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Alter Ego
Tree House Brewing Company


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Tree House Brewing Company
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- New England IPA
Ranked #28 - ABV:
- 6.8%
- Score:
- 100
Ranked #114 - Avg:
- 4.54 | pDev: 6.17%
- Reviews:
- 367
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 17, 2023
- Added:
- Jun 11, 2015
- Wants:
- 511
- Gots:
- 867
SCORE
100
World-Class
100
World-Class


Notes:
A beer brewed in the spirit of experimentation and the celebration of our 3rd anniversary… ! What we did here is we took a whole bunch of Mosaic and Amarillo hops, a classic punch of citrus purveying goodness, and added them to the Julius dry hop. The base beer is exactly the same, but the dry hop is altered tremendously. The result is a beer with all the deliciousness of the base beer with a layer of added citrusy complexity. Like devil Julius or something. A real treat!
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by JohnG190 from New York
4.64/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
4.64/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Alter Ego is an American Double IPA that boasts a complex hop profile, with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. The beer has a hazy, golden color and a medium body. The flavor is well-balanced, with a moderate bitterness that is countered by a subtle sweetness from the malt. The beer finishes dry, making it easy to drink and leaving you wanting another sip. Overall, Alter Ego is a tasty and well-crafted beer that drinks like a tree house session even though it clocks in at 6.8%!!!
Jan 29, 2023Reviewed by woemad from Washington
4.29/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.29/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
16oz can courtesy of Roguer.
Orange-honey color, I'd call it highly hazy or cloudy in appearance, but not truly opaque like some NEIPAs. Thick, creamy looking head, colored somewhere between off-white and beige. Lots of lace and sticky globs of foam adhered to the sides of my teku as said head dropped.
Aroma is reminiscent of tropical fruits, melons, stonefruits and grapefruit. Big hoppy nose to this, in a way that straddles the NEIPA and WCIPA styles. Curious to see if the beer's hoppiness is as dramatic in the taste.
Up front, it's actually a little less intense than I was expecting. It's definitely a fruit forward beer in terms of the flavor hitting the taste bud beachhead, but it's a bit more restrained. At the finish it is sharply bitter, almost grassy and quite dry. This sharp dryness seemed to mellow as it warmed a little after opening.
Soft, slightly creamy mouth feel.
I'm not sure this is my new favorite hazy, but it'd be in the conversation and I'd hit it regularly if it were local to me. Thanks for this, Andrew!
Dec 15, 2022Orange-honey color, I'd call it highly hazy or cloudy in appearance, but not truly opaque like some NEIPAs. Thick, creamy looking head, colored somewhere between off-white and beige. Lots of lace and sticky globs of foam adhered to the sides of my teku as said head dropped.
Aroma is reminiscent of tropical fruits, melons, stonefruits and grapefruit. Big hoppy nose to this, in a way that straddles the NEIPA and WCIPA styles. Curious to see if the beer's hoppiness is as dramatic in the taste.
Up front, it's actually a little less intense than I was expecting. It's definitely a fruit forward beer in terms of the flavor hitting the taste bud beachhead, but it's a bit more restrained. At the finish it is sharply bitter, almost grassy and quite dry. This sharp dryness seemed to mellow as it warmed a little after opening.
Soft, slightly creamy mouth feel.
I'm not sure this is my new favorite hazy, but it'd be in the conversation and I'd hit it regularly if it were local to me. Thanks for this, Andrew!
Reviewed by DavetotheB from Pennsylvania
4.44/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.44/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From a 16oz can dated 11/23/22 into a weizen glass. Can message: "One more day"
Pours an opaque yellowish organge with about one finger of white head. Great retention, Excellent lacing. Visually, this beer presents awesome.
Aromas of oranges, mango pineapple, grass and earth. Moderate to strong smell.
Taste follows. Nice upfront juiciness with bitterness on the back end. Really well-executed, balanced taste.
Med carbonation. Full bodied but thinner than their DIPAs. Strong bitter aftertaste.
Great beer. Haven't had Julius in a while so can't compare. But this is super solid. Everything I love about Tree House-Lots of juice and lots of bitterness.
Dec 03, 2022Pours an opaque yellowish organge with about one finger of white head. Great retention, Excellent lacing. Visually, this beer presents awesome.
Aromas of oranges, mango pineapple, grass and earth. Moderate to strong smell.
Taste follows. Nice upfront juiciness with bitterness on the back end. Really well-executed, balanced taste.
Med carbonation. Full bodied but thinner than their DIPAs. Strong bitter aftertaste.
Great beer. Haven't had Julius in a while so can't compare. But this is super solid. Everything I love about Tree House-Lots of juice and lots of bitterness.
Reviewed by unlikelyspiderperson from California
4.12/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
4.12/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nice beer overall, balances the fruit salad (emphasis on strawberry and maybe blueberries for me, along with the general tropical vibe) aroma and flavor with a nice hit of bitterness. There's a nice strawberry flavor that is pretty unique in my experience that I could see really appealing to some people.
Pours a deep orange, opaque hazy brew that veers toward the "turbid". Huge dense foam head with a light khaki color.
Aroma is incredibly loud, sweet orange, strawberry, pineapple/mango/nectarine, just an absolute fruit salad. Really pleasant
Taste is bitter at first (probably just jarring compared to the aroma) with citrus pith hitting hard. Then it widens out to a soft, berry forward fruitiness. Nice bitter finish that lingers pleasantly. A little watery all in all.
Mouthfeel is smooth and soft but a little thin.
Nov 08, 2022Pours a deep orange, opaque hazy brew that veers toward the "turbid". Huge dense foam head with a light khaki color.
Aroma is incredibly loud, sweet orange, strawberry, pineapple/mango/nectarine, just an absolute fruit salad. Really pleasant
Taste is bitter at first (probably just jarring compared to the aroma) with citrus pith hitting hard. Then it widens out to a soft, berry forward fruitiness. Nice bitter finish that lingers pleasantly. A little watery all in all.
Mouthfeel is smooth and soft but a little thin.
Reviewed by SSS from Canada (QC)
5/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
A-Amber orange with a thick marshmellow white head
S-Tropical fruit bomb with mango, ripe cantaloupe and watermelon
M-Full body, low carbination juice. With a resinous velvety mouthfeel
T-Heavy on the melon flavour with the right amount of a subtle bitterness on the finish.
O-Outstanding
Oct 21, 2022S-Tropical fruit bomb with mango, ripe cantaloupe and watermelon
M-Full body, low carbination juice. With a resinous velvety mouthfeel
T-Heavy on the melon flavour with the right amount of a subtle bitterness on the finish.
O-Outstanding
Reviewed by OldGrover from Michigan
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Another very good beer from Tree House. All of the usual accolades for one of their beers. However, this one is not as citrusy sweet as their norm. I tasted slightly bitter watermelon flavor. Nice change.
Sep 06, 2022Reviewed by Fieceheart from Connecticut
4.22/5 rDev -7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.22/5 rDev -7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not my favorite treehouse offering… but neither is Julius. This one has an interesting almost grape bubblegum thing that was hard to nail down exactly. More melon that citrus. It’s just another treehouse beer that you have to try to see how it compares. But for me, there was nothing standing out that i could really appreciate or even describe. Its very smooth drinking but to a fault in that it lacked any kind of bitter or pithy punch on the finish.
Aug 29, 2022Rated by TheBigBoy from Pennsylvania
3.17/5 rDev -30.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
3.17/5 rDev -30.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
This one was just OK for me, much better IPA options from Treehouse in my opinion.
Jul 22, 2022Reviewed by 1009 from Massachusetts
4/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Now I think people fall into this Treehouse hype and believe me it is deserved. They make some of the best beers in the world. However, this is just a solid New England IPA. I have had things similar. Thick orange color with a fluffy head and bursting with citrus flavors. Where this separates itself is in its smooth drinkability. It goes down like an orange juice.
Jun 08, 2022Reviewed by 57md from Pennsylvania
4.18/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours an opaque dirty straw color with a half finger of head. The nose has notes of over-rippened tropical fruits with a hint of citrus. The flavor is the same over-rippened tropical fruitiness combined with a grainy quality. Like its less-evil twin Julius, the finish is pithy. Oddly enough, however, I think that Julius has a more potent bitterness.
The body is definitely hearty for the style.
May 26, 2022The body is definitely hearty for the style.
Reviewed by jngls from Germany
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Two months old. Can to willi.
Look: Pours a full and hazy, slightly brownish yellow. Fluffy white head, lots of lacing and no floaters.
Smell: Citrusy notes of orange, lemon and grapefruit complemented by hints of pineapple, white grapes and apricot.
Taste: Ripe tangerine and grapefruit paired with tropical mango and pineapple. The body is sweet and minimally zesty, the finish bitter and dry.
Feel: Full and juicy, almost creamy. Medium carbonation.
Overall: Great alteration of Julius with some added citrusy freshness rounding off the sweet base very nicely. Certainly one of the best sub 7% ABV IPAs out there which doesn’t have to shy away from its bigger siblings.
May 24, 2022Look: Pours a full and hazy, slightly brownish yellow. Fluffy white head, lots of lacing and no floaters.
Smell: Citrusy notes of orange, lemon and grapefruit complemented by hints of pineapple, white grapes and apricot.
Taste: Ripe tangerine and grapefruit paired with tropical mango and pineapple. The body is sweet and minimally zesty, the finish bitter and dry.
Feel: Full and juicy, almost creamy. Medium carbonation.
Overall: Great alteration of Julius with some added citrusy freshness rounding off the sweet base very nicely. Certainly one of the best sub 7% ABV IPAs out there which doesn’t have to shy away from its bigger siblings.
Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania
4.44/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.44/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Tree House Brewing Co. "Green"
16 fl. oz. can coded "YOU CAN CALL ME AL 04/27/22 06:57:53". Sampled on 05/17/22
$15.20/4-pk at the brewery on 05/12/22
Notes via stream of consciousness: The label states that this is the "twin brother to Julius", and that it "builds upon Julius with... Mosaic and Amarillo...". A finger's width of off-white foam tops a murky golden colored body with an orange sheen. The head appears to be holding quite well so far. The aroma offers upsome sweetish malt, soft berries, and orange. The flavor is fuller with additional notes of mango, passionfruit, peach, lychee, floral blossoms, grass, pine, and earth. A median bitterness balances it and along with a little bit of "hop bite" leads to a dry finish with some fruit, pine, earth, and spice lingering. In the mouth it's medium bodied but with a lot of extra proteins that makes it seem fluffier and somewhat fuller. It's gently crisp and then smooth. The head held up quite well and there are torn sheest of lace and craggy rings left throughout the glass. I actually like this better than Julius but that's probably just because Mosaic hops are my current favorite.
Review #7,978
May 17, 202216 fl. oz. can coded "YOU CAN CALL ME AL 04/27/22 06:57:53". Sampled on 05/17/22
$15.20/4-pk at the brewery on 05/12/22
Notes via stream of consciousness: The label states that this is the "twin brother to Julius", and that it "builds upon Julius with... Mosaic and Amarillo...". A finger's width of off-white foam tops a murky golden colored body with an orange sheen. The head appears to be holding quite well so far. The aroma offers upsome sweetish malt, soft berries, and orange. The flavor is fuller with additional notes of mango, passionfruit, peach, lychee, floral blossoms, grass, pine, and earth. A median bitterness balances it and along with a little bit of "hop bite" leads to a dry finish with some fruit, pine, earth, and spice lingering. In the mouth it's medium bodied but with a lot of extra proteins that makes it seem fluffier and somewhat fuller. It's gently crisp and then smooth. The head held up quite well and there are torn sheest of lace and craggy rings left throughout the glass. I actually like this better than Julius but that's probably just because Mosaic hops are my current favorite.
Review #7,978
Reviewed by Rug from Massachusetts
4.46/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Canned 4/27/22. “You can call me Al” stamped on the bottom of the can
So this was literally canned fucking today. That’s wild to me, as fresh as Tree House can be. This is one I’ve somehow missed every time I take a trip out to the brewery, but I’m happy to finally get to it. Yet another TH beer in the top 250 as well. Let’s get into it
Pours a hazy pale gold with 3 fingers of creamy off white head that slowly fades to a cap and leaves decent lacing
The nose shows a surprising amount of balance, but it makes sense considering it’s based on Julius. I’m picking up on aromas of juicy mango, peppery hops, apricot, doughy malt, orange juice, and papaya
It is similarly balanced in taste, feeling bright and juicy. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting tangerine zest, crackery malt, juicy mango, earthy hops, orange juice, and peach. The swallow brings notes of peppery hops, tangerine zest, crackery malt, papaya, gooseberry, and light orange zest
A medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a creamy beer. Finishes mostly dry with a firm bitterness
Yet another killer NEIPA from Tree House. Better than Julius, but not quite as good as King Julius still. Maybe it’ll be even better when it’s not so fresh
Apr 28, 2022So this was literally canned fucking today. That’s wild to me, as fresh as Tree House can be. This is one I’ve somehow missed every time I take a trip out to the brewery, but I’m happy to finally get to it. Yet another TH beer in the top 250 as well. Let’s get into it
Pours a hazy pale gold with 3 fingers of creamy off white head that slowly fades to a cap and leaves decent lacing
The nose shows a surprising amount of balance, but it makes sense considering it’s based on Julius. I’m picking up on aromas of juicy mango, peppery hops, apricot, doughy malt, orange juice, and papaya
It is similarly balanced in taste, feeling bright and juicy. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting tangerine zest, crackery malt, juicy mango, earthy hops, orange juice, and peach. The swallow brings notes of peppery hops, tangerine zest, crackery malt, papaya, gooseberry, and light orange zest
A medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a creamy beer. Finishes mostly dry with a firm bitterness
Yet another killer NEIPA from Tree House. Better than Julius, but not quite as good as King Julius still. Maybe it’ll be even better when it’s not so fresh
Reviewed by erosier from Connecticut
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a cloudy orange yellow color with a thick white colored head that laces the glass alot and stays as a small film over the beer. Smells of mango, citrus, and some cracker notes as well. Tastes of mango, citrus, and melon. Smooth, perfect amount of carbonation, this is a good feel to it. Overall, another banger from Treehouse!
Dec 23, 2021Rated by Ishavedmyballsforthis
4.75/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
4.75/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
My favorite Julius derivative. In fact, I prefer it over the OG.
Oct 31, 2021Reviewed by BlanBarry from Oklahoma
4.17/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.17/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The beer pours very thick with dry grapefruit and a very pervasive hop finish. It's a very different beer from Julius. There are distinct differences with the huge dry finish. It wakes up the taste buds for sure.
Sep 07, 2021
Alter Ego from Tree House Brewing Company
Beer rating:
100 out of
100 with
2607 ratings
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