Beer Review: Trillium Peacharine Dry Hopped Fort Point Pale Ale
Trillium Brewing Company‘s Fort Point Pale Ale is a cornerstone of their lineup, serving as a standard-bearer for their interpretation of the New England style. The “Peacharine Dry Hopped” variant takes this familiar base and infuses it with the distinctive character of the Peacharine hop, offering a fresh, fruity iteration.
First Impressions & Appearance: Poured into a glass, this pale ale displays the signature Trillium haze, a dense, opaque, golden-yellow hue that evokes fresh peach juice. A persistent, fluffy white head forms, leaving beautiful lacing on the glass as it slowly dissipates. The aroma is immediately captivating and true to its name: a prominent burst of juicy, ripe peach, mingling with vibrant notes of tangerine, passionfruit, and a hint of floral sweetness from the Peacharine hops. It’s incredibly aromatic and inviting.
Taste Profile: The first sip is a delightful experience that perfectly balances the pale ale’s approachable nature with the unique hop character. Sweet, succulent peach flavors greet the palate immediately, tasting remarkably natural and fresh rather than artificial. These peach notes are beautifully intertwined with zesty citrus (orange, mandarin) and subtle tropical fruit undertones that the Peacharine hop is known for.
The bitterness is incredibly soft and restrained, typical of the New England style, making this a very smooth and easy-drinking beer. The malt backbone is light and clean, providing a soft, bready sweetness that supports the hops without ever becoming heavy or cloying. At 6.6% ABV, it’s remarkably sessionable for a Trillium hop-forward beer, with no alcohol harshness whatsoever. The fruit-forward hops truly shine here, creating a refreshing and bright flavor profile.
Texture & Finish: The mouthfeel is wonderfully soft, creamy, and smooth, consistent with Trillium’s hazy offerings. It has a medium body that feels substantial without being thick. The carbonation is moderate, adding to the refreshing quality. The finish is clean and relatively dry, with the juicy peach and citrus hop flavors lingering pleasantly, inviting another sip.
Trillium‘s Peacharine Dry Hopped Fort Point Pale Ale is a fantastic evolution of a beloved classic. It expertly showcases the unique peachy and tropical characteristics of the Peacharine hop in a supremely drinkable, well-crafted hazy pale ale. It strikes a beautiful balance between juicy fruit character and a clean, refreshing finish, making it accessible to a wide range of palates. This is a highly enjoyable and aromatic beer that truly highlights the artistry of hop selection and brewing.
Who is this for? Fans of New England Pale Ales, those who enjoy peach-forward beers, and anyone looking for a refreshing, juicy, and aromatic hop experience that isn’t overly bitter or heavy. It’s a perfect choice for a sunny afternoon.
Available at SF Tequila Shop