Hazy IPAs are kind of the craft beer world’s comfort food at this point. You know what you’re going to get—juicy hops, that signature hazy pour, and a soft body that’s made for summer evenings. For International Hazy IPA Day, I figured it’d be fitting to crack into something fresh from Pennsylvania. Neshaminy Creek’s UltraCush fits the bill perfectly.

The can itself pops—bright, eye-catching artwork that screams “drink me cold, drink me now.” And let’s be honest, when you’re reaching into the cooler at a cookout or tailgate, that’s half the battle right there.

For another recent Hazy IPA beer review, see our review of Tired Hands’ DDH Alien Church.

UltraCush Hazy IPA by Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.

Brewery: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company – Croydon, PA
Beer: UltraCush
Style: Hazy IPA (New England Style IPA)
ABV: 6.0%
IBU: 21

Appearance

Pouring it out into the glass, UltraCush is a glowing golden-orange haze bomb. It’s opaque, but not murky—there’s a difference between a well-crafted hazy and a muddy pour, and this is definitely the former. A nice pillowy head forms on top, sticking around just long enough to leave some clingy lacing on the glass.

Aroma

The nose is a citrus fruit salad. Loads of pineapple, orange zest, and a pop of mango hit right away. Mosaic and Citra are doing the heavy lifting here, and Sultana sneaks in with that distinct pineapple punch. There’s a slight floral undertone, but the fruit is front and center.

Taste

This is where UltraCush earns its name. Smooth, mellow, cushy even.

The first sip bursts with juicy pineapple and orange, followed by softer tropical fruit notes—mango, a touch of passionfruit. It’s not a tongue-scraper bitter IPA, which I know turns some folks off the style. Instead, the bitterness is dialed way down, leaving a soft sweetness and silky mouthfeel. The oats in the grain bill give it that pillowy texture that makes hazies so drinkable.

At 6%, it’s a sweet spot beer—light enough to have a couple, strong enough to keep you interested.

Mouthfeel

Soft, smooth, and medium-bodied. It’s got that “ultra cush” name for a reason. Not heavy, not cloying, and absolutely crushable. If you’re the kind of drinker who likes your hazies with a bit more heft, this might come across as light, but that’s also what makes it approachable.

Final Thoughts

UltraCush doesn’t try to reinvent the hazy IPA wheel—and that’s exactly why it works. It’s the kind of beer you can hand to a diehard craft drinker or someone just dipping their toes into the hazy waters and both will be happy. Neshaminy Creek has been around long enough to know their audience, and UltraCush feels like a crowd-pleaser designed for summer cookouts, backyard hangs, and, yes, celebrating International Hazy IPA Day.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.75 (as of 8.21.25)

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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 are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. 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 also now have a SLACK channel – which acts as a hybrid chat room, message board, Reddit style; workspace and posting area for us. You can hang out with us there and chat about all kinds of things – not just beer, but “off topic” things like movies, TV, books, podcasts, hiking, sports, and more! Join us at: The Beer Thrillers on SLACK.

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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) 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.)

Background & Brewing

DDH Alien Church (Citra & Galaxy) is a New England-style (hazy) IPA brewed by Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. It’s built on their “Reptoid Alien with Photosynthesizing Tongue Oat IPA” foundation, featuring fluffy malted oats and heavy hopping with Cascade and Columbus at the base. The dry hopping process is dialed up significantly—first with a hefty dose of Citra, Mosaic, and Chinook, then “blasted over the skull” with even more Citra plus tropical, punchy, hyper-fresh Galaxy hops as a secondary dry hop.

DDH Alien Church (Citra & Galaxy) by Tired Hands

Visual & Aromatic Profile

The pour reveals a hazy, bright orange/tangerine body with a fluffy, pillowy head that leaves clinging lacing on the glass.

Aroma notes include:

• Light biscuity malt

• Citrus zest

• Lush tropical fruit (grapefruit, passion fruit, mango, pineapple)

• Slight dank/grassy undertones

Flavor, Mouthfeel & Finish

On tasting, you’ll encounter a vibrant interplay of flavors:

• Citrusy layers: grapefruit, lime peel, passion fruit, mango, pineapple, peach

• A balanced biscuity malt base

• Dank, grassy, slightly herbal and resinous hop character—thanks to Citra and Galaxy—yielding a tropical, juicy feel without overwhelming bitternessBeerAdvocate

• Another reviewer highlights the bold blend of tart lemon, grapefruit, peach, tropical fruit, and a biting, earthy hop bitterness that grows more enjoyable with every sipBeerAdvocate

Mouthfeel is soft, somewhat thick, and creamy with moderate carbonation and medium body. The overall finish is medium on bitterness, leaving lingering tropical fruits, citrus, and dank accents.

Summary & Verdict

Appearance: Hazy, vibrant orange; fluffy, persistent head.
Aroma: Juicy tropical citrus (grapefruit, passion fruit, mango, pineapple), bready malt, dank undertones.
Taste: Bursting with tropical and citrus fruit flavors, backed by a malty backbone, dank hop complexity, and balanced bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Soft, pillowy, medium-bodied, with smooth carbonation.
Overall Impression: A well-crafted, intensely hopped NEIPA that leans into both fruity and dank dimensions—excelling in aroma, flavor, and drinkability.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 4.34 (as of 8.19.25)

Whether you prefer it to Tired Hands’ original Alien Church or not, there’s no denying that this version is bold, juicy, and memorable—a treat for hop lovers who appreciate layers of tropical fruit complexity with a dank, resinous finish.

Let me know if you’d like food-pairing ideas, variations comparison, or similar beer suggestions!

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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 are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. 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 also now have a SLACK channel – which acts as a hybrid chat room, message board, Reddit style; workspace and posting area for us. You can hang out with us there and chat about all kinds of things – not just beer, but “off topic” things like movies, TV, books, podcasts, hiking, sports, and more! Join us at: The Beer Thrillers on SLACK.

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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) 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.)

The summer heat always seems to bring with it a certain craving. Something cold. Something crisp. Something easy-drinking but still flavorful enough to be worth your time. For years that spot has been filled by kölsches, pilsners, and the endless tide of hazy IPAs. But this summer—and possibly the next big wave in craft beer—American breweries are looking East for inspiration.

The newest darling in brewhouses across the country? Japanese-style rice lagers.

Craft Brewers Are All In On Japanese Rice Lagers

What Is a Japanese Rice Lager?

For those unfamiliar, a Japanese rice lager is exactly what it sounds like: a lager brewed with rice in the grain bill. The rice lightens the body, smooths out the flavor, and creates an exceptionally crisp finish. Think of it as the beer equivalent of clean lines and minimalist design—subtle, refreshing, and deceptively simple.

Unlike the heavy malt sweetness of some lagers, or the hop assault of many IPAs, rice lagers aim for balance. They don’t shout, they whisper—and in that restraint is where they shine.

Why Now?

According to a recent Forbes piece (link below), breweries big and small are leaning into this style because it fits the current beer climate perfectly:

1. Sessionable & Light – At a time when many drinkers are shying away from 9% triple IPAs and pastry stouts that drink like desserts, a light lager is refreshing in more ways than one.

2. Broad Appeal – The approachable profile means both hardcore beer nerds and casual drinkers can enjoy it side by side.

3. Economic Sense – With the industry feeling the pinch from rising ingredient costs, rice lagers provide a cost-effective option that still feels premium.

4. Something Different – After a decade-plus of IPA dominance, many beer fans are looking for the next thing.

It’s no surprise breweries are jumping in. This style scratches all the right itches: familiar yet exotic, light but still crafted with care, drinkable without being boring.

Breweries Embracing the Trend

Walk into your favorite local taproom and you might already see a rice lager pouring—or at least announced on a chalkboard as “coming soon.” Some are going traditional, aiming for clean precision. Others are riffing with citrus additions, dry-hopping, or pairing the style with regional ingredients.

It reminds me of the early days of the hazy IPA craze. First came the traditional forms, then came the wild experimentation. Don’t be surprised if by next summer you’re drinking a dry-hopped jasmine rice lager with lime zest.

For the Drinkers

For us, the ones sitting on patios, at breweries, or around fire pits with friends—the rise of rice lagers is a win. It means we have a new option when we want something lighter but still crafted with intent. It’s a style that doesn’t demand your full attention, but rewards you when you give it.

Pair it with seafood, with sushi, with grilled vegetables, with barbecue—it plays well with nearly anything. Or just sip one on its own, fresh from the tap, condensation sliding down the glass, and feel the summer slow down for a moment.

Final Thoughts

Every few years, craft beer shifts. We’ve seen it before: the rise of barrel-aging, the dominance of IPAs, the boom of fruited sours. Now, rice lagers might be the next quiet revolution.

Will they ever topple the IPA empire? Probably not. But will they carve out a solid, refreshing space on tap lists across the country? Absolutely.

So the next time you’re out, skip the haze for a night. Order up a rice lager. Taste what’s happening in craft beer right now.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll look back and say 2025 was the year of the rice lager.

Cheers! 🍻

— B. Kline

Sources and Further Reading:

• Forbes: Craft Breweries Are All In On Japanese Rice Lagers

• WCPO: Beer price mystery—why prices are up for some beers but not others

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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 are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. 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 also now have a SLACK channel – which acts as a hybrid chat room, message board, Reddit style; workspace and posting area for us. You can hang out with us there and chat about all kinds of things – not just beer, but “off topic” things like movies, TV, books, podcasts, hiking, sports, and more! Join us at: The Beer Thrillers on SLACK.

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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) 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.)

It’s Friday the 13th, and as the chilling wind creeps through the trees and masked slashers stalk our screens, there’s only one beer that belongs in your glass tonight: Juicin’ Voorhees by Pariah Brewing Company. With a name that nods to the hockey-masked legend of horror, this hazy Double IPA doesn’t sneak up on you—it kicks in the door, machete first. But instead of screams, it leaves behind a trail of juicy citrus, smooth bitterness, and pure hop-fueled satisfaction.

Juicin’ Voorhees by Pariah Brewing Company

☁️ Appearance – Haze of the Undead

Much like the fog rolling across Crystal Lake, Juicin’ Voorhees pours an ominously thick golden haze with a glowing, almost radioactive glow. Its creamy white head clings like cobwebs on a rickety cabin, leaving lacing that lingers long after each sip. Ominous, inviting, and impossible to ignore.

👃 Aroma – Frighteningly Fruity

From the first whiff, this beer hits hard with grapefruit zest, peach nectar, and a whisper of dank tropical fruit—like a fruit basket left behind at a murder scene. There’s a sinister edge of orange rind and a faint herbal note in the background, hinting that not everything is as sweet as it seems.

👅 Flavor – Slashingly Smooth

Where most slashers go for the jugular, Juicin’ Voorhees chooses a more subtle, creeping approach.

• Up front, you get a wave of peach, grapefruit, and tangerine—a fruit-forward assault that’s bright and punchy.

• The mid-palate turns slightly bitter, with soft pith and a touch of earthy dankness.

• The finish? Clean, slightly resinous, and just warm enough to remind you this beast clocks in at 8.1% ABV.

It walks the line between sweet and bitter with the finesse of a seasoned stalker—never too cloying, never too aggressive.

👻 Mouthfeel – Smooth as a Silent Stalk

Medium-bodied with a creamy, pillowy mouthfeel, Juicin’ Voorhees glides across the palate like a shadow in the woods. No alcohol burn, no heavy syrup—just a chillingly clean, soft experience that leaves you watching your back… and reaching for another sip.

🩸 Overall Impressions – Hazy Horror Done Right

Pariah Brewing has crafted something special here. Juicin’ Voorhees isn’t just a gimmick beer with a horror-themed name—it’s a legit, well-balanced hazy DIPA that stands tall even among the genre’s heavyweights. The name might scream slasher flick, but the beer inside is all finesse and flavor.

If you’re a fan of juicy IPAs, or just someone looking for the perfect beer to pair with your Friday the 13th binge-watch session, this one’s a no-brainer. Literally.

📊 Stats & Reception

• ABV: 8.1%

• IBUs: 24

• Style: Hazy / New England Double IPA

• Untappd Score: 3.9 / 5 (1,200+ check-ins)

• Availability: Limited seasonal release, often around Halloween or fall

🍽️ Pairings – What to Eat While You Scream

• Buffalo wings with ghost pepper sauce – feel the burn

• Sharp cheddar and soft pretzels – smooth meets bold

• Pumpkin pie or caramel apple tarts – because horror needs dessert too

• Grilled sausage and onions – hearty flavors to match the DIPA bite

🪦 Final Words – Don’t Sleep on This Slasher

Whether you’re hiding under a blanket watching Jason Lives or sitting around a fall campfire waiting for strange noises, Juicin’ Voorhees is a killer choice. Bold, juicy, and just creepy enough to make your skin crawl—in the best way.

So this Friday the 13th, raise a glass to horror, hops, and Pariah Brewing’s tribute to the boogeyman of hazy IPAs. Just don’t turn your back on the fridge. You never know when another can might sneak up behind you…

🍺 Juicin’ Voorhees Review – A Killer Brew for Friday the 13th

Juicin’ Voorhees is a seasonal Double/Hazy IPA from Pariah Brewing (based in San Diego, CA), clocking in at 8.1% ABV and 24 IBUs. With its ominous name—a play on a horror-movie icon—it delivers an inviting yet smooth entry into the fall IPA scene.

For more information on Jason Voorhees – check out the Wikipedia page: Jason Voorhees. As well as check out the series: Friday the 13th. Ironically, soon after posting this article, Hoppy Floppy also posted it to her Instagram. You can check it out (forewarning – NSFW – Juicin Voorhees Post).

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 3.90 (as of 6.13.25)

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:

• Beer Review: The Pandalorian (Tattered Flag)
• Beer Review: Wookie Monster (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Blue Milk (RAR Brewing) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Tatooine Tart (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: RAWRGWAWGGR (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Droid Juice (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Wookies and Cream (Tall Tales Brewing)
• Revenge of the Fifth / Cinco de Mayo
• May the Fourth Be With You
• Beer Review: This is Nut the Fluff You’re Looking For (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: This is the Way (Broken Goblet Brewing)
• Beer Review: This is the Whey (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Beer Review: Java the Stout (Jackie O’s Brewery)
• Beer Review: The Mangolorian (Brewery Fire)
• Beer Review: BoBull Fett (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Mead Review: The Meadalorian (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Beer Review: Let the Haze Flow Through You (Black Flag Brewing Co)
• Book Review: The Jedi Path and The Book of the Sith (Daniel Wallace)
• Book Review: Guardians of the Whills (Greg Rucka)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2022)
• RAR Out of Order Star Wars Drop!
• Beer Review: Vader (Mispillion River Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Green Milk (RAR Brewing Company) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: The Phantasm Menace (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Star Wars Can Drop (2023)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2023)
• Brewery Fire Celebrates Their Fourth Anniversary: The Power of the Fourth
• Crooked Crab – May the Fourth Be With You (2024)
• Book Review: Star Wars – Most Wanted (Rae Carlson)
• Beer Review: Admiral (J Henry Barrel Aged Grand Stout) (Delta Beer Lab)
• Beer Review: Chewbacca (Rotunda Brewing Company)
• May the Fourth Be With You – From a Non a Star Wars Lover at RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Fest (Amy’s Column)

Futurama

• Good News Everyone, Futurama is Back: Exploring Futurama – Inspired Craft Beers
• Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
• Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
• Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
• Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – How the West was 1010001 (and Beer Review: The Shining by Foam Brewers)
• Futurama Episode Review – Parasites Regained
• Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – I Know What You Did Next XMas and Beer Review: Bo Katan Red IPA (Brewery Fire)
• 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 on Draft and Cans at Intermission Beer Company
• Beer Review: I’m 40% Galaxy (Local Craft Beer)

Lord of the Rings:

• Book Review: An Atlas of Tolkien (David Day)
• Book Review: The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Magic the Gathering:

• New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Heroes of Barcadia:

• Rollacrit Partners with Voodoo Ranger IPA for New Kickstarter, Heroes of Barcadia: Heroes for Hire Tabletop Game

Zelda:

• Zelda and Craft Beer
• Beer Review: Motueka’s Mask (Black Flag Brewing Company)

Rick and Morty:

• Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

• Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

• Beer Review: Game of Thrones: My Watch Has Ended (Omnegang Brewery)
• Book Review: The Wit and Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister (George R.R. Martin)

The Simpsons:

• Beer Review: I Voted for Kodos (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Voted for Kang (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Ned Flanders Red (AleCraft Brewery)

Back to the Future:

• Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

• Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

• Beer Review: Prognosticator Pils (Logyard Brewing Company)
• Logyard Brewing’s Prognosticator Pils is the Official Beer of Groundhog Day (2022)

A Christmas Story:

• Beer Review: The Soft Electric Glow of Sex (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! (Eight and Sand Beer Co)

The Peanuts:

• Book Review: The Philosophy of Snoopy (Charles M. Schulz)
• Book Review: You Don’t Look 35, Charlie Brown! (Charles M. Schulz)

Pro Wrestling:

• Beer Review: Broken Skull – Stone Cold Steve Austin’s IPA (El Segundo Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Macho Man (Couch Brewery)
• Beer Review: Royal Rumble (Funk Brewing)
• Stone Cold Steve Austin and the WWE Are Celebrating 3:16 Day
• Human Robot and The Full Pint Are Hosting RoboMania
• Brawl in the Beer Hall at Lakefront Brewery
• Hulk Hogan Announces Real American Beer
• Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Negligence at Promotional Event

Soccer:

• Beer Review: Pulisic Pilsner (Jackass Brewing Company)
• Book Review: Pulisic – My Journey So Far (Christian Pulisic)

World Cup:

• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup in Last Second Decision
• Breweries Opening Early For the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Ga

Phillies:

• Drunk Phils Fans and Rotunda Brewing Company Collaborate Together on Jam the Batter sWheat Tart
• Mystery Phillies fan buys rounds of beer for people in Section 103

Philadelphia Eagles:

• The Philadelphia Eagles Running Back – D’Andre Swift – Visits Bald Bird Brewing Company

Matrix:

• Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

• Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

Mario:

• Beer Review: Level Up (Idiom Brewing)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

• Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

• Beer Review: Jon Voight’s Car (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Airing of Grievances (Black Flag Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Treats of Strength (Icarus Brewing)

The Muppets:

• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Muppet Series Can Release
• RAR Brewing Brings the Nostalgia with Muppets Out of Order Series

Jason Voorhees / Friday the 13th:

• Beer Review: Juicin’ Voorhees (Pariah Brewing Company)

Other:

• Beer Review: Super Villain (Urban Village Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Pixels (Seminar Brewing)
• Beer Review: Villeinage (Elder Pine Brewing and Blending)
• Beer Review: Intergalactic Deals (Levante Brewing)
• Beer Review: Galactic Space Circus (Creature Comforts Brewing Co)
• Beer Review: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907) (Adroit Theory)

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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 are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. 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 also now have a SLACK channel – which acts as a hybrid chat room, message board, Reddit style; workspace and posting area for us. You can hang out with us there and chat about all kinds of things – not just beer, but “off topic” things like movies, TV, books, podcasts, hiking, sports, and more! Join us at: The Beer Thrillers on SLACK.

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 #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of May 2025.) 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.)

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:

• Beer Review: The Pandalorian (Tattered Flag)
• Beer Review: Wookie Monster (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Blue Milk (RAR Brewing) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Tatooine Tart (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: RAWRGWAWGGR (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Droid Juice (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Wookies and Cream (Tall Tales Brewing)
• Revenge of the Fifth / Cinco de Mayo
• May the Fourth Be With You
• Beer Review: This is Nut the Fluff You’re Looking For (Fourscore Beer Co)
• Beer Review: This is the Way (Broken Goblet Brewing)
• Beer Review: This is the Whey (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Beer Review: Java the Stout (Jackie O’s Brewery)
• Beer Review: The Mangolorian (Brewery Fire)
• Beer Review: BoBull Fett (Bolero Snort Brewery)
• Mead Review: The Meadalorian (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Beer Review: Let the Haze Flow Through You (Black Flag Brewing Co)
• Book Review: The Jedi Path and The Book of the Sith (Daniel Wallace)
• Book Review: Guardians of the Whills (Greg Rucka)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2022)
• RAR Out of Order Star Wars Drop!
• Beer Review: Vader (Mispillion River Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Green Milk (RAR Brewing Company) (Batch 1)
• Beer Review: The Phantasm Menace (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Star Wars Can Drop (2023)
• May the Fourth Be With You (2023)
• Brewery Fire Celebrates Their Fourth Anniversary: The Power of the Fourth
• Crooked Crab – May the Fourth Be With You (2024)

Futurama

• Good News Everyone, Futurama is Back: Exploring Futurama – Inspired Craft Beers
• Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
• Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
• Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
• Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
• Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – How the West was 1010001 (and Beer Review: The Shining by Foam Brewers)
• Futurama Episode Review – Parasites Regained
• Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
• Futurama Episode Review – I Know What You Did Next XMas and Beer Review: Bo Katan Red IPA (Brewery Fire)
• 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 on Draft and Cans at Intermission Beer Company
• Beer Review: I’m 40% Galaxy (Local Craft Beer)

Lord of the Rings:

• Book Review: An Atlas of Tolkien (David Day)
• Book Review: The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Magic the Gathering:

• New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Zelda:

• Zelda and Craft Beer
• Beer Review: Motueka’s Mask (Black Flag Brewing Company)

Rick and Morty:

• Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

• Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

• Beer Review: Game of Thrones: My Watch Has Ended (Omnegang Brewery)
• Book Review: The Wit and Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister (George R.R. Martin)

The Simpsons:

• Beer Review: I Voted for Kodos (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: I Voted for Kang (Second Sin Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Ned Flanders Red (AleCraft Brewery)

Back to the Future:

• Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

• Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

• Beer Review: Prognosticator Pils (Logyard Brewing Company)
• Logyard Brewing’s Prognosticator Pils is the Official Beer of Groundhog Day (2022)

A Christmas Story:

• Beer Review: The Soft Electric Glow of Sex (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! (Eight and Sand Beer Co)

The Peanuts:

• Book Review: The Philosophy of Snoopy (Charles M. Schulz)
• Book Review: You Don’t Look 35, Charlie Brown! (Charles M. Schulz)

Pro Wrestling:

• Beer Review: Broken Skull – Stone Cold Steve Austin’s IPA (El Segundo Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Macho Man (Couch Brewery)
• Beer Review: Royal Rumble (Funk Brewing)
• Stone Cold Steve Austin and the WWE Are Celebrating 3:16 Day
• Human Robot and The Full Pint Are Hosting RoboMania

Soccer:

• Beer Review: Pulisic Pilsner (Jackass Brewing Company)
• Book Review: Pulisic – My Journey So Far (Christian Pulisic)

World Cup:

• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup in Last Second Decision
• Breweries Opening Early For the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Ga

Phillies:

• Drunk Phils Fans and Rotunda Brewing Company Collaborate Together on Jam the Batter sWheat Tart
• Mystery Phillies fan buys rounds of beer for people in Section 103

Philadelphia Eagles:

• The Philadelphia Eagles Running Back – D’Andre Swift – Visits Bald Bird Brewing Company

Matrix:

• Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

• Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

• Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

• Beer Review: Jon Voight’s Car (RAR Brewing)
• Beer Review: Airing of Grievances (Black Flag Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Treats of Strength (Icarus Brewing)

The Muppets:

• RAR Brewing – Out of Order – Muppet Series Can Release
• RAR Brewing Brings the Nostalgia with Muppets Out of Order Series

Other:

• Beer Review: Super Villain (Urban Village Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Pixels (Seminar Brewing)
• Beer Review: Villeinage (Elder Pine Brewing and Blending)
• Beer Review: Intergalactic Deals (Levante Brewing)
• Beer Review: Galactic Space Circus (Creature Comforts Brewing Co)
• Beer Review: The Death of Civilization in Slow Motion I (Ghost 907) (Adroit Theory)

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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.)

Troegs Brewing Summer of Sunshine Variety Pack

Summer of Sunshine Variety 15-Pack

This Monday (April 29th) Troegs Brewing is releasing the Summer of Sunshine Variety 15-Pack. This is a big explosive pack of fifteen cans – five different beers, three cans each – that will be perfect all summer long. This is a perfect beach pack or hanging out for a summer picnic.

Summer of Sunshine Variety Pack Includes:

• 3 Cans of Sunshine Pilsner (12 oz)
• 3 Cans of Sunshine Salt and Lime Lager (12 oz)
• 3 Cans of Summer is Here (12 oz)
• 3 Cans of Leisure Cruise (12 oz)
• 3 Cans of Perpetual Haze (12 oz)

Sunshine Pilsner is a pilsner (obviously), Sunshine Salt and Lime Lager is a lager (obviously), Summer is Here is a lager, Leisure Cruise is a raspberry wheat, and Perpetual Haze is a New England – Hazy – take on Perpetual IPA (so an IPA).

Leisure Cruise and Sunshine Salt and Lime Lager are brand new beers. Summer is Here is a yearly released beer for summer and Perpetual Haze is an irregular member of the Troegs Brewing family. Sunshine Pilsner is a full time flagship beer for the brand.

For Sale Tomorrow

The Summer of Sunshine variety pack will go on sale tomorrow – April 29th – in the brewery, as well as go out to markets and hit distribution (may take longer for them to reach full distribution). You can find it using the Troegs Brewery “Brew Finder“.

For more information check out their beers page: Summer of Sunshine (Beers at Troegs).

Rumor has it – you have to tell the bartenders “one ticket for the Leisure Cruise please” to be able to order a pint of it.

For More Information on Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

According to Untappd, Troegs Independent Craft Brewing is a regional brewery with 151 unique beers listed (despite their being over 500 Scratches). (A lot of vintage and variants get consolidated into single unique listings as well.) They have 2.3 Million ratings and as of 4.26.24 have a global average rating of 3.79. Their Untappd bio reads:

“Founded in Pennsylvania in 1997 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Tröegs Independent Brewing is driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity. Our brewery has been built by family, friends and kindred spirits who share a love of great beer. Together, we all make Tröegs. You might know our Perpetual IPA, the best-selling IPA in Pennsylvania. Or the dark, malty and crisp Troegenator. You may have come across such iconic beers as Nugget Nectar or Mad Elf in your beer travels. Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to try one or two of the hundreds of experimental Scratch Series beers we’ve brewed over the years. Whether you’re already a member of our extended family or you’re just getting to know our brewery, there’s always something new to discover with Tröegs.“

You can find them at the following social media pages:

• Troegs.com (Official Website)
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing (Facebook)
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing (Instagram)
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing @ Twitter
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing (Untappd)

More Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Related Articles

Looking for more Troegs in your diet? Here’s some other Troegs Independent Craft Brewing related articles we’ve written:

• Troegs Brewing and Wigle Whiskey Team Up to Bring Peach Whiskey Back
• Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Adds 1,628 Solar Panels To Their Brewery
• Beer Review: Double Blizzard (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• The Mad Elf Gets a Face Lift – Troegs Independent Craft Brewing Changes The Mad Elf’s Look
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Cordial Elf
• Beer Review: Double Nugget Nectar (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Grand Cacao (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Scratch 417 (Orange Lemon Peel) (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Haze Charmer (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Beer Review: Scratch 400 (Pre – Prohibition Lager) (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Review: Scratch 394, Scratch 395, Scratch 396, and Mad Elf (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Two Beer Review: Fresh Fest and Trail Day Pale Ale (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Reviews: Fest Lager, Scratch 385 – Krausened Dunkel Lager, and Scratch 386 – Tangerine Passionfruit Guava Tart Ale (Troegs Independent Craft Brewery)
• Beer Review: Fuzzy Nudge (Troegs Independent Craft Brewing)
• Multiple Beer Reviews: Scratch 382 – Blackberry Lime Tart Ale, Scratch 383 – Hazy IPA (Citra, Galaxy & Simcoe), Dear Peter, and Naked Elf (Troegs Brewing Company)
• Multiple Beer Review – Brewery Flight (Troegs) – Beers – Scratch #379 – Krausened Keller Pilsner, Scratch #378 – DIPA, Scratch #377 – Oat IPA, and Scratch #376 – Passionfruit & Guava Tart Ale
• Beer Review: Scratch 375: Coco-Nator (Troegs Independent Brewing Company)
• From Philly to Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania’s Top Craft Breweries You Must Visit
• Hershey Bears Celebrate Calder Cup Championship at Troegs Brewery
• Troegs Brewing Company Adds Hopora IPA to Their Seasonal Hop Cycle Series
• Beer Review: Tropical Stout (Troegs Independent Brewing and Windy Bridges Brewing LLC)
• Oktoberfest Lager Returns to Troegs Independent Brewing (Troegs Independent Brewing’s Oktoberfest Lager Has Returned)
• Tröegs Hop Cyclone Releases Today
• Master of Pumpkins Returns for 2023 with Over 3,000 Pounds of Fresh Local Pumpkins
• The Naked Elf Returns for 2023
• Troegs Announces Gingerbread Cookie Stout
• Troegs Brewing Adding Graffiti Highway IPA and DIPA
• Bourbon Barrel Aged Triple Nator Releasing at Troegs Brewery
• Enchilada Stuffed Peppers and Sunshine Pilsner
• Troegs Brewing to Release Second Cut in Spring 2024
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Cyclops Teardrops This Thursday
• Hops and Vines for Hunger Kick-Off Event at Troegs Brewery
• Mad Elf Set to Release on October 9th
• Troegs Independent Brewing is Releasing Scratch 500 and Scratch 501 – Double Perpetual IPA and Triple Perpetual IPA
• Tröegs Independent Brewing Mad Elf Grand Cru Returns In Limited Cork and Cage Bottles
• Tröegs Brewing Releasing the Most Wonderful Beer of the Year Sampler on Monday
• Recipe: Crispy Beer Roast Turkey (using Troegenator)
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Night Gazer Stout
• Nugget Nectar Is Being Released the Day After Christmas
• Troegs Brewing to Release Sunshine Salt and Lime Lager in 2024
• Troegs and Patagonia Collaborate for Kernza Lager Release
• Troegs Brewing and Dewey Beer Releasing a Collaboration – Adventure Was Promised
• Troegs Brewing Releases Field Study Summer IPA
• First Cut – Mango IPA – Is Coming Out on Thursday February 22nd
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Leisure Cruise
• Troegs Brewing Teaming Up with Warwick Farm and Free Will For Releases
• Troegs Brewing, AntiFragile Brewing, Sworn Brewing, and Warwick Brewing Team Up for Storm the Field IPA
• Troegs Brewing Creating Super Duper Juicer
• Troegs Brewing Releasing Second Cut Mango Double IPA
• Bikes and Brews Returns April 27th

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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.)

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

• The Rise Of Hazy IPAs: Exploring The Juicy Trend In Craft Beer

• Hops, History, and Innovation: The Fascinating Tale of the IPA

• 14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying

• The Lifespan of an IPA: Navigating the Freshness of Your Favorite Craft Beers

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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.)

A flight of Hazy IPAs.

In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, India Pale Ales (IPAs) have carved out a significant niche, captivating the palates of beer enthusiasts with their bold hop profiles, aromatic bouquets, and diverse flavor spectrums. From the aggressively hopped American IPAs to the more balanced and nuanced English styles, there’s an IPA out there for nearly every beer lover. However, one critical aspect often overlooked by casual drinkers and aficionados alike is the shelf life of these beloved brews. Understanding how long IPAs stay good is essential for experiencing them as the brewmasters intended. So, let’s dive into the factors that affect an IPA’s lifespan and how you can ensure you’re enjoying your beer at its peak.

The Importance of Freshness in IPAs

Freshness is paramount when it comes to IPAs. The style’s signature hop-forward character is highly sensitive to time. Hops, the soul of an IPA, contribute not just bitterness but a complex array of flavors and aromas ranging from citrus and pine to tropical fruits and floral notes. These compounds, especially the volatile oils responsible for aroma, begin to degrade the moment the beer is packaged, leading to a loss of the nuanced characteristics that make IPAs so appealing.

The Typical Shelf Life of an IPA

As a general rule of thumb, IPAs are best enjoyed as fresh as possible, ideally within three to six months of packaging. This window ensures that the hop flavors and aromas are still vibrant and pronounced. However, there are exceptions based on the specific style of IPA and its brewing process:

1. Standard American IPAs

These are best consumed within the three to six-month guideline. After this period, you’ll likely notice a decrease in the bright, hoppy punch that defines the style.

2. Double or Imperial IPAs

Thanks to their higher alcohol content and more robust malt backbone, these can sometimes age a bit longer while maintaining quality. Four to seven months is a safe range, though the hop character will still fade over time.

3. Session IPAs

With lower alcohol levels and a delicate hop balance, these are most vulnerable to the ravages of time. Aim to drink these within two to four months of packaging.

4. New England or Hazy IPAs

Famed for their juicy, fruit-forward hop presence and hazy appearance, these should be consumed as fresh as possible, ideally within three months, to preserve their unique profile.

Factors Influencing IPA Shelf Life

• Storage Conditions: Light and heat are enemies of IPAs, accelerating the degradation of hop compounds. Always store your IPAs in a cool, dark place.
• Packaging: Cans tend to protect beer from light better than bottles and may offer a slight edge in preserving freshness.
• Brewer Practices: Some breweries utilize techniques like cold storage and reduced oxygen packaging to extend the freshness of their IPAs.

Tips for Enjoying IPAs at Their Best

• Check the Packaging Date: Always look for a packaging date on the bottle, can, or keg. This date is your best indicator of freshness.
• Buy Local: Local brews are less likely to have spent long periods in transit, reducing the time between packaging and consumption.
• Proper Storage: Keep your IPAs in a cool, dark place, ideally refrigerated, to slow the aging process.

Embracing the Evolution

While fresh is generally best for IPAs, there’s something to be said for experiencing how a beer changes over time. Some beer lovers enjoy noting how the hop profile transforms, often giving way to more malt-forward flavors. If you’re curious, consider buying multiple cans or bottles of your favorite IPA to sample at different stages of its life.

Conclusion

The world of IPAs is as diverse as it is delicious, with freshness playing a crucial role in the enjoyment of these hop-centric brews. By understanding the factors that influence an IPA’s shelf life and following best practices for storage and consumption, you can ensure that you’re experiencing these beers in their prime. Whether you’re savoring a local session IPA or exploring the robust depths of an imperial version, remember that time is of the essence. So, grab a fresh IPA, pour it into your favorite glass, and toast to the fleeting beauty of hops in their prime. Cheers!

Some Related IPA Articles

• The Rise Of Hazy IPAs: Exploring The Juicy Trend In Craft Beer

• Hops, History, and Innovation: The Fascinating Tale of the IPA

• 14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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.)

A homebrewed Hazy IPA. The “Nebula Nectar Hazy IPA”.

Nebula Nectar Hazy IPA (Homebrew Recipe)

A single hop hanging on the vine.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Hops: The Heart and Soul of Craft Beer

In the vibrant world of craft beer, one ingredient often steals the spotlight for its pivotal role in brewing: hops. These green, cone-shaped flowers are not just a cornerstone of beer making; they’re the soulful artisans of the beverage, intricately weaving together the tapestry of flavor, aroma, and bitterness that defines many of our favorite brews. But what exactly are hops, and why do they play such a crucial role in the creation of craft beer? Let’s dive into the hoppy heart of the matter, exploring the technical nuances, varieties, and the art of hop utilization in craft brewing.

The Botanical Backdrop

Hops, scientifically known as Humulus lupulus, are perennial plants in the Cannabaceae family, which interestingly includes cannabis. These climbing bines (not vines) are cultivated for their female flowers, or hop cones, which are prized in brewing for their unique contributions. Hops have been an essential ingredient in beer for centuries, originally added for their preservative qualities, but their role has evolved significantly with the craft beer movement.

The Multifaceted Role of Hops in Brewing

Thompson Island Brewing visiting Troegs Brewery for a collaboration brew – adding the hops to the brew kettle.

The magic of hops lies in their complex chemical makeup, including alpha acids, beta acids, and essential oils. Each of these components plays a pivotal role in the brewing process:

• Bitterness: Alpha acids are responsible for the bitter flavor in beer, a counterbalance to the sweetness of the malt. Through the process of isomerization during boiling, these acids transform, imparting the quintessential bitterness that beer aficionados cherish.
• Aroma and Flavor: Essential oils in hops, such as myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene, are the architects of aroma and flavor. These oils are more delicate and are often added at later stages of brewing or during dry hopping to preserve their volatile profiles, contributing everything from floral and citrus notes to earthy and spicy undertones.
• Preservation: The antimicrobial properties of hops have been leveraged since ancient times to extend the shelf life of beer, making them an early and natural preservative.

Exploring the Hop Varieties

Hops growing on the arbor at The Beer Thrillers headquarters. (Centennial and Chinook hops growing together on the arbor.)

The craft beer renaissance has ushered in an era of hop exploration, with brewers and enthusiasts alike delving into the diverse world of hop varieties. Each type brings its own unique flavor and aroma profile to the table, influencing the character of the beer:

• Noble Hops: Traditional varieties such as Saaz, Tettnang, Hallertauer, and Spalt, known for their mild and balanced profiles, perfect for classic European-style beers.
• American Hops: Varieties like Cascade, Centennial, Citra, and Simcoe stand out for their bold, citrus, and piney characteristics, driving the American craft beer movement’s love for intensely aromatic and flavorful IPAs.
• New World Hops: From Australia and New Zealand, varieties such as Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, and Motueka offer unique fruity, tropical, and sometimes vinous notes, expanding the palette of flavors available to brewers.

The Art and Science of Hop Utilization

Craft brewers wield hops with both precision and creativity, carefully selecting varieties and determining the timing of their addition to achieve the desired bitterness, flavor, and aroma. This can range from bittering hops added early in the boil to capture their alpha acid potential, to late addition and dry hopping methods aimed at maximizing the aromatic and flavorful essence of essential oils.

The exploration of hops in craft beer is a testament to the ingredient’s versatility and central role in brewing. From the bold and bitter to the subtle and aromatic, hops continue to inspire brewers to push the boundaries of beer, crafting unique and memorable experiences for enthusiasts around the globe.

As we’ve journeyed through the hop fields and into the brewery, it’s clear that hops are much more than just an ingredient; they’re a bridge connecting science, art, and tradition in the craft beer community. Whether you’re a seasoned brewmaster, a homebrew hobbyist, or simply a curious beer lover, the world of hops offers endless possibilities for discovery and delight. Cheers to the humble hop, the heart and soul of craft beer’s boundless creativity!

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, 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.

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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!

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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.)