The Definitive Guide to IPA Sub-Styles: Hazy, West Coast, and Beyond

India Pale Ales (IPAs) have become a cornerstone of the craft beer movement, offering a diverse range of flavors and aromas that cater to a wide array of palates. Among the most celebrated IPA sub-styles are the Hazy and West Coast IPAs, each with its unique characteristics and brewing traditions.

Hazy IPA: The Juicy Revolution

Originating from the New England region, the Hazy IPA, also known as the New England IPA (NEIPA), has gained immense popularity for its juicy and fruit-forward profile. These beers are characterized by their cloudy appearance, achieved through the use of high-protein grains like oats and wheat, which also contribute to a smooth mouthfeel. The brewing process emphasizes late hopping and dry hopping with hops that impart tropical fruit flavors, resulting in aromas and tastes reminiscent of mango, pineapple, and citrus fruits. The bitterness in Hazy IPAs is typically subdued, allowing the hop flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.

West Coast IPA: The Classic Hop-Forward Style

In contrast, the West Coast IPA is known for its clear appearance and assertive hop bitterness. Originating from California in the 1990s, this style features a dry finish with minimal malt sweetness, highlighting the piney, resinous, and citrusy flavors of American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe. The brewing technique often involves adding hops early in the boil to extract more bitterness, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beer. While the malt presence is minimal, it serves to support the dominant hop character, creating a balanced and clean-tasting IPA.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other IPA Sub-Styles

Beyond the Hazy and West Coast IPAs, several other sub-styles offer unique twists on the traditional IPA:

• Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale): Combining the hop-forward characteristics of an IPA with the rich, roasted flavors of dark malts, Black IPAs present a complex profile with notes of coffee and chocolate, balanced by the typical bitterness of an IPA.

• Belgian IPA: This style merges the hoppy bitterness of an IPA with the fruity and spicy yeast characteristics of Belgian ales, resulting in a beer that is both aromatic and flavorful.

• White IPA: A fusion of IPA and Belgian Witbier, White IPAs are brewed with wheat and spiced with coriander and orange peel, offering a refreshing and slightly cloudy beer with a citrusy and spicy profile.

Did you know…?

The Hazy IPA style was officially recognized as a separate beer style by the Brewers Association in 2018, reflecting its growing popularity and distinct characteristics.