As a craft beer lover, I’ve had the privilege of trying beers from many well-known breweries, but Trillium Brewing Company stands out as one of my absolute favorites. With a reputation for producing innovative and high-quality beers, Trillium has become a go-to brewery for me, especially when I’m in the mood for something bold and flavorful. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, Trillium’s lineup offers something for every beer lover. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top list of Trillium beers—those that I always look forward to enjoying, whether it’s at their taprooms or from the comfort of home.
1. Fort Point Pale Ale
One of my all-time favorite Trillium beers is their Fort Point Pale Ale. This is one of those beers that you can enjoy in almost any setting. The Fort Point Pale Ale strikes the perfect balance between hop bitterness and malty sweetness, making it incredibly drinkable while still providing plenty of character. Its citrusy aroma is the first thing you notice when you open the can, and that fresh hop scent sets the tone for what’s to come. On the palate, Fort Point is light and crisp with just enough malt backbone to keep it interesting.
What I love most about this beer is how versatile it is. Whether I’m sitting on the porch enjoying a sunny day or pairing it with my favorite meal, Fort Point Pale Ale consistently delivers. It’s an ideal beer for those who prefer something refreshing without sacrificing taste, making it a perfect choice for nearly any occasion.
2. Julius IPA
No discussion of Trillium beers would be complete without mentioning Julius IPA. This beer has become a hallmark of the New England-style IPA category, and for good reason. Julius is everything you want in a juicy IPA: bold hop flavors, a hazy appearance, and a smooth, easy-drinking finish. When you first pour Julius, its hazy golden hue catches your eye, and the tropical fruit aromas immediately hit your senses. On the taste, you get a beautiful combination of mango, pineapple, and citrus notes, all wrapped up in a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
What sets Julius apart for me is how well it balances hop intensity with drinkability. While it’s packed with tropical fruit flavors, it doesn’t have the overwhelming bitterness that sometimes comes with other IPAs. This makes Julius an approachable IPA that’s perfect for those new to the style or seasoned hop-heads who appreciate a well-balanced brew.
3. King Julius
Building on the popularity of Julius, Trillium also brews King Julius, which is a double IPA version of the original. This version cranks up the hop intensity while maintaining the smooth, juicy character that I love about Julius. King Julius is even more full-bodied, with a mouthfeel that’s rich and satisfying. The tropical fruit notes are amplified, and the malt sweetness is more pronounced, which gives it a wonderfully complex flavor profile.
What makes King Julius a standout beer for me is its boldness. It’s the perfect beer when I want to indulge in something a little stronger but still want that refreshing, tropical fruit-forward profile. If you enjoy the original Julius, King Julius is a must-try, as it takes everything great about the base beer and amplifies it into something even more intense and enjoyable.
4. Double Dry-Hopped Fort Point
For those who love a more hop-forward pale ale, Double Dry-Hopped Fort Point is an excellent choice. This version of the classic Fort Point Pale Ale introduces an extra level of hop character thanks to the dry-hopping process. The result is an aromatic, citrus-forward beer with an enhanced bitterness that balances out the malt sweetness. The extra dry-hop really elevates the beer, giving it an extra burst of grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruit flavors.
Double Dry-Hopped Fort Point is the kind of beer that you want when you’re in the mood for something a bit more intense than a regular pale ale. Its additional hop profile makes it stand out from the original, and I love the extra complexity it brings to the table. It’s the ideal beer for anyone who enjoys a pale ale with a little more bite.
5. Night & Day
Trillium also excels in brewing rich, dark beers, and Night & Day is a perfect example of their skill in this area. This American Stout has a deep, roasty flavor with notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and a touch of dark fruit. Its smooth, creamy mouthfeel adds to its luxurious character, making it the perfect beer to enjoy during the colder months or when I’m looking for something hearty.
What I really appreciate about Night & Day is how well the roasted malt flavors are integrated into the beer. It’s not overly bitter, which allows the chocolate and coffee flavors to shine through without feeling heavy or too intense. It’s a beautifully balanced stout that has the richness I crave while maintaining a level of smoothness that makes it easy to drink.
6. Melcher Street IPA
If you’re looking for a clean, crisp IPA that’s not too heavy on the bitterness, Melcher Street IPA is an excellent option. This beer is a great example of a well-crafted, sessionable IPA. It has a slightly lighter body compared to some of Trillium’s other hop-forward beers, making it incredibly easy to drink. The flavors are primarily citrus and pine, with a bit of a floral finish that adds to its refreshing quality.
What makes Melcher Street IPA so appealing to me is its balance. It’s not as bold as Julius or King Julius, but it still packs enough hop character to keep things interesting. Whether I’m having a casual dinner or just relaxing after a long day, Melcher Street is the kind of beer I can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by bitterness.
7. The Crusher
The Crusher is a bold and powerful Imperial IPA that rounds out my list of favorite Trillium beers. It’s a full-bodied, hop-heavy beer that delivers an incredible punch of tropical fruit, pine, and grapefruit flavors. The bitterness is more pronounced here, which is typical of Imperial IPAs, but the malt backbone keeps it balanced and smooth. It’s definitely one of those beers that stands out because of its intense hop profile and high ABV.
When I’m in the mood for something strong and flavorful, The Crusher is my go-to choice. It’s a beer that commands attention with its bold flavors and high alcohol content, but it still retains the smoothness that Trillium is known for. If you’re a fan of big, hop-forward beers, The Crusher is a must-try.
Conclusion
Trillium Brewing Company has an impressive lineup of beers that cater to a wide range of tastes, from hop-forward IPAs to rich, complex stouts. My top list of Trillium beers reflects the diversity and quality that the brewery consistently delivers. Whether you’re looking for something juicy and refreshing like Julius or a bold, indulgent stout like Night & Day, there’s something for every beer lover in Trillium’s collection. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend trying these beers — they’ve earned a permanent place in my beer fridge.
