Autumn

Tree House·American Double / Imperial IPA

★ 5.0 (1 rating) 1 log on Brewskipotatoes

Tasting Notes

Typical of Tree House's hazy imperial IPA output, Autumn leads with an assertive wave of tropical and citrus aromatics — ripe mango, tangerine, and a hint of stone fruit underscored by a dank, resinous backbone. The flavor follows with a lush, full-bodied sweetness that keeps bitterness in check, letting hop character do the heavy lifting without turning harsh. The mouthfeel is thick and pillowy, characteristic of the New England approach, with a finish that lingers on citrus pith and a gentle alcoholic warmth. This reflects the style profile, as detailed independent documentation of this specific release is limited.

About the Brewery

Tree House Brewing Company is based in Charlton, Massachusetts, and has grown since its founding in 2011 into one of the most sought-after craft breweries in the United States. The brewery built its reputation on hazy, hop-forward New England IPAs and imperial variants, drawing fans who travel significant distances for direct-from-source cans. Their beers are distributed almost exclusively through their own taproom locations, which contributes to both scarcity and devoted following.

Food Pairings

A beer this rich and hop-forward holds up well against bold, fatty foods. Spicy Thai curry finds a counterpoint in the tropical fruit character, which softens heat without disappearing into it. Aged cheddar or a sharp, funky cheese board benefits from the beer's bitterness cutting through fat. Grilled pork belly works because the caramelized char mirrors the beer's slight resinous depth. A mango or peach dessert, kept on the less-sweet side, can echo the fruit-forward aromatics without clashing with residual bitterness.

Style Guide

Hazy Imperial IPAs — sometimes called Double New England IPAs — push the foundational New England IPA format into higher alcohol territory, typically ranging from 8% to 10.5% ABV or beyond. The style is defined by heavy dry-hopping with modern cultivars like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, which produce intense tropical and citrus aromas while a deliberate lack of filtration yields the signature opaque, cloud-like appearance. Bitterness is intentionally restrained relative to the hop load, prioritizing aroma and flavor over astringency. What separates it from a standard imperial IPA is that soft, juicy mouthfeel and the absence of the resinous, piney bite associated with West Coast double IPAs.