What is a Hazy IPA?

Hazy IPAs have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason.

These beers are known for their cloudy appearance, juicy hop character, and soft body. However, for those unfamiliar with the style, it may be unclear what exactly sets a Hazy IPA apart from other types of beer.

At its core, a Hazy IPA is an American-style IPA that is intentionally left hazy or cloudy in appearance. This is achieved by using certain brewing techniques, such as adding hops at different stages of the brewing process or using specific yeast strains. The result is a beer that is often described as having a “juicy” or “tropical” flavor profile, with a smooth mouthfeel that is less bitter than traditional IPAs.

While Hazy IPAs were initially met with skepticism by some in the beer community, they have since become one of the most popular beer styles available. Many breweries now offer their own take on the style, with variations that incorporate different hop varieties or brewing methods. Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or new to the world of craft beer, trying a Hazy IPA is definitely worth a shot.

Origins of Hazy IPA

Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs, are a relatively new style of beer that has gained immense popularity in recent years. This beer style is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity flavor profile.

The origins of Hazy IPA can be traced back to Vermont, where the style was first brewed in the early 2000s. The term “New England IPA” was coined in 2010 by beer writer Will Gordon, who used it to describe a beer brewed by The Alchemist, a Vermont brewery. The Alchemist’s beer, Heady Topper, quickly became a cult favorite among beer enthusiasts and helped to popularize the style.

Hazy IPAs are often compared to West Coast IPAs, which are known for their clear appearance and bitter, hop-forward flavor profile. The rise of Hazy IPAs can be seen as a reaction to the dominance of West Coast IPAs in the craft beer scene.

Brewers in England also played a role in the development of Hazy IPAs. The yeast strains used in Hazy IPAs are often referred to as “English” or “London” yeast strains, which are known for producing fruity esters and a hazy appearance.

Despite its relatively short history, Hazy IPA has become one of the most popular beer styles in the United States and beyond. Brewers around the world have embraced the style, experimenting with different hop varieties and brewing techniques to create their own unique takes on the style.

Characteristics of Hazy IPA

Hazy IPAs are a relatively new style of beer that has taken the craft beer world by storm.

This section will explore the key characteristics of hazy IPAs, including their appearance, flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.

Appearance

As the name suggests, hazy IPAs have a cloudy appearance that is the result of the beer being unfiltered. This cloudiness is caused by the presence of suspended yeast and hop particles, which give the beer a hazy, opaque appearance. The haze craze has taken over the beer world in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out the cloudiest beers they can find.

Flavor

Hazy IPAs are known for their intense fruit flavors, which are often described as juicy. These fruit flavors can range from tropical to citrus, depending on the hops used in the brewing process. The bitterness of hazy IPAs is typically lower than that of traditional IPAs, which allows the fruit flavors to shine through.

Aroma

The aroma of hazy IPAs is often described as fruity and tropical, with notes of citrus and other tropical fruits. This aroma is the result of the hops used in the brewing process, which are added at different stages to create a complex flavor and aroma profile.

Mouthfeel

Hazy IPAs are known for their smooth and creamy mouthfeel, which is the result of the unfiltered nature of the beer. The suspended yeast and hop particles create a thicker, creamier texture that is highly sought after by beer enthusiasts.

Ingredients and Brewing Process

Hops

Hops are a crucial ingredient in brewing hazy IPAs. They are added during the brewing process to impart bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the beer.

Hazy IPAs typically use hops that are high in alpha acids, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe. These hops are known for their fruity and citrusy aromas, which are a hallmark of the hazy IPA style.

Malt

Malt is another key ingredient in hazy IPAs. It provides the fermentable sugars that yeast convert into alcohol during the brewing process. Hazy IPAs typically use malted grains such as pale ale malt, wheat, and oats. These grains contribute to the beer’s hazy appearance and provide a full, silky mouthfeel.

Yeast

Yeast is responsible for converting the fermentable sugars in the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide during the brewing process. Hazy IPAs typically use yeast strains that are known for producing fruity and estery aromas, which complement the hop aromas in the beer.

Water

Water is an often-overlooked ingredient in brewing, but it plays a critical role in the flavor and character of the beer. Hazy IPAs typically use water that is low in minerals and has a neutral pH. This helps to accentuate the hop and malt flavors in the beer.

The brewing process for hazy IPAs is similar to that of other beer styles, but there are a few key differences. One of the most significant differences is that hazy IPAs are typically unfiltered, which means that they contain sediment and are cloudy in appearance. This is achieved by skipping the filtration step, which leaves behind the extra goodness from the grain and hops that were used to brew the beer.

Another difference is the use of brewing techniques such as dry hopping, which involves adding hops to the beer during or after fermentation. This results in less bitterness and a more pronounced hop aroma compared to traditional IPAs.

Variations of Hazy IPA

Hazy IPAs come in different variations and styles, each with its unique characteristics and brewing techniques.

Here are some of the most popular variations of Hazy IPA:

Double IPA

Double IPA, also known as Imperial IPA, is a stronger version of the traditional IPA. It has a higher alcohol content and a more intense hop flavor. Double IPAs are brewed with a large amount of hops and malt, resulting in a strong, bitter taste and a higher ABV. They are often hazy and unfiltered, like other Hazy IPAs.

New England IPA

New England IPA, also known as NEIPA, is a type of Hazy IPA that originated in the Northeast region of the United States. It is characterized by its hazy, opaque appearance and juicy, fruity flavor. NEIPAs are brewed with a combination of hops and yeast that produce a unique flavor profile. They are often unfiltered and have a creamy mouthfeel.

West Coast IPA

West Coast IPA is a style of IPA that originated on the West Coast of the United States. It is known for its clear, golden appearance and bold, hoppy flavor. West Coast IPAs are brewed with a large amount of hops and have a high bitterness level. They are often clear and filtered, unlike other Hazy IPAs.

East Coast IPA

East Coast IPA is a style of IPA that originated on the East Coast of the United States. It is characterized by its hazy, opaque appearance and juicy, fruity flavor. East Coast IPAs are brewed with a combination of hops and yeast that produce a unique flavor profile. They are often unfiltered and have a creamy mouthfeel, like NEIPAs.

Popular Hazy IPAs

Hazy IPAs have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many breweries releasing their own versions of this style.

Here are a few popular hazy IPAs worth trying:

• Hazy Little Thing by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.: This hazy IPA is brewed with a variety of hops, resulting in a tropical and citrusy flavor profile. It has a hazy appearance and a smooth mouthfeel, making it a favorite among hazy IPA fans.
• Heady Topper by The Alchemist: Heady Topper is often considered the beer that started the hazy IPA craze. It has a cloudy appearance and a juicy, hop-forward flavor. This beer is highly sought after and can be difficult to find outside of Vermont.
• Juice Bomb by Sloop Brewing Co.: This hazy IPA is bursting with fruity flavors, thanks to its generous use of hops. It has a smooth mouthfeel and a hazy appearance, making it a popular choice among hazy IPA enthusiasts.
• Julius by Tree House Brewing Co.: Julius is a hazy IPA that is known for its juicy, tropical flavors. It has a cloudy appearance and a smooth mouthfeel, making it a favorite among hazy IPA fans.

These are just a few examples of the many hazy IPAs available on the market today. Each brewery puts its own spin on the style, resulting in a wide variety of flavor profiles and characteristics.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of hazy IPAs or just discovering them for the first time, there’s sure to be a beer out there that suits your tastes.