Other Half Forever Simcoe
3 logs on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
The nose leads with dank, resinous pine and a wave of tropical fruit — think mango, papaya, and a touch of citrus pith. On the palate, Simcoe's signature earthy-dank quality comes through alongside softer stone fruit notes, all cushioned by a full, pillowy body that's characteristic of the style. Bitterness is low and rounded rather than sharp, letting the hop oils do the expressive work. The finish is smooth with a lingering resinous quality and just enough dry hop character to keep it interesting.
About the Brewery
Other Half is a Brooklyn-based brewery founded in 2014 that became one of the defining forces in the New England IPA and hazy beer movement on the East Coast. They built their reputation on hop-forward, heavily dry-hopped IPAs and have maintained cult status through limited releases, pop-up can drops, and collaborations with respected breweries nationwide. Their Green City and All Green Everything series helped establish them as a benchmark for the style.
Food Pairings
Spicy Thai curry works well here because the soft, fruity hop character tempers the heat without fighting it. A cheeseburger with sharp cheddar pairs naturally, the fat cutting through the resinous finish. Grilled pineapple or mango-based salsas echo the tropical fruit character in the hop profile. Fish tacos with a creamy slaw offer a contrast that lets the dank, earthy notes shine alongside mild white fish.
Style Guide
New England IPA, sometimes called hazy IPA, is defined by its intentionally opaque appearance, low bitterness, and intense hop aroma derived from large dry-hop additions late in the brewing process. The style originated in Vermont around 2011, popularized by The Alchemist's Heady Topper, and spread rapidly through the Northeast before going national. Unlike West Coast IPAs, which emphasize clean bitterness and a drier finish, NEIPAs use high-protein grains like oats and wheat to produce a fuller body and a soft, almost juicy mouthfeel. ABVs typically run from 6% to 8%, though the style appears across a wider range.