Beer Friday: Haze by Tree House Brewing Co.

On most Fridays, I'll share a beer I particularly enjoy, and think you might as well. This series will feature beers from all over the U.S. (and when we're lucky, the world). Cheers! 

Z and I have some awesome friends.

Last week, we hosted two of those friends here in Portland - they flew in from Boston - and they were gracious enough to bring us a whole slew of goodies.

Goodies like Tree House beer. One of my very favorite breweries from the East Coast. 

While all of Tree House's beers are good, I'm focusing on Haze today because that's what I drank on the beach. And it doesn't get any more "summer" then enjoying a good beer by the sand and waves...am I right?

What: Haze by Tree House Brewing Co.

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

ABV: 8.2%

Tasting Notes: If you're not typically a fan of IPAs (or, Imperial IPAs), this beer might just change your mind. While it definitely packs a hop punch, it is in no way those hop/malt bombs we've all been burned by before. Instead, Haze is a refreshing, hoppy, tropical fruit-forward beer that tastes delightful on a hot summer day. (Let's be honest: it tastes delightful on a freezing cold day, too).

Pairing Suggestion: This beer could stand up to salty (and/or stinky) cheeses, like a sharp cheddar or blue cheese. IPAs always go well with spicy food, too - and for dessert? Carrot cake. Trust me.

Where Can I Find It? Tree House Brewing in Monson, MA! (Even though they're moving eventually). It's worth the short drive from Boston, and it's worth waiting in line for. I promise.

Cheers to the weekend!

Beer Friday: Morph by Night Shift Brewing

 On most Fridays, I'll share a beer I particularly enjoy, and think you might as well. This series will feature beers from all over the U.S. (and when we're lucky, the world). Cheers! 

Ah, Night Shift. How I miss thee! I remember when these guys first started out - just a few short years ago - and now they're killing it at their large, fun-to-hang-out-at brewery in Everett, Massachusetts. It's so great to see how much they've grown, and how much good beer they're still churning out.

One of my favorites from Night Shift, however, is their Morph IPA. Morph is their rotating IPA series, which means each batch is always a little different - but thankfully not too different from what makes Morph so delicious in the first place.

So, East Coast friends (and those who have East Coast hookups who will send them tasty beer), read on:

What: Morph from Night Shift Brewing in Everett, Mass.

Style: American IPA

ABV: 6.2% (current batch)

Tasting Notes: Super crushable! The current recipe features Simcoe, Citra, Topaz,and Mosaic hops, which helps to give this beer a juicier, brighter, borderline citrusy flavor. Notes of orange, peach, and melon are almost always apparent in Morph, which makes this brew the perfect beer to sip on during these sunny, warmer days.

Pairing Suggestion: The hoppy profile of this beer makes it pair well with spicier dishes, such as Mexican or Indian cuisine. But I also love this alongside a bomb-dot-com sandwich - even though Morph packs a flavor punch, it's still subtle enough to pair with a lot of more complex, flavorful foods.

Where Can I Find It? Morph cans (and draft pours!) are usually available at Night Shift's brewery in Everett (but I would call ahead to make sure it's available that day), as well as a wide variety of stores in Massachusetts (and New England). Here's a map to see where to buy Night Shift's beers near you. 

Cheers!