasty. Perfect for a video game session with a buddy.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 4.14 (as of 2.4.21)

Adroit Theory

Ah, don’t worry, I didn’t forget to include it. Previously, in my last beer review I did – Dunkel Shaun (by Great Barn Brewery) I mentioned that going forward, in each beer review, I will devote a section to the brewery behind the beer. In the above mentioned, previous, beer review, I did it before getting to the review, but due to my beautiful segue in this review, I figured I’d post it at the end. So here you have it.

The following stats all come from Untappd. Adroit Theory is located in Purcellville, Virginia. They are labeled a micro brewery and they have a total of 139 unique beers and just a few shy of 354K ratings. They have a global average rating of 4.04 (as of 2.4.21). Their Untappd description reads: “PUSHING BEER BOUNDARIES IN LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA Located in Purcellville, Virginia, Adroit Theory makes esoteric + style challenging beers with an emphasis on Hazy IPAs, Fruited Sours, Pastry Stouts, and Barrel Aging Projects. CONSUME LIFE x DRINK ART We typically have 16 beers on draft plus 10-20 options in bottles or cans. Be sure to check our constantly changing Tap List and our full Menu. Message of the Day: ​METAL + EVIL = DESTRUCTION.”

You can find their social media and website links below:

Thanks For Coming

Thanks for checking us out here at The Beer Thrillers. We really appreciate everyone reading our beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, hiking adventures, book reviews, and all kinds of other news and notes we post here on the site and blog. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to leave us a comment here. You can also contact us through our FEEDBACK – CONTACT US page. And as always, be sure to like, follow, subscribe; here and on our social media pages.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think

I’m off to Breski’s Beverage to take advantage of their mix – a – six double discount for the remainder of the week (leading up to the Super Bowl Sunday), as well as picking up the New Trail collaboration expedition pack. I’m sure you’ll see quite a few of these beers up here on the blog soon reviewed.

As always everyone, stay safe out there. (Here in Central PA it looks like their calling for another snowstorm Sunday or Monday or Tuesday, possibly giving us another foot of snow. So be careful!)

Cheers!

-B. Kline

Pop Culture Beer Reviews

As promised, here is all of our “pop culture” / “nerd culture” / etc. beer reviews:

Star Wars:

Space Balls:

Game of Thrones:

The Simpsons:

Back to the Future:

Scrooged:

A Christmas Story:

Pro Wrestling:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

Other:

]]>
7258
Beer Review: F*CK 2020 (Abomination Brewing Company) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2021/01/01/beer-review-fck-2020-abomination-brewing-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-fck-2020-abomination-brewing-company Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:24:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=6985
F*CK 2020

Seriously. F*CK 2020. I don’t think I’ll hear too many disagreements with this statement. F*CK it. 2020 has been everything everyone keeps saying it is: a train wreck, a dumpster fire, a dumpster fire full of dog excrement traveling on a train headed right for a train carrying a dumpster fire of ostrich excrement, it sucked, it blew, etc, etc, etc…..

This has been a crazy time for all of us. Terms like “unprecedented times” became the norm for news stations, hundreds of thousands of people dying to a pandemic level virus, ….a pandemic level virus!…., shut downs and lock downs and quarantines, civil unrest, altered sports leagues, massive economic changes, unemployment and furloughs from the shut downs and just loss of jobs due to the pandemic, all in all,…. yea…. F*CK 2020 and F*CK COVID-19.

This has been a hard time here for me, and for The Beer Thrillers in general as well, as I’m sure its been for a lot of you. Dealt with two lock down / shut downs by the government that closed my work and forced me into unemployment twice. (The latest of which, due to how horrible our unemployment system, I still haven’t received a penny for the three weeks I was unemployed – thankfully I’m back to work now.) A divorce amidst the pandemic and quarantine and lockdown.

But, it hasn’t been all bad (no year is all bad); I did get to do a lot more hiking. I did get to do a little bit more traveling due to now being single and having a lot more extra time, I got to hike lots of new places that I never did before, got to visit 57 (new to me) new breweries. And I got to do a lot more work on the blog and site here. Which has been a great bit of fun. My friend started his streaming and got do do that a lot with him, and we got to do some more podcasts with his podcast group.

(I will have a whole “End of 2020” and recap of the year, as well as a “Looking Forward to 2021” post coming soon, the site migration and things have kind of made things wonky with getting it all moved over and posts published up, due to us hitting our bandwidth wall on the old site and having to migrate, so some things got all garbled up.)

I went to Breski’s Beverage and had to pick up a four pack of this – and knew – I needed to make it the last beer of 2020 and the first beer of 2021. Thankfully it’s a fantastic beer and its not just a “cool name / bad beer” like some of the other cool name, cool can art, cool pop culture reference beers, I’ve had in the past. I also picked up the RBG beer as well as Breski’s.

So my 31st was pretty simple; being by myself, with no places open, and my first New Years Eve / New Years Day off in quite a while – due to the shut down of Pennsylvania. Early in the day I went to Breski’s and picked up the four packs. Despite the rain, I took my dog (Leela) to the Greenbelt walk off of Derry Street, stopped at Boneshire Brew Works for my last pint of 2020 at their location, and then stopped at Rubber Soul Brewery for take-out (pierogies…. *drools like Homer at thought of food*….) and then pretty much just went home, read, wrote, and stayed in my bed. My friend did an overnight stream on his site – Knights of Nostalgia – and I had that up on one screen and tuned in just for the last 2 minutes to a ball dropping ceremony on another screen. All in all – a lame New Years Eve. Which about sums up how 2020 was.

So I also started this post and beer review on December 31st, but with the bandwidth limits, and the problems of the migration, I didn’t get to finish it until January 1st. So this is a “two year project”. Hahahahaha…. oh I crack myself up. It was written and finished on January 1st, but with the bandwidth and everything, and having to re-upload media, I’m not sure when it’ll finally get published, hopefully soon into the new year.

I’m not too great and technically savvy, so this move of nearly 300 blog posts, and several pages, as well as a homepage, users, links, followers, and everything else, was a lot harder than I imagined it would be. I started everything on December 31st, and wanted it all set to go on January 1st, but noooooope….. that didn’t happen. Was really hoping everything would go smoothly into 2021…. but 2020…. said NOPE to that, and I’m thinking 2021 might have a rockier start than we all wanted it to have.

But anyway…. we have beer!

So let’s do it and drink!

Beer Review

F*CK 2020 by Abomination Brewing Company

Beer: F*CK 2020
Brewery: Abomination Brewing Company
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double New England
ABV: 9.1%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: “Fuck 2020” is a slightly amped up 9.1% version of our Fog series, double dry hopped with a blend of two of our most popular variants … Galaxy & Citra.

Abomination Brewing Company has had some amazing beers, and they have done a ton of collaborations with a lot of local Pennsylvania breweries. Rotunda Brewing Company, Tattered Flag, and stuff with multi-collaborations with Pilger Ruh Brewing, Snitz Creek Brewing, Wolf Brewing Co, etc. Untappd lists them as a micro brewery from North Haven, Connecticut. They have 159 unique beers on Untappd with a global average rating of 4.04 out of 140K+ ratings. Their Untappd description simply reads: “Crafting liquid chaos. #beermonster”

Starting off with appearance; this has a beautiful golden orange hue. A gorgeous looking New England IPA appearance, its got a nice dank hazy orange look, its not full of turbid and sediment, but its still dank and hazy looking, and its opaque and not see through. It had a thin white foamy head and great carbonation from the can.

Aroma is a lovely hoppy New England IPA nose. The nose comes through with the galaxy and citra very heavily, you get lots of tropical fruit, citrus, some peach, mango, and wee bits of passionfruit, guava, and grapefruit. It smells juicy, it smells delicious.

Whooo…. this is the way to go out of 2020! With a banger of a good beer and a way to say F*CK YOU 2020 with both middle fingers up like Stone Cold Steve Austin. This was just a delicious all around good beer. A perfect end note to 2020 and a wonderful start note to 2021 (drank one early in the day of 2020, had one right before midnight, and cracked open another one two minutes into the New Years). Galaxy and Citra hops are wonderful hops and work very well together. You get a very heavy dose of citrus, peach, mango, the tropical fruits, and there is so much more hidden and buried underneath that adds to those heavy hitter flavors – like the passionfruit, guava, and grapefruit. There’s a right balance to all of this. The mouth feel feels right on, not oily, slick, not watery or thin, no cloying; just a nice drinking NE IPA. This is is a consistent beer and reason for why the New England IPA style has caught on so much with craft beer drinkers. There’s a bit of hop bite, but its covered in all of the fruity wonderful flavors, there’s no bitter aftertaste, no bad off flavors, and its a really drinkable beer. Even the 9.1% ABV is hidden by how wonderful the flavors are. You don’t taste that ABV, and you don’t even notice it until you’re done. This isn’t a crushable beer where you could drink the whole four pack in one sitting, but you could have two, and be happy and content afterwards, especially with a really good meal to go along with it. This is a great ‘nap inducer’ as I like to call some of the mid-range double IPA area beers (8-9.5/10%), especially with a meal, it just fills the belly and makes you sleepy. This was the perfect way to end out 2020.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Average Untappd Rating: 4.34 (as of 1.1.21).

So this might be the first post of 2021, or it might not be; and it might be the first post on the new The Beer Thrillers page, or it might not be. Who knows with migration, work starting back up, moving domain hosts, moving links, uploading pictures (since the bandwidth put a halt to that), etc. There’s a lot of other posts that are in various states of being done, that also will be published soon too, once again, with the migration and start of the new year, who knows. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Been a little hectic here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful end to 2020. Hopefully despite everything, you still had a great 2020, and lets hope 2021 starts off so much better. Things are looking up. The vaccines are rolling out. Hopefully by the end of 2021 we are back to a level of normalcy. One can only hope. I want to get to some brewfests in 2021!

Cheers everyone!

-B. Kline

See some of our latest beer reviews here:

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

]]>
6985