The broad category of IPAs contains some of the most popular beers in the United States. Among them are hazy IPAs, the juicy, ultra-hoppy brews that captured the attention of American craft beer drinkers — and may never let go.
Naturally, the persistence of the hazy craze has earned the New England style some animosity. Many brewers feel pressured to offer at least one in their taprooms, and some of the first cans to send hazies into the stratosphere are now seen as overrated hop bombs. But despite the criticism, the style has persisted, and so have the lesser-known hazy IPAs that deserve more love and praise.
That’s why we reached out to brewers across the country to find out their favorite underrated hazy IPAs. Their choices carried one shared characteristic across the board: balance. Keep reading for picks from the beer pros.
The five most underrated hazy IPAs according to brewers: Westbound and Down Brewery Juice Caboose Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Crime and Punishment Space Race Sacred Vice Brewing Rubbish Fall River Brewing Numb Numb Juice
“I’ve definitely tossed back my fair share of Juice Caboose from Westbound and Down Brewing Company — and not just because we share a name. For a brewery primarily known for West Coast IPAs, [they make] a hella good hazy. The juicy, tropical fruit flavors up front are layered with more subtle spice, pine, and blood orange flavors while maintaining low bitterness and a silky mouthfeel throughout.” —Juice Drapeau,
