Skip to main content

New England IPAs: A Cloudy Revolution in the Craft Beer World

Doesn't matter what you might hear from the industry, the New England IPA (NEIPA) IS here to stay!

With its hazy appearance, juicy flavours, and subdued bitterness, they have stormed the craft beer scene since we first saw them in the mid-2000's, offering a refreshingly different take on this beloved style. Buckle up, hopheads, as we dive into the world of NEIPAs, exploring their unique characteristics, brewing process, and impact on the beer landscape.

A Visual Departure:

Unlike their West Coast counterparts, NEIPAs are anything but clear. Their hazy (or cloudy!) appearance, often described as murky or juicy, comes from leaving proteins and yeast in suspension during brewing. This "unconventional" aesthetic might raise eyebrows, but it contributes to the overall experience.

Flavour Explosion:

NEIPAs are all about juicy, fruit-forward flavours. Think mango, pineapple, citrus, and even stone fruits. This explosion doesn't stem from adding fruit juices – it's the magic of hops (OK not all of the time, but the majority of brewers do just use hops to get these amazing flavours!)! 

Brewers use specific hop varieties and late-stage dry hopping techniques to coax out these tropical and citrusy aromas and flavours. While a subtle bitterness lingers, it takes a backseat to the juicy fiesta on your palate.

The Brewing Alchemy:

So, how do brewers achieve this unique profile? Here's a peek behind the brewers' curtain:

  • Malt Bill: While some NEIPAs use traditional pale malt bases, others incorporate flaked oats, wheat, and other specialty grains for a smoother mouthfeel, and to give the NEIPA that signature haziness.
  • Hops: Specific hop varieties, like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, are chosen for their fruity and citrusy characteristics. Late-stage dry hopping, where hops are added after fermentation, infuses the beer with intense aroma and flavour without excessive bitterness.
  • Yeast: Certain yeast strains contribute to the juicy character by producing esters with fruity notes.
  • Water Chemistry: Water with lower mineral content allows the hop character to shine through more prominently.

Beyond the Hype:

The rise of NEIPAs sparked debate within the craft beer community. Some see them as a refreshing innovation, while others lament the move away from traditional IPA bitterness. Regardless of your preference, there's no denying NEIPAs have had a significant impact:

  • Democratising Craft Beer: Their approachable flavours and lower bitterness have attracted new drinkers to the craft beer scene.
  • Pushing boundaries: The NEIPA style has inspired experimentation with unique ingredients, brewing techniques, and hop combinations.
  • Blurring the lines: The success of NEIPAs has led to the emergence of hybrid styles that bridge the gap between traditional IPAs and their hazy counterparts.


The Verdict:

NEIPAs are a testament to the ever-evolving world of craft beer. They offer a unique and delicious experience, pushing the boundaries of what an IPA can be. Whether you're a seasoned hophead or a curious newcomer, there's a NEIPA out there waiting to be discovered. So, grab a glass, embrace the cloudiness, and embark on your own juicy adventure!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

My Three Top Posts

Vatted Black Beer - What!

On a recent trip to Eastbourne, I had the great pleasure of bumping into this 'style' with the Monolith Vatted Black Beer from Burning Sky Brewery. Wow, what a beer, I scored it 10/10 . I've never come across this beer style before, so I was interested in learning a little more about it. What is Vatted Black Beer? Vatted black beer is a dark ale aged in wooden vats, Burning Sky Monolith was aged in Chianti barrels for three years. Like all similar beers, this leaved a rich, complex flavour that’s really is amazing and hard to beat. Sometimes these beers might have wild yeasts introduced or other micro-flora. The efforts that brewers go throught to produce these beers cannot be over-exaggerated, they are time consuming to produce and there are financial risks of cellaring beers, but the results can be stunning.  A VERY Brief History Lesson This beer style dates back to the 18th century. Back then, brewers used wooden vats to store their beer. Over time, they noti...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Rich History of Guinness: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

Love it or hate it, you can't disagree that Guinness, the iconic stout beer, has become synonymous with Irish culture and heritage, think of Ireland and you'll instantly think of Guinness. It has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for over two centuries now, and while I'm not a fan of this brown beer, the history of Guinness is a fascinating.   How It All Started The story of Guinness goes all the way back to 1759, when Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000 year lease for a piece of land that became the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. With an initial investment of just £100, Arthur Guinness set up his brewery on a modest four acre plot.  He initially brewed traditional beer, but he soon switched to a style of beer known as a Porter, which he had noticed was gaining popularity in London at the time.  Porter is a dark beer made with roasted barley, this produces a distinctive flavour and appearance that sets it apart from other beers. This switch p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring - better than Landlord?

Welcome to what could be a controversial blog post, and let me get straight to the point ..  I prefer Knowle Spring over Landlord; I know, probably not something you hear often, but let me explain. I think that Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring, has a fairly unique character and delightful flavours. As we explore this blonde beer, we'll also draw some comparisons with its beter known sibling, Landlord, to help you understand why I think Knowle Spring is probably the best beer in the Timothy Taylor family (but only just!).   Introducing Knowle Spring to You All I first had this wonder beer about five years ago in a country pub in Yorkshire (the name escapes me), but I instantly fell for this beer.  This 4.2% ABV Knowle Spring is a relatively recent addition to Timothy Taylor's lineup, having been introduced in 2017. This Golden Ale was created to offer a lighter, more refreshing option compared to some of the brewery's other offerings. The name actually comes from the sprin...
Post a Comment
Read more