Why are VT Double IPAs so good?

Long Trail Limbo is pretty damn tasty and that doesn't get much hype at all. I think the OP's on to something, in that VT DIPA's are a bit of a special breed. Certainly they are not doing anything that no one else can or is, but to have so many quality ones condensed in one state is pretty impressive. No doubt there's a hype machine that churns and gets people to go too far with their praise of the VT brews, but it shouldn't be polarized in the other direction (getting praise exclusively because of hype). Like with everything else, there's a middle ground. As far as I am concerned VT brewers, because of the stiff competition in the state, have created a culture of producing excellent brews and that, regardless of what's happening in the rest of the country (which is also excellent) is worth applauding and, most importantly, enjoying.

 

You're alright in my book

 

If I had to pick a favorite hoppy brew in the world Lawson's Double Sunshine might be it. I got it at a farmers market. I also think Heady's quite nice. I got it at the brewery. I've also been really knocked out by Tree House, which isn't in Vermont at all. I'd like to visit Sante Adairius again soon, which is local to where I grew up in CA.

Something these breweries' beers all had in common: I got 'em real fresh.

 

I can do that, living in NJ. Sure I have semi-regular access to MA (Trillium), VT (duh), and more, but 1) I've been active here for 9 years, and 2) have traded more than most. I'd like to think I've experienced the best DIPAs out there, many of them multiple times over.

Off the top of my head (well, that's a lie, I put some thought into this), the best DIPAs I've had are (no order):
Lawson's Double Sunshine (my personal favorite)
Alchemist Heady Topper
Hill Farmstead Abner
Toppling Goliath King Sue
Beachwood Greenshift (3rd Anny DIPA)
Boneyard Hop Venom
NEBCO Gandhi-Bot (or whatever they're going to call it next)
Maine Dinner
Surly Abrasive (with carbonation)
Other Half Green Diamonds

Beyond DS, not sure I could pick a favorite, but all those dismissing Vermont DIPAs due to "homerism" or whatnot, unless you can comment on what it is about VT hoppy beers that ISN'T special, well then you're just trolling because you don't get to drink them. Of COURSE there are great beers everywhere, but that is a very small area that produces a ton of excellent beer, and there just aren't many areas like it. My 4 cents.

 

All due respect pro -- but LT uses ringwood yeast and is eternally destined to brew beers that do not taste like the big 3. I love the brewery on rt4 and have had many good times in the pub coming back from killington but they would have to make major changes to get on the podium w the alchemist, HF and LFL. Just my humble thoughts on the matter -- in no way trying to win anything like aggressive drunk Betty.....

 

Other than the Hill Farmstead stuff I had in Vermont, I wasn't impressed with the local beers at all. I bought a case and a half of Heady and kept expecting each can to finally show me what was so great about it but that never happened.

 

My guess it's because they're so hard to get.

Whalezzz brah!!

 

Sorry to the haters. I've had good beer from all over the country and yes, there is good beer all over the country. But... Vermont is special. It's the center of the IPA universe right now and for good reason.

 

I'm going with Shaun Hill is a troubled artist that hates media attention but will do an interview with anyone that asks to explain his distaste for fame. Add in a brewery that called the police when someone tried to resell their beer. Really sets the elitist vibe for the whole scene, which feeds into the perception that VT beer is superior to other markets.

I'm not saying the beers aren't great, they absolutely are. But great beer is available everywhere these days, I just don't get the obsession with VT at this point.

 

To be fair, I don't think you actually enjoy hoppy beer (I checked your reviews), or haven't in over 5 years.

 

EDIT: Wrote Subatance, meant Mastermind. Both were let downs based on reviews and reputation.

 

obviously unless they come from the state you live in, right?

 

I've had Double Sunshine, Sip of Sunshine, Heady, Focal Banger and many other amazing Vermont IPAs, but it is all regional! NYC has started producing amazing IPAs/IIPAs, especially from Other Half, and its all relative to your area. Some people are just so stuck on the idea that their local beers are much better then everywhere else.

I might be called crazy but I would honeslty take fresh PtE over HT anyday.

 

It seems like I have a new DIPA every other week that makes me feel as though another different region has the best DIPA's. Fact is, some breweries can tend to blow it, but they arent that hard to make.

 

I absolutely agree! Trillium by far is, in my opinion, the best new brewery in the country and one of the best overall as well! I love their stuff!

 

Couldn't have said it better myself. And so I won't even try.

 

do you honestly think anything in NYC is better than Double Sunshine? Because I've had all those NYC beers too.

 

Where did you see me every make the claim that I think any beer from NYC is "better"? To quote myself, "NYC has started producing amazing IPAs/IIPAs, especially from Other Half, and its all relative to your area."

No mention of which beer is better. Nice try.

No I do not think they are better but as a viable, cost effective, easily accessible beer, I will definitely reduce my trips up to VT during the year to pick up some solid IIPAs. I don't need to anymore, as I see it. I will go up once a year for camping, like I've been doing for years, and pick up some good beers. I could also drive south to Jersey to get some Kane and Carton, or north back to my old stomping grounds in RI to get some Captains Daughter. Hell, I made my first trip to Trillium this past month and thought Heavy Mettle was just as good, if not better, then HT. So maybe I'll just go there now.

My point is..ITS ALL REGIONAL. Everyone loves to hype up their local beers over other local beers.