Beer Review: Trillium Brewing Stillings Street IPA
If you want to understand why Nelson Sauvin is one of the most coveted (and expensive) hops in the world, look no further than Stillings Street. This 7.2% ABV standout from Trillium’s “Street Series” is essentially a showcase for the New Zealand hop‘s unique ability to mimic the finest white wines of the Marlborough region while maintaining a heavy-hitting tropical profile.
Appearance
Stillings Street pours with that iconic Trillium “glow.” It is a deep, hazy straw-yellow that looks incredibly dense in the glass. The head is bright white and mountainous, retaining its structure for several minutes and leaving behind a “spiderweb” of lacing that indicates a high protein content and heavy dry-hopping.
The Experience
The Nose: The aromatics are high in frequency and elegant. Unlike the “orange juice” profile of many hazies, Stillings Street leans into white grape, gooseberry, and lychee. There is an unmistakable “Sauvignon Blanc” character here—a mix of crushed grapes and a very faint, pleasant, herbal dankness that keeps the bouquet complex.
The Palate: On the tongue, the beer is remarkably vibrant. The grape and gooseberry notes from the nose translate perfectly, joined by a burst of fresh passion fruit and lime zest. The malt bill is carefully dialed back, providing a soft, doughy foundation that supports the hops without adding cloying caramel or honey notes.
Mouthfeel: This is Trillium’s “secret sauce.” The mouthfeel is incredibly soft and pillowy—often described as “creamy carbonation.” It has significant weight, making the 7.2% ABV feel substantial, yet it finishes bone-dry with zero “hop burn” or lingering bitterness.
The Verdict
Stillings Street is a “sophisticated” Hazy IPA. It trades the brute-force citrus of Citra hops for the nuanced, wine-like elegance of Nelson Sauvin. It is perfectly executed, incredibly balanced, and serves as a reminder that Trillium remains the gold standard of the New England style. If you enjoy a beer that is as complex as a fine wine but as refreshing as a fresh-squeezed juice, this is a must-try.
Ideal Pairing
From the Shop: The white grape and gooseberry notes are a fantastic match for a crisp, mineral-forward Artisanal Mezcal. The smoke of the agave acts as a beautiful counterpoint to the beer’s bright fruit.
Local Eats: Pair this with a spicy green papaya salad or some ceviche. The food’s acidity will make the tropical fruit notes in the beer sing.