Why is Hazy Beer Hazy?
In the world of modern craft beer, one style has risen to the top in recent years, captivating taste buds and challenging traditional notions of clarity and quality: the hazy IPA. But what exactly makes these beers so hazy, and why are they causing such a stir in the craft brewing industry?
Predominantly, beer haze can be attributed to yeast, protein from malt or grains, and polyphenols from hops. These elements, when combined under certain conditions, create a visually striking haze in the beer.
The journey to embracing hazy beer began with a struggle against chill haze, a phenomenon that plagued brewers, particularly those crafting dry-hopped beers, in the 80s. Clarity was equated with quality, and any hint of haze was met with disdain from beer drinkers. Enzymes were introduced to attempt to combat this.
However, in 2015, a pivotal shift occurred in the craft brewing industry, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest regions of the UK. Brewers began intentionally releasing hazy IPAs, defying convention and embracing a new aesthetic and mouthfeel. This sparked controversy and resistance among traditionalists, but gradually, the tide turned as brewers and consumers alike warmed up to the idea that hazy wasn't actually crazy.
Research from Oregon State University shed light on the concept of biotransformation, revealing how certain yeast strains could enhance hop flavorus during fermentation. This, combined with changing consumer preferences towards sweeter, fuller-bodied IPAs, led to the deliberate creation of hazy, creamy, and citrusy beers. These days you are spoiled for choice when it comes to hazy beers of all styles.
The key to achieving a good haze is the use of specific yeast strains, a generous dose of oats for texture, and mid-fermentation dry hopping. Remove any of these components, and the haze diminishes, highlighting the delicate balance required to create these beers. It should be noted, that brewers tend to battle to make beers clear, so making them hazy kind of makes sense as it requires less additions to a recipe.
It's worth noting that hazy IPAs are best enjoyed fresh, when their flavours and haze are at their peak. As the beer ages, the haze may dissipate, leaving a less vibrant haze.
With over 8,000 craft breweries in the UK, the accessibility of hazy IPAs has never been greater. Embrace the haze and get amongst our offerings of Juice Springsteen, Juice Wayne and Haze Craze.
