BJCP 21C · IPA
Hazy IPA
A hazy IPA with juicy, tropical hops, low bitterness and a soft, creamy texture. Intense fruit aroma and a finish that never feels harsh.
Hazy IPA by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.0 – 9.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 25 – 60 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 3 – 7 SRM6–14 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.060 – 1.085on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.015on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Hazy IPA is like
A hazy IPA with intense tropical and stone fruit aroma and flavor, restrained bitterness and a smooth, round mouthfeel. The goal is the juicy hop character, not the bitter punch of an American IPA.
Appearance
Straw to gold, sometimes orange, with moderate to high haze. It shouldn't look muddy or have floating particles. Dense, persistent white head.
Aroma
High to very high hop intensity with tropical fruit, citrus, peach or stone fruit. The malt stays in the background and some yeast esters may come through.
Flavor
Lots of fruity hop flavor, soft bready or grainy malt and low to medium bitterness that never feels harsh. The finish is off-dry to medium, never sweet or cloying.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full body, a smooth, creamy or silky texture and medium carbonation. No hop astringency.
Where Hazy IPA comes from
It was born in New England, especially Vermont, in the early 2010s and quickly spread around the world. The BJCP 2021 guidelines list it as Hazy IPA, a name that replaces New England IPA.
Ingredients
Pale or pilsner malt with oats and wheat, malted or flaked, for body and haze. Fruity hops like Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy or El Dorado, an ale yeast that leaves soft esters, and water with more chloride than sulfate.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Hazy IPA at home
Do a first dry hop during active fermentation and another once it's done, fermenting at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). What ruins a homebrewed Hazy IPA more than anything is oxygen: it darkens, loses aroma and tastes like cardboard within a few weeks, so rack with closed transfers and drink it young. Avoid long hop contact on the hot side so you don't extract grassy bitterness.
Food pairing
Goes with ceviche, fried chicken or spicy Asian food.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Tree House Julius
- Other Half Green City
- WeldWerks Juicy Bits
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Hazy IPA?
Between 6.0% and 9.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Hazy IPA?
It has 25 to 60 IBUs, a high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Hazy IPA?
Straw to amber: 3 to 7 SRM (6 to 14 EBC).
What food pairs well with Hazy IPA?
Goes with ceviche, fried chicken or spicy Asian food.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try American IPA, Double IPA and White IPA.
If you like Hazy IPA, try these
Classification and statistics: official Hazy IPA guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.