Hazy IPA: Brands, Recipes, and What to Expect

Hazy IPAs (sometimes called New England IPAs) have taken the craft-beer world by storm thanks to soft mouthfeel, juicy hop character, and a cloudy appearance. Below you'll find answers to common questions about hazy IPAs, recommendations for well-known breweries, what the term "dust IPA" might mean, and a simple homebrew-style recipe to try at home.

What are some popular hazy IPA brands?

Many breweries have embraced the hazy style. Some widely known names include:

• Sierra Nevada — known for approachable and widely distributed hazy offerings like Hazy Little Thing.
• Regional craft breweries such as Tree House, Other Half, and Cloudwater (where available) — often celebrated for intense, juicy releases.
• Established brewing companies that have released hazy expressions through sub-brands or limited runs, e.g., Saint Archer.

Availability varies by country and region; for a taste of an award-winning Italian take on the style, consider trying

.

Does Sierra Nevada make a hazy IPA?

Yes. Sierra Nevada released Hazy Little Thing IPA, a hazy-style IPA designed to be flavorful, easy to drink, and broadly available. It emphasizes juicy hop aromas and a soft body rather than aggressive bitterness — the hallmarks of the hazy approach.

Is there a hazy IPA from Saint Archer?

Saint Archer has produced hazy-style IPAs and other hop-forward beers as part of its lineup or special releases. Many larger breweries experiment with hazy renditions to capture the juicy, aromatic profile drinkers expect from the style.

What does "dust IPA" mean?

Searches for "dust IPA" can mean a few different things; here are two common interpretations:

• Typo for "DIPA" (Double IPA): a stronger, hoppier version of an IPA with higher alcohol and more pronounced hop bitterness/aroma.
• Reference to residual particles (hop or yeast "dust") in unfiltered hazy beers — some hazy IPAs have a fine suspension of yeast and proteins that gives them a soft, opaque look. This can appear like a light "dusting" if the beer is unsettled.

If you saw "dust IPA" in search results, check context — it’s often either a misspelling or a casual description of hazy/particulate appearance.

Basic hazy IPA recipe (homebrew-friendly)

Below is a straightforward recipe outline for a 20 L (5 gal) batch aimed at that soft, juicy hazy profile. Adjust hop varieties and amounts to taste.

• Target OG: 1.062–1.070; expected ABV ~6–7.5%
• Grains: 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) Pale Malt, 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) Oats (flaked), 0.25 kg (0.55 lb) Wheat Malt
• Hops (examples): Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Simcoe — split between whirlpool and dry hop
• Yeast: English Ale strain with ester/fruit character (e.g., London Ale III) or a Vermont-style ale yeast
• Water: soft to moderate mineral content; keep chloride higher than sulfate for roundness

Process:

1. Mash at 64–67°C (147–153°F) for a full-bodied mouthfeel—oats and wheat add creaminess.
2. Boil for 60 minutes with minimal late bitterness additions (0–5 IBUs) — most hop character will come from whirlpool and dry hopping.
3. Whirlpool: add heavy whirlpool hops at 70–80°C (158–176°F) for 15–30 minutes to extract aroma without excessive bitterness.
4. Ferment at 18–20°C (64–68°F) until most sugars are consumed; allow a warm finish to encourage fruity esters if desired.
5. Dry hop heavily (e.g., 100–200 g total for 20 L depending on tolerance) in two stages: one early in fermentation (biotransformation) and one after primary fermentation for fresh aroma.
6. Cold crash gently to help some particulates settle, then package (most hazy IPAs are best within a few weeks of packaging to preserve hop aroma).

Note: sanitation and fermentation control are crucial — keep good records and adjust based on results.

How to enjoy a hazy IPA

Serve hazy IPAs slightly cooler than room temperature (around 7–10°C / 45–50°F) in a tulip or IPA glass to concentrate aroma. These beers shine when fresh — bright hop aroma and juicy character are the main attractions.

Final tips

• If you prefer softer bitterness, seek out hazy or New England styles; they emphasize aroma and fruitiness over bite.
• If you're buying, check for freshness dates and choose cans or bottles that list packaging dates when possible.
• For a local, award-winning interpretation of the style, try the recommended option earlier in this article — it represents a crafted, fruity hazy experience in a vibrant can design.

Whether you're exploring major brands like Sierra Nevada and Saint Archer, curious about the meaning behind search terms like "dust IPA," or ready to brew your own hazy, this guide should get you started. Cheers to juicy hops and soft mouthfeel!