Omnium Haze Vortex

Haze Vortex is a New England IPA from Esplanda, brewed in Massachusetts and sold here as a four-pack of cans. No ABV, IBU, or hop list is given for this one, so what follows describes how the style typically behaves rather than a measured profile of this beer. Expect a hazy, opaque, pale gold to orange body, and a soft, rounded mouthfeel. The New England style is built on low perceived bitterness and heavy late-addition and dry-hopping, so the hop character leans toward juicy tropical fruit, citrus pith, and stone fruit rather than resinous pine or sharp bite. Malt is usually a light, bready backbone, often with wheat or oats adding body. Most examples sit around 6 to 7.5% ABV with modest IBU numbers, so check the can for this beer's exact figures. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted and the beer tastes thinner. Pour it into a tulip, a wide-mouthed IPA glass, or even a short wine glass; the curved bowl funnels the fruity hop aroma toward the nose. Pour with some vigor so the foam releases the volatile hop oils, and drink it fresh, since hop character in this style fades faster than in other styles. At the table, the juicy fruit notes and low bitterness suit spicy dishes well: Thai green curry, chicken tikka, fish tacos with lime, or Nashville-style hot chicken. The softness also works with fried foods such as calamari and onion rings, and with creamy cheeses like young cheddar or burrata. A hoppy, citrus-forward beer like this also holds its own against carrot-based dishes and sweet-spicy glazes.