Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing

Hazy Little Thing is a New England-style IPA from Sierra Nevada of California, poured at 6.7% ABV with 35 IBU. That bitterness figure is modest for an IPA, and it is the key to the style: the hops are there for aroma and juicy fruit character rather than a sharp, resinous bite. Expect a cloudy, pale golden-to-orange pour, since this style is left unfiltered, and a soft, full mouthfeel that comes from a body built on oats or wheat alongside the malt. On the nose and palate, beers in this style typically lean on tropical and stone-fruit hop character, such as mango, pineapple, orange and peach, with a faint grassy or citrus-peel edge underneath. The malt stays in the background, giving a gentle bready sweetness that supports the fruit without turning heavy. At 6.7% the alcohol is present but well tucked in, and the finish tends to be soft and slightly dry rather than lingering and bitter. Serve it cold, around 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Straight from the coldest part of the fridge it can taste muted, so give it a few minutes to let the hop aromatics open up. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the best choice because the narrowed rim concentrates the aroma; a standard pint glass or a wide-mouthed tumbler works fine too. Pour with a little vigor and swirl the last bit of beer to lift the yeast and haze into the glass, which is part of this style's character. The juicy hop profile and low bitterness make it a flexible match for food. It handles the heat of Thai green curry, spicy tacos al pastor and buffalo wings well, as the fruitiness cools the spice. It also suits grilled chicken with citrus or mango salsa, fish tacos, and burgers with sharp cheddar. For something lighter, try it with fresh goat cheese, or with carrot cake, where the hop fruit echoes the spice and sweetness.