Ever cracked open a Hazy IPA and wondered, “What makes this so hazy?” That curious cloudiness isn’t just for looks. It’s the result of careful brewing, thoughtful ingredients, and a process that prioritizes juicy, hop-driven flavor. Let’s dive in.
The Brewing Process: Where the Magic Happens
It all starts with the grains. Hazy IPAs rely on a careful blend of oats and wheat—both malted and unmalted varieties—whose proteins and beta-glucans are key to building that smooth haze. When you combine these with the lupulin of hops—the yellow pods inside the hop cones—you get a juicy, hazy beer that’s full of flavor.
For Hazy Little Thing IPA, this grain and hop combo is brewed with care. We keep the fermenters at slightly higher temperatures, ensuring the haze doesn’t fade away. Then we skip the filtration step, so the full character of the beer stays in the can—fresh, hazy, and ready to drink.
Are Hazy IPAs Unfiltered?
That’s the essence of Hazy IPAs: unfiltered by design, creating a distinct style. Staying unfiltered means natural particles from brewing ingredients, like grain proteins and hop compounds, stay suspended in the beer, giving it that cloudiness and fuller body. The yeast also plays its part, contributing to the smooth texture and delicate mouthfeel you find in every sip.
When you skip the filter, you’re left with rich and rounded flavor—more hops, more aroma, and less bitterness. It’s the perfect way to bring out those bright, juicy flavors.
Why Does This Matter?
Hazy IPAs are all about big, bold flavors with minimal bitterness. That hazy look? It’s more than just for show. It’s a symbol of a beer that’s packed with citrus, tropical fruit and smooth hoppiness, like our Hazy Little Thing.
The haze doesn’t hinder the flavor; it’s actually the point, making the beer feel fuller, smoother, and easier to drink. Taste the fruity hops shine through, without the bitter kick of a traditional IPA.
So, what makes a Hazy IPA hazy? Brew with the right grains, fruit-forward hops, and leave it unfiltered. Then let those hazy looks give way to juicy, smooth flavor.
