Imperial New England Hazy IPA
Imperial New England (Hazy) IPAs, or double IPAs, are deep gold to deep amber in color, cloudy in appearance, and range in alcohol from 7.5-10%. These beers are medium-to-full bodied and are distinguished by prominent juicy, fruity, and floral American hop aromas and flavors while lacking the traditional abrasive, lingering hop bitterness of Imperial IPAs. These intense hop characteristics should be balanced by a rich malt backbone. Depending on the varieties of hops used, and the terpene influence in dry hopping, a wide range of flavors including melon, pineapple, mangom and other tropical fruits, as well as tart citrus, pepper and earthy, pine-like flavors and aromas may be encountered. They differ from other IPA styles in their unfiltered haze that can be attributed to dry-hopping, the use of high-protein grains, certain yeasts, and other brewer choices. These ales represent a challenge to brewers in terms of balance and drinkability, but have exploded in popularity in recent years with many craft breweries producing a version of the style. Starting with the recognized creator of the style, noteworthy examples of this style include: The Alchemist Heady Topper, Treehouse King Julius, Trillium Congress Street, Hill Farmstead Double Citra, and Toppling Goliath King Sue.