Sip of Sunshine is a deliciously hoppy IPA that has gained a loyal following among beer enthusiasts. Its juicy and tropical flavors combined with a smooth and full-bodied mouthfeel make it a truly exceptional brew.
But what if you’re looking for a beer that’s similar to Sip of Sunshine, yet offers a unique twist? In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to five alternatives that are sure to delight your taste buds:
1. Fiddlehead Mastermind
2. Alchemist Heady Topper
3. Tree House Julius
4. Bissell Brothers The Substance
5. Trillium Congress Street
1. Fiddlehead Mastermind
Origin and Brew Method
Fiddlehead Brewing Company, located in Shelburne, Vermont, is the mastermind behind this delightful double IPA. Founded in 2011 by Matt Cohen, a seasoned brewer with over a decade of experience, Fiddlehead has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, hop-forward beers. Mastermind, a limited release, is brewed using a method that emphasizes hop flavor and aroma without imparting too much bitterness.
Taste and Experience
Mastermind offers a juicy, tropical fruit-forward profile that’s reminiscent of Sip of Sunshine, with notes of mango, pineapple, and citrus. It has a medium body and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that’s balanced by a soft, lingering bitterness. Mastermind is a perfect alternative for those who love the juicy flavors of Sip of Sunshine but want to explore a slightly different hop profile.
2. Alchemist Heady Topper
Origin and Brew Method
Heady Topper, the legendary double IPA from The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe, Vermont, is often compared to Sip of Sunshine. Brewed by John Kimmich, Heady Topper was one of the first beers to popularize the hazy, New England-style IPA. It’s brewed using a unique combination of hops and a proprietary yeast strain, which contribute to its distinct flavor and appearance.
Taste and Experience
Heady Topper is an intensely hoppy beer with a complex and layered flavor profile. It boasts juicy and tropical fruit flavors, like Sip of Sunshine, but also has a pronounced dank, resinous quality that sets it apart. The mouthfeel is soft and pillowy, with a pleasant lingering bitterness. If you’re a fan of Sip of Sunshine but want to try something with a bit more hop intensity, Heady Topper is a must-try.
3. Tree House Julius
Origin and Brew Method
Tree House Brewing Company, located in Charlton, Massachusetts, has become synonymous with world-class IPAs. Julius, their flagship American IPA, is a standout example of the style. Brewed with a blend of American hops and a unique yeast strain, Julius showcases the best of what New England-style IPAs have to offer.
Taste and Experience
Julius is bursting with juicy, tropical fruit flavors that are reminiscent of Sip of Sunshine. It has a bright and citrusy profile, with notes of orange, mango, and grapefruit. The mouthfeel is soft and velvety, with a low bitterness that allows the hop flavors to shine. Those who enjoy the fruity, easy-drinking qualities of Sip of Sunshine will likely find Julius to be right up their alley.
4. Bissell Brothers The Substance
Origin and Brew Method
Hailing from Portland, Maine, Bissell Brothers Brewing Company has garnered a dedicated following for their innovative and flavorful beers. The Substance, their flagship IPA, showcases their commitment to quality and creativity. Brewed with a variety of hops, including Falconer’s Flight, Apollo, and Chinook, The Substance offers a unique take on the New England-style IPA.
Taste and Experience
The Substance boasts a juicy, tropical fruit profile that’s somewhat similar to Sip of Sunshine, but with a distinctive dank and piney backbone. It has a medium body, with a balanced and slightly resinous finish. Fans of Sip of Sunshine who are looking for something with a bit more complexity will appreciate the unique flavors in The Substance.
5. Trillium Congress Street
Origin and Brew Method
Trillium Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is well-known for their exceptional IPAs and other hop-forward beers. Congress Street, their flagship IPA, is a prime example of their brewing prowess. Brewed with Galaxy hops, a popular Australian variety known for its fruity and citrusy characteristics, Congress Street offers a fresh and exciting take on the New England-style IPA.
Taste and Experience
Congress Street is bursting with bright, tropical fruit flavors, similar to Sip of Sunshine. It has a prominent citrus character, with notes of tangerine, grapefruit, and passionfruit. The mouthfeel is soft and creamy, with a balanced bitterness that complements the juicy hop flavors. Congress Street is an excellent choice for those who love the fruit-forward qualities of Sip of Sunshine but want to explore new hop varieties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of craft beer offers countless exciting alternatives to Sip of Sunshine. Each of the five beers I’ve recommended here – Fiddlehead Mastermind, Alchemist Heady Topper, Tree House Julius, Bissell Brothers The Substance, and Trillium Congress Street – showcases unique flavors and brewing techniques that set them apart from one another, yet still offer a similar overall experience to Sip of Sunshine. While it’s impossible to pick just one favorite, I personally recommend trying Tree House Julius for its bright and juicy fruit flavors that closely resemble Sip of Sunshine, while also providing its own unique twist. Cheers!
FAQs
What type of IPA is sip of sunshine?
Sip of Sunshine is classified as a double IPA (India Pale Ale).
What beer is a double IPA?
A double IPA, also known as a DIPA or Imperial IPA, is a beer style that typically has a higher alcohol content and a more intense hop profile compared to a regular IPA. It is characterized by a strong malt backbone, high hop bitterness, and a pronounced hop aroma. Double IPAs often showcase a balance between the malt sweetness and the hop bitterness, resulting in a bold and flavorful beer.
What is IPA vs double IPA?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, which is a style of beer that originated in England. It is known for its hop-forward flavor profile, which typically includes floral, citrus, and piney notes. IPAs generally have a moderate to high level of bitterness.
On the other hand, double IPA, also known as Imperial IPA, is a stronger and more intense version of IPA. It typically has a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced hop character, with even more bitterness and hop flavors.
In summary, while both IPA and double IPA are hoppy beers, double IPA is a more robust and potent version of the style.
Is sip of sunshine a double IPA?
Yes, Sip of Sunshine is indeed classified as a double IPA.
What is the hop profile of sip of sunshine?
Sip of Sunshine is known for its robust hop profile. It showcases a blend of American hops, including Citra, Amarillo, and Simcoe. This combination provides a complex aroma and flavor profile with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and pine. The hops contribute to a balanced bitterness and a pleasant, lingering hop finish.
Is sip of sunshine a double ipa?
Yes, Sip of Sunshine is indeed classified as a Double IPA (India Pale Ale). It is a highly regarded beer known for its strong hop character and higher alcohol content compared to a regular IPA.
