Subjectivity. When it comes to craft beer, it’s everything. Everyone has their own opinions—on which brewery is the best, what style reigns supreme, which hops should be used, and what flavours belong in a brew. There’s no universal truth, just personal preference.

That said, if there’s one style that undeniably dominates the UK craft beer scene, it’s the IPA. And if we dig a little deeper, there’s a subcategory that has truly taken over: the Hazy IPA, also known as the New England IPA. Whether you love them or loathe them, they’ve made a significant impact.

I remember the first time I tried this style. Our shop had only been open for a few months when a beer rep walked in and asked if we wanted to purchase a keg of Cloudwater v3 Double IPA. At the time, both the brewery and the style were new to us, but I figured—why the hell not?

We got the keg, cleaned out a beer line, tapped it, and poured ourselves a sample. That first sip was a revelation. The intense juiciness, the pillowy softness, the sheer vibrancy of flavour—it was unlike anything I’d had before. In that moment, I knew our shop was about to change. This wasn’t just another beer; it was a sign of where craft beer was headed.

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So, what exactly is a New England IPA, and why is it packed with juicy tropical notes? The answer lies in the brewing process. The ingredients are the same as any other IPA, but it’s all about when they’re added, how they’re treated, and the quantities used.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of what makes a New England IPA unique:

When you combine these four elements, the result is a massively fluffy, fruit-forward beer with vibrant, juicy flavours—think Rubicon fruitiness and a smooth, hazy finish.
There is no shortage of breweries making amazing New England-style IPAs, but here are a few of my favourites at the moment.

© Herald Scotland