Contents
Australia has long been celebrated for its rich beer culture, and over the years, it has embraced and crafted a wide variety of beer styles. One style that has recently taken the nation by storm is the Hazy IPA, known for its hazy appearance, juicy flavours, and hop-forward aroma. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey into Australia’s Hazy IPA craze. We’ll explore the history, characteristics, and breweries that are leading the charge in this clouded revolution.
The Hazy IPA Phenomenon in Australia
Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs or NEIPAs, originated in the United States and quickly gained popularity across the globe. Australia was no exception to this trend. The appeal of this beer lies in its unique combination of hazy, turbid appearance and vibrant, tropical flavours. They are often less bitter than their clear IPA counterparts, making them accessible to a broader range of beer enthusiasts.
The History of Hazy IPAs in Australia
Hazy IPAs made their way to Australian shores in the mid-2010s, initially as a novelty offered by a select few pioneering breweries. Inspired by the success of American counterparts, Australian brewers started experimenting with hazy, unfiltered beer styles. The movement gained momentum as local breweries began to perfect their own interpretations of this cloudy elixir.
One of the early pioneers was Pirate Life Brewing, based in South Australia. Their “Throwback IPA” became one of the first widely recognized Hazy IPAs in Australia, showcasing the potential of this style to captivate the local market. Soon, other breweries across the country followed suit, recognizing the demand for these juicy and hazy brews.
Characteristics of New England IPA Beers
Hazy IPAs are renowned for their distinct characteristics. They typically possess a cloudy appearance, resembling fruit juice more than traditional beer. This haze results from the presence of suspended yeast and hop particles, which contribute to a creamy mouthfeel and a delightful burst of flavours.
The aroma of Hazy IPAs is a key highlight, with a prominent bouquet of tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Common hop varieties used in these beers include Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, and Amarillo, which impart a juicy, fruit-forward profile. In terms of taste, Hazy IPAs are often less bitter than their clear IPA counterparts, with a focus on hop flavours rather than sharp bitterness. The flavour profile can include notes of mango, pineapple, orange, and even hints of stone fruit, making them incredibly refreshing and easy to drink.
Breweries Leading the Haze Revolution
- Pirate Life Brewing (South Australia – As mentioned earlier, Pirate Life Brewing played a pivotal role in introducing Hazy IPAs to Australia. Their commitment to quality and innovation shines through in their “Throwback IPA.” The beer showcases a perfect blend of haze and hoppy goodness.
- Balter Brewing Company (Queensland) – Balter’s “Hazy” IPA offers a cloudy experience bursting with flavours of passionfruit and tropical fruit. This brewery has gained a reputation for its commitment to producing exceptional Hazy IPAs.
- Mountain Culture Beer Co. (New South Wales) – Located in the Blue Mountains, Mountain Culture Beer Co. has earned recognition for its “Open Road” Hazy IPA. This beer takes you on a sensory journey through lush forests and ripe orchards with its array of fruity notes.
- Deeds Brewing (Victoria) – Deeds Brewing has a knack for crafting Hazy IPAs with a unique twist. Their “Quiet Deeds” series features a rotating lineup of Hazy IPAs, each with its own distinct flavour profile, keeping enthusiasts intrigued.
- Hop Nation Brewing Co. (Victoria) – The “Jedi Juice” Hazy IPA by Hop Nation is celebrated for its juicy and hazy qualities. It’s a testament to the skill of Australian brewers in creating world-class IPAs of this kind.
The Haze Continues to Grow
The Hazy IPA craze shows no signs of slowing down in Australia. Breweries continue to experiment with different hop varieties, yeast strains, and fruit additions to create new and exciting New England IPAs. This innovation keeps the beer scene vibrant and dynamic, attracting both seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
As the Australian craft beer community embraces this cloudy revolution, it’s safe to say that New England IPA beers are here to stay. Whether you’re sipping one at your local brewery or exploring the wide variety of options at your favourite bottle shop, Hazy IPAs offer a delightful journey for your taste buds.
The bottom line is, that Australia’s Hazy IPA craze has added a refreshing and vibrant dimension to the nation’s craft beer landscape. With their unique haze, bold flavours, and innovative approach, these brews continue to captivate beer enthusiasts and push the boundaries of brewing in the Land Down Under. Cheers to the haze revolution and the exciting journey it promises for the Australian craft beer scene!
