Beer Review: Trillium Citra Cutting Tiles Double IPA
Trillium Brewing Company stands as a titan in the New England IPA scene, and their “Cutting Tiles” series is renowned for showcasing specific hop varietals in their purest, most potent forms. The Citra Cutting Tiles DIPA is a celebrated iteration that focuses solely on the beloved Citra hop.
First Impressions & Appearance: Poured into a glass, this DIPA immediately impresses with its quintessential Trillium haze – a thick, opaque, vibrant orange-yellow hue that resembles freshly squeezed juice. A substantial, creamy, bright white head forms and persists, leaving dense lacing as it slowly recedes. The aroma is an absolute explosion of Citra hop character: intense notes of ripe grapefruit, juicy orange, passionfruit, and a hint of lime zest. There’s also a soft, sweet background of stone fruit and a slight tropical pungency that makes it incredibly inviting.
Taste Profile: The first sip is a masterclass in Citra expression. A powerful wave of bright citrus flavors (grapefruit, orange, tangerine) washes over the palate, followed quickly by lush tropical fruit notes, such as mango and passionfruit. What sets this DIPA apart is the incredible juiciness – it feels like drinking fresh fruit juice, but with a refined bitterness that grounds the sweetness.
Despite being a Double IPA, the alcohol (typically in the 8-9% ABV range for Trillium DIPAs) is incredibly well-hidden, contributing a warming richness without any harshness. The malt bill is exceptionally clean, providing a soft, pillowy body that allows the hops to sing. There’s minimal perceived bitterness on the front end, leaning into the “hazy” style’s focus on hop flavor and aroma. Still, a gentle, lingering bitterness emerges in the finish, providing a satisfying balance. If this specific version of Cutting Tiles includes raw wildflower honey, as some have, it would contribute a subtle sweetness and perhaps a floral note that further rounds out the hop profile without making it cloying.
Texture & Finish: The mouthfeel is wonderfully soft, thick, and creamy, a hallmark of Trillium’s best hazy IPAs. It coats the palate with a luxurious smoothness. The carbonation is moderate, lifting the flavors without being overly effervescent. The finish is remarkably clean for a DIPA, leaving a lingering, pleasant bitterness and a residual taste of juicy tropical fruit that makes it immensely drinkable.
Trillium Citra Cutting Tiles is a benchmark New England Hazy DIPA and a supreme showcase for the Citra hop. It delivers on all fronts: unparalleled juiciness, vibrant aromatics, a soft mouthfeel, and expert balance. It’s remarkably easy to drink for its strength, making it both dangerously delicious and incredibly satisfying. This is a must-try for any fan of hazy IPAs, especially those who adore the bright, tropical, and citrusy character of Citra.
Who is this for? Hazy IPA aficionados, hop heads looking for a pure Citra experience, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, juicy, and deceptively smooth Double IPA.