Judge's Review: 90 Rating - Julius by Tree House Brewing

Julius by Tree House Brewing was reviewed as an American IPA (BJCP style 21A). The aroma outperforms the other dimensions of the beer, whereas the flavor underperforms the promise of the aroma and the body leaves something to be desired. There was a strong hit of grapefruit aromatics along with a noticeable alcohol tone. Following these were clouds of resin, which were soft and light with faint wisps of guava and apricot. There is a light bread crust and toasted bread character from the malt. The hops were far less complex in the flavor, just your typical pine + grapefruit with abundant alcohol which made the finish a touch harsh where sweetness, bitterness and alcohol heat clash on the back palate. Overall, this beer would pair very well with a braised meat dish that is high in collagen that would be converted into gelatin – think osso buco, short ribs or pot roast. The alcohol should cut through all the coating character those dishes have on the palate and the body could be enhanced with the gelatin from the meat.