The craft beer world is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape. Among the myriad of styles and innovations, the Hazy IPA, also known as New England IPA (NEIPA), has firmly established itself as a frontrunner. And at the heart of this hazy revolution stands Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing IPA. But what exactly makes this beer so popular, and more importantly, what’s in it? Let’s unpack the ingredients, brewing techniques, and nuances that contribute to its signature hazy appearance and juicy flavor profile.
Understanding Hazy IPAs: More Than Just Appearance
Hazy IPAs distinguish themselves through their opaque, cloudy appearance, a stark contrast to the clarity often associated with traditional IPAs. This cloudiness isn’t a flaw; it’s a deliberate characteristic achieved through specific brewing methods and ingredient choices. While the visual aspect is undeniable, it’s the accompanying flavor and aroma profile that truly defines a Hazy IPA. Expect intense fruit-forward notes, minimal bitterness, and a creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing perfectly exemplifies these qualities. It delivers a burst of tropical fruit flavors, a subtle bitterness, and a satisfyingly soft texture. The magic lies in understanding the role each ingredient plays.
The Key Ingredients: Unveiling the Recipe
Like any beer, Hazy Little Thing starts with the foundational ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. However, the specific varieties and proportions used are crucial to achieving the desired hazy character and flavor profile.
Malt: The Backbone of the Beer
Malt provides the sugars that yeast ferments into alcohol and carbon dioxide. It also contributes significantly to the beer’s body, color, and flavor. In Hazy Little Thing, a blend of malts works together to create a balanced and complex base.
While Sierra Nevada doesn’t disclose the exact malt bill, we can infer some likely components based on the style. Pale malt typically forms the majority of the grist, providing the foundational sweetness. Wheat malt and oats are almost certain additions. These grains are rich in proteins and beta-glucans, which contribute to the beer’s haze and fuller body. A touch of Munich malt could also be present, adding a subtle malty sweetness and depth of flavor.
Hops: The Aromatic Powerhouse
Hops are the star of the show in any IPA, and Hazy IPAs are no exception. They impart bitterness, aroma, and flavor. However, the hopping strategy in Hazy Little Thing is carefully designed to minimize bitterness and maximize aroma and flavor.
Sierra Nevada emphasizes late-addition hopping and dry-hopping techniques. Late-addition hopping involves adding hops towards the end of the boil or even after the boil (whirlpool hopping). This minimizes isomerization, the process that converts alpha acids (the source of bitterness) into iso-alpha acids. Dry-hopping, on the other hand, involves adding hops to the fermenter after fermentation has begun or is complete. This extracts the aromatic oils from the hops without adding significant bitterness.
The specific hop varieties used in Hazy Little Thing contribute significantly to its tropical fruit character. While the exact blend may vary, popular choices for Hazy IPAs include Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado, and Simcoe. These hops are known for their vibrant aromas of mango, pineapple, passionfruit, and other tropical fruits.
Yeast: The Flavor Conductor
Yeast plays a critical role in fermentation, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. But yeast also produces a wide range of flavor compounds that contribute to the beer’s overall character. Hazy IPAs often utilize specific yeast strains that enhance the fruity esters and contribute to the beer’s smooth mouthfeel.
Sierra Nevada likely uses a proprietary yeast strain or a commercially available strain known for its ester production. These strains often produce esters that contribute to the perceived fruitiness of the beer, complementing the hop aromas. The choice of yeast strain is just as important as the choice of hops in achieving the desired flavor profile of Hazy Little Thing.
Water: The Unsung Hero
Water is often overlooked, but it makes up the vast majority of beer and significantly influences the brewing process. The mineral composition of the water affects mash pH, enzyme activity, and ultimately, the flavor of the beer. Brewers often adjust the water chemistry to optimize the extraction of desirable flavors and minimize unwanted flavors.
The water profile used for Hazy Little Thing likely emphasizes chloride over sulfate. Chloride ions tend to accentuate malt sweetness and round out the hop bitterness, contributing to the beer’s smooth mouthfeel. Sulfate ions, on the other hand, tend to accentuate hop bitterness and dryness.
The Brewing Process: Crafting the Haze
Beyond the ingredients, the brewing process itself plays a crucial role in creating the characteristic haze and flavor profile of Hazy Little Thing. Several techniques are employed to maximize haze formation and minimize bitterness.
Mashing Techniques
The mashing process involves mixing crushed grains with hot water to convert starches into fermentable sugars. The mash temperature and duration can significantly impact the beer’s body and fermentability. Brewers may use specific mashing techniques, such as protein rests, to enhance haze formation. These rests encourage the breakdown of proteins that contribute to the beer’s cloudiness.
Whirlpool and Fermentation
As mentioned earlier, late-addition hopping and whirlpool hopping are crucial for maximizing aroma and flavor while minimizing bitterness. The whirlpool is a vessel where the wort (the sugary liquid extracted from the mash) is spun to separate out hop debris and other solids. Hops added during the whirlpool contribute aromatic oils without adding significant bitterness.
Fermentation is the process where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermentation temperature is carefully controlled to optimize yeast performance and minimize the production of unwanted flavors. The use of a specific yeast strain, as previously discussed, is also critical.
Dry-Hopping and Packaging
Dry-hopping is perhaps the most important technique for imparting the intense hop aromas that characterize Hazy Little Thing. The timing and duration of dry-hopping can significantly impact the beer’s aroma profile. Some brewers even use multiple dry-hopping additions at different stages of fermentation to achieve a more complex aroma.
Packaging also plays a role in preserving the beer’s aroma and flavor. Hazy IPAs are often packaged in cans to minimize exposure to light and oxygen, which can degrade hop aromas.
Beyond the Core: What Else Might Be Lurking?
While the core ingredients and brewing techniques discussed above are the primary contributors to Hazy Little Thing’s character, other factors can also play a role.
Enzymes
Some brewers use enzymes to further enhance haze formation or to improve the beer’s fermentability. Enzymes can break down complex carbohydrates and proteins, increasing the concentration of haze-forming compounds. However, the use of enzymes is generally kept minimal to maintain the beer’s natural character.
Clarifying Agents
While haze is a desirable characteristic in Hazy IPAs, excessive haze can sometimes lead to stability issues. Some brewers may use clarifying agents, such as silica gel or isinglass, to remove excessive haze-forming compounds and improve the beer’s shelf life. However, these clarifying agents are typically avoided in Hazy IPAs to preserve the desired cloudiness.
The Hazy Little Thing Experience: More Than Just a Beer
Ultimately, understanding what’s in Hazy Little Thing goes beyond simply listing ingredients and brewing techniques. It’s about appreciating the artistry and science that goes into crafting a beer that delivers a unique and enjoyable sensory experience. The combination of carefully selected malts, hops, and yeast, combined with precise brewing techniques, results in a beer that is both visually appealing and intensely flavorful.
The popularity of Hazy Little Thing is a testament to the growing appreciation for Hazy IPAs and the skill of Sierra Nevada’s brewing team. It’s a beer that invites you to savor the aroma, appreciate the mouthfeel, and explore the complex interplay of flavors.
The Future of Hazy IPAs
The Hazy IPA style continues to evolve, with brewers experimenting with new hop varieties, yeast strains, and brewing techniques. Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing remains a benchmark for the style, but the landscape is constantly shifting. Expect to see even more innovative and flavorful Hazy IPAs in the years to come. The focus will likely remain on maximizing aroma and flavor while minimizing bitterness, pushing the boundaries of what an IPA can be.
The success of Hazy Little Thing has undoubtedly paved the way for other breweries to explore and refine their own Hazy IPA offerings, enriching the craft beer scene and providing consumers with a wider range of options. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of IPAs, Hazy Little Thing is a great starting point for understanding and appreciating the nuances of this popular style. It represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the best of what the craft beer world has to offer.
The journey to understand what makes this beer great is ongoing, with each sip offering a new layer of appreciation for the ingredients and processes that contribute to its unique character. The transparency and dedication of breweries like Sierra Nevada in providing information about their beers allow consumers to engage more deeply with the brewing process and appreciate the artistry involved.
The future of Hazy IPAs looks bright, filled with potential for further innovation and flavor exploration. As consumers continue to embrace these beers, brewers will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that the Hazy IPA style remains a vibrant and exciting part of the craft beer landscape.
What makes a beer “hazy”?
Hazy IPAs, like Hazy Little Thing, get their characteristic opaque appearance from a combination of factors. Primarily, it’s the presence of high levels of suspended yeast, proteins, and polyphenols. These elements, which are not completely filtered out during the brewing process, scatter light as it passes through the beer, creating the hazy effect that distinguishes them from traditional, clearer IPAs.
In addition to the naturally occurring components, brewers often intentionally add ingredients like oats and wheat to increase the protein content, further contributing to the haze. Certain hop varieties, rich in polyphenols, also play a significant role. The overall brewing process, including a lack of rigorous filtration, is meticulously controlled to ensure the desired level of haze is achieved.
What hop varieties are typically used in Hazy Little Thing?
Sierra Nevada, the brewer of Hazy Little Thing, utilizes a blend of several distinct hop varieties to achieve its complex flavor profile. While the exact hop blend is a closely guarded secret, it is widely known that the beer contains a combination of both classic and newer hop varietals that contribute to its juicy, fruity, and aromatic characteristics.
Typical hop choices for Hazy IPAs like Hazy Little Thing often include Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado, and Simcoe. These hops are prized for their tropical fruit, citrus, and stone fruit aromas, which complement the beer’s soft mouthfeel and hazy appearance. The specific proportions and timing of hop additions during the brewing process also greatly influence the final flavor profile.
Does Hazy Little Thing contain lactose?
No, Hazy Little Thing does not contain lactose. Lactose, a sugar derived from milk, is sometimes added to stouts and other beers to create a sweeter, creamier flavor profile. However, Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing relies on other ingredients and brewing techniques to achieve its smooth mouthfeel and subtle sweetness.
The beer’s creamy texture is primarily attributed to the use of oats and wheat in the grain bill, which contribute proteins and polysaccharides that enhance the beer’s body and mouthfeel. The perceived sweetness often comes from the fruity esters produced by the fermentation process and the aroma compounds derived from the hop varieties used in the brew.
How does Hazy Little Thing compare to other Hazy IPAs in terms of alcohol content and IBUs?
Hazy Little Thing generally falls within the typical range for Hazy IPAs in terms of alcohol content and International Bitterness Units (IBUs). Its alcohol by volume (ABV) is around 6.7%, which is a common ABV for beers in this style, making it moderately strong but still approachable. This allows for a balance between flavor and drinkability.
In terms of IBUs, Hazy Little Thing clocks in around 35. This relatively low IBU count, compared to traditional West Coast IPAs, contributes to the beer’s softer bitterness and enhances the perception of juicy, fruity flavors. Many Hazy IPAs prioritize aroma and flavor over high bitterness, making them appealing to a wider range of beer drinkers.
What ingredients, besides water, barley, hops, and yeast, are used in Hazy Little Thing?
Beyond the core ingredients of water, barley, hops, and yeast, Hazy Little Thing incorporates oats and wheat into its grain bill. These additions are crucial for creating the beer’s signature hazy appearance and contributing to its smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The proteins and starches from these grains remain in suspension, giving the beer its characteristic cloudiness.
While Sierra Nevada doesn’t explicitly list other adjuncts, it’s common for brewers to use small amounts of brewing salts to adjust the water chemistry and optimize the fermentation process. These salts can enhance the hop aroma and flavor, as well as contribute to the overall balance of the beer. The specific water profile plays a significant role in the final character of Hazy Little Thing.
What is the best way to store and serve Hazy Little Thing?
To preserve the quality and flavor of Hazy Little Thing, it’s best to store it cold, ideally in a refrigerator. Keeping the beer at a consistently low temperature helps to slow down oxidation and maintain the hop aroma and flavor. Avoid exposing the beer to direct sunlight or significant temperature fluctuations, as these can negatively impact its stability.
When serving Hazy Little Thing, use a clean, clear glass, preferably a tulip or IPA glass, which helps to showcase the beer’s aroma and appearance. Gently pour the beer, leaving a small amount of sediment in the can or bottle if desired (the sediment contributes to the haze). Serve the beer cold, around 40-45°F (4-7°C), to fully appreciate its flavor profile.
Is Hazy Little Thing gluten-free or gluten-reduced?
No, Hazy Little Thing is not gluten-free or gluten-reduced. Because it is brewed with barley and wheat, both of which contain gluten, it is unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. While some brewing techniques can reduce gluten content, Hazy Little Thing is not specifically treated to remove gluten.
Individuals with gluten intolerance should seek out beers explicitly labeled as “gluten-free” or “gluten-reduced,” which are brewed with gluten-free grains like sorghum or rice, or have undergone a process to remove gluten. Always check the label carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about gluten consumption.