Beer Review: Trillium Mass Ave Double IPA
- Brewery: Trillium Brewing Company
- Style: Double IPA
- ABV: 8.2%
Mass Ave introduces Trillium‘s Avenue Series, a line of Double IPAs that pays homage to the historic roadways of Boston. This series combines the focused dry-hop expressions of Trillium’s classic Street Series with the strength of their Double IPAs. It pours a hazy and glowing deep straw yellow, a true-to-style appearance that sets the stage for the vibrant flavors to come.
Appearance – Mass Ave pours a hazy, glowing, deep straw yellow, a visual characteristic that immediately signals its modern, juicy IPA style. The beer forms a solid, white head that dissipates slowly, leaving behind delicate lacing on the glass. The hazy appearance is consistent and appealing, setting the stage for the flavor experience.
Aroma – The aroma of this Double IPA is a vibrant, intense bouquet, dominated by the generous dry-hopping with Mosaic. The nose is a complex medley of tropical and citrus notes, with distinct scents of juicy pineapple and pulpy orange juice. Layered beneath are aromas of dried mango and bright, zesty grapefruit peel, creating a profile that is both powerful and inviting.
Mass Ave delivers on the promise of its aroma. The flavor profile is a symphony of tropical fruit and citrus, featuring prominent notes of juicy pineapple and sweet mango, perfectly complemented by zesty grapefruit. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with a soft, mouth-coating texture attributed to the wheat and rye in the malt bill. Despite its high ABV, the beer is remarkably balanced. It finishes with a delicate sweetness on the palate, immediately followed by a crisp, balancing bitterness reminiscent of fresh-cut grass, making it highly drinkable for a Double IPA.
As the inaugural beer of the Avenue Series, Mass Ave sets a high bar. It successfully marries the hop-forward character of the Street Series with the strength of a Double IPA, all while maintaining a fantastic level of drinkability. The combination of its soft texture, intensely fruity flavor, and balanced finish makes it an excellent representation of a modern Double IPA. It is a highly enjoyable beer that showcases Trillium’s mastery of the style.