The difference between hazy and regular IPAs lies primarily in their appearance, flavor profile, and level of bitterness. Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs or NEIPAs, are characterized by their cloudy or opaque appearance, which is a result of the high amount of hops and proteins present in the beer. On the other hand, regular IPAs, often referred to as West Coast IPAs, have a clear or translucent appearance.
One of the key distinctions between the two styles is the flavor profile. Hazy IPAs tend to exhibit intense and juicy flavors, often reminiscent of tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. These fruity flavors are a result of the specific hops used in brewing and the technique of dry hopping, which involves adding hops during fermentation to enhance aroma and flavor.
In contrast, regular IPAs typically have a more pronounced bitterness, which is a characteristic feature of this style. The hops used in traditional IPAs impart a range of flavors, including citrus, pine, and floral notes. These flavors are balanced by a solid malt backbone, providing a sturdy and robust flavor profile.
Another key difference is the mouthfeel of the two styles. Hazy IPAs have a softer and smoother mouthfeel due to the presence of proteins and yeast in suspension, which also contributes to their cloudy appearance. This gives hazy IPAs a creamy and velvety texture on the palate. Regular IPAs, on the other hand, have a crisper and drier mouthfeel, allowing the hop bitterness to shine through.
It's worth noting that the brewing process for hazy IPAs differs slightly from that of regular IPAs. Hazy IPAs often use a specific yeast strain that produces fruity esters and contributes to the beer's cloudy appearance. Additionally, the hops are added at different stages during the brewing process, with a greater emphasis on late hopping and dry hopping in hazy IPAs to maximize aroma and flavor.
In terms of popularity, hazy IPAs have gained significant traction in recent years, particularly among beer enthusiasts who appreciate their unique flavor profile and approachability. The lower bitterness level of hazy IPAs makes them more palatable for those who may not enjoy the assertive hop bitterness found in regular IPAs. This delicate balance of hops and sweetness contributes to the overall character of hazy IPAs.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have personally witnessed the rise in popularity of hazy IPAs and have had the pleasure of tasting and analyzing various examples of this style. The explosion of tropical fruit flavors and the smooth mouthfeel of hazy IPAs have certainly made them a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.
To summarize, the difference between hazy and regular IPAs lies in their appearance, flavor profile, level of bitterness, and mouthfeel. Hazy IPAs have a cloudy appearance, intense fruity flavors, lower bitterness, and a softer mouthfeel, while regular IPAs have a clear appearance, a more pronounced bitterness, and a crisper mouthfeel. Both styles offer unique characteristics and can be enjoyed by beer lovers seeking different flavor experiences.