A Deep Dive Into Hazy IPAs
Sampling craft beer has become a cultural event in its own right. Connoisseurs are exploring new flavours at staggering rates and this has led to greater scrutiny of beer styles. One style that has guests whispering at the bar is the Hazy IPA. For some, it may seem like all Hazy IPAs taste the same. However, there’s a lot that goes into making these beers unique and distinctive. Let’s uncover what makes a Hazy IPA, why they may seem similar, and how to brew something distinctive.
A Little Background On Hazy IPAs
IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a cornerstone in the craft beer world. Initially brewed during the British colonization of India, pale ales were extra bitter to survive the long sea voyage. Hazy IPAs, a sub-group within IPAs, differ from their traditional counterparts by their cloudy appearance and richer mouthfeel.
Why is it ‘Hazy’?
Haziness in IPAs stems from several factors. The main one is the quantity of proteins and hop polyphenols left suspended in the beer. Brewers also use certain yeast strains or add wheat/oats to enhance haziness. The result? A beer that’s hazy, juicy, and full-bodied.
Why Do They All Taste Similar?
Place two different Hazy IPAs before a bunch of seasoned beer drinkers and they might struggle to highlight specific variations. Why?
The reason revolves around hop character use and fruity yeast strains. Many breweries use similar ‘on-trend’ hops such as Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo. These hops give the beer a tropical, citrusy, and floral character that heightens the sense of sameness.
Brewing a Distinctive Hazy IPA
The art of brewing is experimental and there’s plenty of room to make a Hazy IPA your own. Here are some tips:
Experiment with Different Hop Varieties
Step away from the ‘standard’ hop varieties and challenge yourself with something new. Each hop variety has a distinctive character that can be exploited to create a unique tasting beer. For example, Azacca hops lend a unique profile of mango and pineapple; Sabro hops give a coconut edge, while Warrior hops give strong bittering and mild citrusy notes. Exploring these unexpected flavours can give your IPA its own identity.
Mixed Fermentation
Yeast variety is a massive conditioner of a beer’s final flavours and aromas. Don’t shy away from using different yeast strains and even mixed fermentation methods to bring complexity to your beer. Consider using yeast variants that produce unique esters or phenolic compounds for a distinctive end product.
The Power of Adjuncts
Using adjuncts in brewing means adding ingredients that are not traditionally part of beer making. Brewing a Hazy IPA with unconventional adjuncts like spices, fruits, lactose, or even vegetables can significantly influence the flavour profile.
The Takeaway
The beauty of craft beer, Hazy IPAs included, is in its potential for variety and diversity. Perhaps many Hazy IPAs taste similar because breweries opt for tried-and-tested recipes. But don’t let this deter you from brewing your very own unique variant. Experiment with hops, yeasts, and adjuncts to create a brew truly distinct!
