Beer Review: Great Notion/Treehouse Collective Concentrated Clouds Hazy IPA
Brewery: Great Notion Brewing (in collaboration with Tall Trees Brewlab and Treehouse Collective)
Style: Hazy IPA (New England IPA)
ABV: 7.1%
Hops: Citra, Nelson Sauvin, Rakau (dry-hopped and finished with Nelson and Rakau hop kiefs)
- Appearance: “Concentrated Clouds” pours a truly opaque, hazy golden-orange, living up to its name with a dense, cloud-like appearance. It forms a thick, creamy white head that lingers beautifully, leaving substantial lacing down the glass as you drink. This beer certainly looks the part of a top-tier New England IPA.
- Aroma: The aroma is an absolute explosion of tropical and stone fruit. Immediately, you’re greeted with prominent notes of ripe mango, juicy passionfruit, and sweet peach, backed by a subtle hint of white grape and citrus from the Nelson Sauvin and Citra hops. There’s a soft, almost creamy undertone, likely from the hop kiefs, adding to the overall richness of the bouquet. It’s incredibly inviting and promises a flavorful experience.
- Taste: The palate delivers on the aromatic promise, offering a wave of luscious fruit flavors. Mandarin orange and ripe pineapple lead the charge, seamlessly blending with the tropical notes detected in the aroma. The Nelson Sauvin shines through with its distinctive white wine and gooseberry character, adding a layer of complexity to the blend. The Rakau hops contribute a soft, stone fruit sweetness. Despite its juicy profile, there’s a well-balanced bitterness that keeps it from being overly sweet, providing a refreshing counterpoint. The hop kiefs seem to enhance the mouthfeel and amplify the hop character without introducing harshness.
- Mouthfeel: This Hazy IPA boasts a wonderfully soft, pillowy, and full-bodied mouthfeel. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy, gliding across the palate with minimal carbonation bite, which is characteristic of the style. The finish is remarkably clean for such a hop-forward beer, leaving a pleasant, lingering juiciness that invites another sip.
Overall Impression:
“Concentrated Clouds” is a stellar collaboration that showcases the expertise of all three breweries involved. It’s a prime example of a well-executed Hazy IPA, delivering a vibrant, fruit-forward profile without sacrificing balance or drinkability. The use of hop kiefs is a clever touch, contributing to both the intensity of the hop flavors and the luxurious mouthfeel. This beer is a must-try for fans of the style and anyone looking for a truly juicy and aromatic IPA. It’s dangerously drinkable for its 7.1% ABV. Highly recommended!