In Arizona, one of the beers that is brewed locally is the Hazy/New England-Style IPA. This particular style of beer has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique characteristics and flavor profile. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I've had the pleasure of tasting and experiencing many different beers, and the Hazy/New England-Style IPA from Arizona is definitely one that stands out.
This beer is brewed with a combination of ingredients that contribute to its hazy appearance and smooth mouthfeel. Oats and flaked Sonoran white wheat are used in the brewing process, which adds a creamy texture to the beer and enhances its overall body. The use of these grains also helps to create a unique haze in the beer, giving it a cloudy appearance that is characteristic of the style.
One of the notable features of this Hazy/New England-Style IPA is its dry-hopping process. Unlike traditional IPAs, which are typically dry-hopped once, this beer goes through two rounds of dry-hopping. Dry-hopping is the process of adding hops directly to the fermenting beer, which imparts additional hop aroma and flavor without adding excessive bitterness. This double dry-hopping technique intensifies the hop character of the beer, resulting in a burst of tropical and citrus flavors.
When I first tried this beer, I was immediately struck by its hazy appearance. It had a beautiful golden hue with a slight orange tint, and the cloudiness added a certain allure to the beer. The aromas wafting from the glass were incredibly inviting, with strong notes of juicy tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passionfruit. There was also a hint of citrus, giving it a refreshing quality.
Upon taking my first sip, I was greeted with a velvety smoothness that coated my palate. The oats and flaked Sonoran white wheat used in the brewing process definitely contributed to the beer's creamy mouthfeel, which was a pleasant surprise. The hop flavors exploded on my taste buds, with a tropical fruit medley dominating the forefront. Mango, pineapple, and papaya flavors were prominent, along with a citrusy punch from grapefruit and orange. The bitterness was present but not overpowering, allowing the fruity hop flavors to shine through.
The finish of this Hazy/New England-Style IPA was clean and slightly dry, leaving me craving another sip. The balance between the hop flavors, malt sweetness, and bitterness was well-executed, creating a beer that was both flavorful and easy to drink. At 6.5% ABV, it had a moderate alcohol content that added a slight warmth but didn't overwhelm the overall experience.
The Hazy/New England-Style IPA from Arizona is a delightful beer that showcases the creativity and skill of the local brewers. The use of oats and flaked Sonoran white wheat, along with the double dry-hopping technique, creates a beer that is hazy, flavorful, and incredibly enjoyable to drink. If you ever have the opportunity to try this beer, I highly recommend giving it a taste. Cheers!