Contact Haze is a hazy IPA that boasts a refreshing 6% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can assure you that this beer is crafted with precision and expertise to bring out the best flavors and qualities.
When it comes to IPAs, the alcohol content plays a significant role in determining the overall character of the beer. At 6% ABV, Contact Haze falls on the lighter end of the spectrum compared to other IPAs, making it more approachable and sessionable. This means that you can enjoy a few without feeling overwhelmed by the alcohol content.
The term “hazy” refers to the appearance of the beer, which is cloudy or turbid due to the presence of suspended particles, typically hops and yeast. This haze gives the beer a distinct visual appeal and is often associated with the New England IPA style. Contact Haze embraces this hazy characteristic, enhancing its visual allure.
One notable aspect of Contact Haze is its flavor profile. Unlike some IPAs, which can be intensely bitter, Contact Haze offers a more balanced and less bitter taste. This makes it an excellent choice for craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate the hop-forward nature of IPAs but prefer a milder bitterness. It also appeals to casual beer fans who may be new to IPAs or prefer a less assertive flavor profile.
To truly appreciate the nuances of Contact Haze, I recommend pouring it into a glass. As you do so, you'll notice its hazy appearance, with a beautiful golden hue and a cloudiness that invites you to take a sip. The aroma is likely to be hop-forward, with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and perhaps a hint of pine.
When you take your first sip, you'll experience a burst of flavors on your palate. The hops bring forward fruity and citrusy notes, with hints of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and grapefruit. These flavors are well-balanced by a subtle sweetness from the malt backbone, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that invites you to take another sip.
The mouthfeel of Contact Haze is typically smooth and creamy, thanks to the presence of proteins and suspended particles that contribute to its hazy appearance. This velvety texture adds another layer of enjoyment to the beer, making it even more pleasurable to drink.
In my personal experience, Contact Haze has been a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and events. Its lower alcohol content and approachable flavor profile make it a versatile choice that can appeal to a wide range of beer drinkers. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a beer tasting, Contact Haze is sure to spark conversations and bring people together over their shared love of craft beer.
To summarize, Contact Haze is a hazy IPA with a 6% ABV that offers a lighter composition, a more approachable flavor profile, and a visually appealing cloudy appearance. Its balanced bitterness and burst of hop flavors make it a beer that can bridge the gap between craft beer enthusiasts and casual beer fans, fostering connections and conversations over a shared love of great beer.