Tree House Hurricane

The Stats
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 7.7%
Current Ratings...
- Untappd: 4.43/5
- Beer Advocate: 4.26/5
- RateBeer: N/A

"Here comes the story of Hurricane... Hurricane is a Double IPA featuring intense kettle and dry hop doses of primarily Simcoe & Citra hops! A pungent aroma of earthy citrus gives way to a beer rich with complexity, conjuring perceptions of papaya, melon, mandarin orange, and stone fruit. By applying years of focused brewing execution, we are able to craft Hurricane - a beer that is neither abrasive or harsh, and features tirelessly refined characteristics. We are welcoming this beer to the family as a proud example representing who we are as a brewery. It is the result of our uncompromising dedication to fresh, progressive, and pleasantly drinkable beer. We invite you to enjoy it with laughter, good cheer, and in the company of those you love."

I seem to have a horseshoe up my ass when I visit Tree House Brewing on my birthday weekend. The last time I did, I was able to grab Very Hazy and that was one of the best beers I have ever had from them (it also made the Top 10 of 2016). Naturally, I had to make another trip for my big 3-3 (thank you) and I did just that last Friday.

Standing in line before open, the employee came out announced a stellar, STELLAR list for the day (Seriously, a year ago, if I had said I was going to Tree House and getting half a case EACH of Julius, Sssappp, Alter Ego, and In Perpetuity, you would have told me to go f**k myself). In addition to what the website had listed, we were treated to a brand new Double IPA named Hurricane. I've never seen 100+ people whip out their phone in unison, but now I can cross that off my bucket list.

So, here I am with another (belated) birthday review of Tree House's newest beer: Hurricane.

Pours out a hazy light orange with a finger of white head.

Mild grapefruit aroma, but the highlights are some earthy notes, berries, and grass. I'm getting something along the lines of pine and tree bark, but it is splashed with intermittent Hi-C and lemon.

Strong earthy bitterness consumes the front of my tongue on the taste. Then as quickly as it appeared, it was washed away (I swear I'm not trying to do weather-related puns) by an intense flavor of acidic orange juice and orange sherbet. More of the earthy flavors come into play as well with wet, mossy grass, and just a sprinkling of flowers. Tree bark, sap, and a pinch of pine encase a ball of citrus juice and orange creme. All throughout, it never loses sight of its bitterness with a pure hop juice and resin component never going away. A fresh, doughy malt quality is noticeable throughout and add a layer of complexity to this Double IPA. The finish still retains the sherbet flavors for a sweeter, dessert taste.

Mouthfeel is relatively light and refreshing. This does't surprise me as this DIPA comes in under 8%, but it still feels appropriate for the style. The lighter body makes drinkability a breeze.

Hurricane is a more balanced offering from Tree House as opposed to some of the juice nukes they are notorious for. This should satisfy old and new fans of this brewery as it contains so many characteristics of a wide range of Imperial IPA's with the citrus, the pine, and the flowers. Complex, tasty, and drinkable. I'm a fan.

Rating
9.1/10