In the noisy and explosive world of craft beer, there are still quiet currents – humble works filled with depth. Old Growth belong to Tree House Brewing Company It is such a refined sonata, where every drop of beer tells a story of the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
In an age where everything is in a hurry, Old Growth reminds us of the beauty of slowness. It is not a beer you rush down in the middle of a noisy party, but a companion for quiet moments – when the amber glass becomes a mirror reflecting the deepest emotions. This is the magic of Tree House: turning simplicity into art, and art into philosophy.
1. Tree House Brewing Company History: From Farm to Craft Beer Legend
Year 2011, among the quiet fields of the farm Brimfield, Massachusetts, three men with a passion for beer – Nate Lanier, Dean Rohan and Damien Goudreau – lit a small fire called Tree House Brewing Company. It started out as a humble brewing system, but in the years 2012, they officially entered the market with artistic craft beer lines.
And then the story grew, like a dream spreading its branches. 2014, they left Brimfield for Monson, MA, opening their first taproom – where beer lovers could enjoy pure flavor right at the source. By 2017, Tree House entered a boom period with the Charlton facility, increasing capacity to new heights. And then, like a never-ending wave, from 2021 to 2023, they continued to conquer Sandwich, Deerfield and Woodstock (CT).
But what makes Tree House's soul is not just expansion, but a sustainable philosophy: ultimate quality, direct sales (no middlemen) and limited distribution – so that every drop of beer is the most original essence.
2. Old Growth – California Common: A Sophisticated Introduction
In the colorful world of Tree House – where the streams Hazy IPA dominate – Old Growth Appearing as a quiet note, dedicated to souls who love classic beauty. Launched around 2019–2020 (although there was no official announcement, the earliest reviews on Untappd/BeerAdvocate noted its presence), this is a rare beer that breaks the brand's rules.
Tree House created Old Growth like a whisper: that beer doesn’t have to be loud to reach the heart. With an ABV of 4.9%, this is the perfect choice for those looking for something light yet complex. A representative of the California Common style, Old Growth is brewed with lager yeast at ale temperature, creating a delicate balance between sweet caramel malts and a slight bitterness from the Liberty/Northern Brewer hops.
The founder once shared in an interview that they were inspired by yeast Anchor Steam – a tribute to tradition. And when enjoying, pour it into a Pint or Nonic glass, letting the smooth white foam embrace every drop of amber gold, bringing out the malt flavor to the fullest.
Old Growth is not a storm – it is a cool, gentle breeze that is strong enough to anchor in the memory of the drinker.
3. Old Growth: When Tradition Meets Refined Innovation
California Common/Steam Beer – the name sounds like a whisper from history, recalling the foggy afternoons in 19th century San Francisco, where Anchor Brewing shaped this particular style of beer. And Tree House, with its respect for the classic, has breathed a modern breeze into Old Growth, turning it into a symphony between Ale and Lager – soft but full of personality.
3.1. Brewing Technique: The Art of Balance
The biggest difference lies in how to ferment: Lager yeast prefers cold, but is brewed at a warm temperature like an Ale, creating layers of flavors that are both familiar and surprising. The result? A beer with the clarity of a Lager but the warmth of an Ale – like the golden sunlight shining through a window in the early morning.
3.2. Sensory Impressions: From Color to Aftertaste
Color: Warm amber (SRM ~10–14), can be crystal clear or misty depending on the filtration process.
Flavor: Malt – Sweet like morning toast, with a hint of honey caramel and a crunchy roasted rice aftertaste. Hops – Light with a grassy, pine-woody scent from Liberty/Northern Brewer flowers – reminiscent of autumn forests.
Structure: Medium full body, moderate gas like spring water bubbles, dry finish but still lingering with a bit of sweetness.
3.3. ABV 4.9%: Seductive Lightness
Old Growth doesn't make you tipsy – it's like a good book by the fire, for those leisurely moments. With IBU 20–35, the bitterness is just a light touch, enough to balance without overpowering the sweetness from the malt.
3.4. Compared to Other Styles: Unique Features
- Compared to Amber Ale: Same warm malt tone but Old Growth is drier and cleaner thanks to Lager yeast.
- Compared to IPA: No tropical storms or harsh bitterness – instead, the tranquility of the jungle.
Old Growth is not a beer to be drunk in a hurry. Raise a glass. Pint up, let the amber sparkle under the yellow light, and feel the breath of history blend into every sip. This is not just a beer – it is a story of taste.
4. The Art of Enjoying Old Growth: Enjoying Every Subtle Moment
4.1. Temperature & Beer Glasses: When Cold Becomes Art
Don't pour too cold! 6–10°C is the perfect temperature range for Old Growth to shine – cool enough to be refreshing, but warm enough to caramel malt and liberty flower aroma slowly awakens, lingering on the tip of the tongue. A beer that is too cold will numb these delicate layers of flavor.
- Pint glass/Nonic glass: Classic cup with wide mouth, helps the aroma spread gently, while keeping the heat stable for you to enjoy slowly.
- Becker/Tumbler:If you want to immerse yourself in the scent, choose a wide-bodied glass – where the toast and pine aromas have room to “breathe”.
4.2. Accompanying Cuisine: An Unforgettable Taste Feast
Old Growth is like a concert artist, knowing how to support or contrast with food:
- Rich Grilled Food: Cheesy cheese burger, fatty German sausage or honey grilled ribs – the caramel flavor in the beer will blend with the golden grilled sauce.
- Elegant seafood: Steamed shrimp with beer Imbued with natural sweetness, or crispy-skinned pan-seared salmon – the cleanness of the beer cuts through the fat, leaving a light feeling.
- Mildly spicy: Peppered tacos or spicy Mexican chicken – the slight bitterness from the flowers will soothe the burning, creating a magical balance.
- Snacks: Sea salt pretzels, creamy gouda cheese – these simple dishes will make the malt flavor in beer shine unexpectedly.
4.3. Occasion to Enjoy: When Space Becomes a Soulmate
- Outdoor party: With an ABV of 4.9%, Old Growth is the ideal companion for sunny BBU sessions or picnics under the trees – enough to connect, but never exhaust you.
- Cold autumn afternoon: Sitting by the window, sipping warm amber beer, feeling the malt aroma like a woolen blanket wrapped around the soul.
- After work:A cool glass of Old Growth is the perfect way to end a long day – relieve stress without getting drunk.
Let Old Growth be slow rhythm amidst the hustle and bustle of life. It doesn't need to be ostentatious – because the real appeal lies in the the smallest detail, like the sound of bubbles breaking softly on the glass, or the faint smell of alcohol in the last breath of the day.
5. Conclusion: The Last Prelude Filled with Reluctance
There are beers that are born to cause a storm, but Old Growth is a love song written specifically for souls who love slowness. Each drop of shimmering amber does not flaunt a harsh bitterness, does not conquer with a whirlwind of floral scents - but gently awakens memories with the aroma of early morning toast, the smoky honey caramel, and the warm embrace of lager yeast infused with ale warmth.
Tree House created Old Growth not to become a legend, but to remind us that: Sometimes, the most precious thing lies in simplicity.Raise your glass, touch your lips, and let the beer guide you to the land. peaceful – where time stops, leaving only the pure taste of unhurried passion.
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