What is a Hazy Beer?

07/10/2024

If you’ve ordered a pint lately, you’ve probably noticed something a little different about some of the beers making their way to the taps. They’re… hazy. Cloudy, even. And that’s not because someone forgot to clean the glass. Welcome to the world of hazy beer, where murkiness is a good thing and flavour comes in thick and juicy waves. But what exactly is hazy beer, and why is everyone talking about it?

What Makes a Beer “Hazy”?

A hazy beer is pretty much what it says on the tin — a beer that isn’t crystal clear. This lack of clarity is usually a hallmark of New England IPAs (NEIPAs), though you’ll find it in other beer styles too. The haze comes from suspended proteins, yeast, and hop oils that don’t fully settle during brewing. Rather than filtering these out, brewers embrace them to create that characteristic foggy look. And it’s not just for show — these suspended particles add loads of flavour and texture that clear beers can’t quite match.

Brewers achieve this haziness by tweaking traditional brewing methods. They might use high-protein grains like wheat or oats, which naturally create a cloudier finish. Or they might add hops late in the brewing process, dry hopping during fermentation to extract maximum aroma without the bitterness that comes from boiling the hops. It’s all part of the hazy beer magic.

All Things Drinks_ Hazy Jane_ Brewdog
📸 Brewdog Hazy Jane

The Flavours: Juicy, Fruity, and Full-on

So, what does hazy beer actually taste like? Well, if you’re expecting the bitterness of a traditional IPA, you’re in for a surprise. Hazy beers are all about juicy, fruit-forward flavours. Think of biting into a ripe tropical fruit salad — mango, pineapple, and peach, often with a citrusy punch of orange or grapefruit.

This juicy flavour profile comes from the hops, but because they’re added late in the brewing process, you get all the tropical goodness without the sharp bitterness that IPAs are known for. The mouthfeel is softer, creamier, almost pillowy, making hazy beers dangerously easy to drink.

It’s a huge part of why hazy beers have taken off in recent years. They appeal to people who want something bold and fruity without the bite, offering a smoother experience that’s still packed with flavour.

ALL THINGS DRINKS - Beavertown Lunar Haze - Hazy IPA
📸 Beavertown Lunar Haze Website

The Hazy Beer Trend: From Niche to Mainstream

While hazy beers used to be a quirky niche found only in craft beer bars, they’ve exploded into the mainstream. New England IPAs were the ones to kickstart the trend, with breweries on the east coast of the U.S. creating hazier and juicier beers to stand out from their bitter west coast counterparts. Now, breweries across the UK and beyond are jumping on the hazy train, creating their own versions of this fruity, soft-bodied style.

Supermarkets are even getting in on the action, with big-name breweries releasing hazy beers that anyone can pick up on their weekly shop. And with the craft beer scene showing no signs of slowing down, hazy beers are here to stay.

ALL THINGS DRINKS - Vocation - Hop Skip Juice - hazy pale ale
📸 Vocation Brewery Instagram

Food Pairings: What to Eat with Hazy Beers

Hazy beers are great for pairing with food, thanks to their tropical, fruity notes and creamy texture. They’re a match made in heaven with spicy foods like curry or tacos, where the fruitiness can help cool down the heat, while the smooth mouthfeel balances out strong flavours.

If you’re more of a burger or pizza person, hazy beers can stand up to the richness of cheesy, meaty dishes, providing a refreshing contrast. Or, try pairing one with a grilled chicken salad for a lighter option that lets the fruity notes of the beer shine.

For dessert? A hazy IPA with citrus cheesecake or a mango sorbet can be an absolute game-changer.

ALL THINGS DRINKS - Vocation - Beer with burger
📸 Vocation Brewery Instagram

Embrace the Haze

Whether you’re a craft beer veteran or just dipping your toes into the world of IPAs, hazy beers are worth a try. They offer a softer, juicier alternative to traditional IPAs, with enough flavour to keep things interesting. And with breweries continuing to innovate, there’s never been a better time to pour yourself a pint of haze.

So next time you’re out, don’t shy away from the cloudy one on the menu — embrace the haze, and enjoy the fruity ride! Cheers!