Review: Tree House Brewing Company Alter Ego
The Alter Ego from Tree House Brewing Company is a brilliant example of a well-balanced, aromatic beer that delivers on all fronts. Scoring a perfect 100 out of 100, this craft brew is something truly special.
Aroma – 12
As soon as you open this beer, you are met with an enticing aroma that absolutely envelops your senses. With notes of pine needles, vibrant mango, passion fruit, and a rush of citrusy grapefruit, it’s clear that a lot of thought went into the blend of hop varieties used. A mild earthiness and a beautiful malt sweetness also emerge, complementing the fruity profile perfectly and making the Alter Ego an outstanding case study of the magic that hops can infuse into a brew.
Appearance – 3
True to its name, the Alter Ego boasts a striking appearance. A hazy, deep gold colour that catches the eye, topped with a generous, fluffy white head that is a textural work of art in itself. Seeing this brew in a glass, one is practically compelled to take a sip.
Flavor – 20
The balanced mixture of flavors in this beer is outstanding. The fruity, earthy notes hinted at in the aroma come through eloquently when sipping the beer. The earthy character intensifies as the beer warms, adding another level of complexity to the flavour profile. Equipped with an exceptionally smooth bitterness and supported by the right amount of malt sweetness, this beer is impactful and juicy in the most enjoyable way. The flavor does more than just fulfill the promise of the aroma – it surpasses it in terms of depth and satisfaction.
Mouthfeel – 5
Alter Ego’s mouthfeel also deserves mention. The weight on the tongue, the carbonation, and the unity of the individual flavors all work seamlessly to create a harmonious whole. The bitterness and malt sweetness are meticulously balanced, making this beer dangerously drinkable.
Verdict
Brewed with a generous amount of Mosaic and Amarillo hops, this tribute to citrus-purveying goodness is an IPA par excellence. The aroma, appearance, flavour, and mouthfeel all contribute to making this beer truly stand out. All the while, the bitterness and the malt sweetness keep each other in check, setting an example of balance and harmony in beer making. As it stands, I can’t seem to type enough words of effusive praise for the Alter Ego because of how entranced I am by my sample glass. This is a beer worth seeking out and an experience worth tasting
