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Introduction to New England IPA (NEIPA)
If you’ve never seen a New England IPA, you’ve probably not been around craft beer at all. What was once a regional curiosity has absolutely taken the craft beer industry by storm. Characterized by their unmistakable hazy appearance and juicy hop-forward flavors, New England IPAs are simply everywhere.
The New England moniker simply references where this substyle of IPA originates from, but make no mistake, this is one of the most popular craft styles across the globe. Go to any craft beer bar or taproom in California, and you’ll find a hazy option on draft. Go to a European craft brewery, and you’ll find juice bombs on offer.
The haze craze has slowed a little bit in recent years, as the novelty has worn off. But the New England IPA style has proven to be a permanent fixture on taplists. But which ones are worth checking out? We’ll explore the top hazy IPAs along with some background info.
Here’s everything you need to know about New England IPA:
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What is a New England IPA?
A New England IPA is characterized by its unmistakable cloudy appearance, fruit-forward (or “juicy”) flavors, and thick mouthfeel. These are based on a standard American IPA, with a few tweaks in the brewing process and ingredient selection in order to gain these characteristics. The entire point of the style is to showcase the vibrant hop flavors.
Origins of the NEIPA
The “New England” moniker is no coincidence. These hazy IPAs originated in the northeast in the 2000s when Vermont-based breweries like The Alchemist began releasing beers like Heady Topper. These beers were a noticeable departure from the classic West Coast IPAs that featured pronounced bitterness and a dry finish.
For about a decade, these beers remained a regional novelty that enjoyed a cult following. Eventually, word got out and craft beer nerds from all over the US began taking pilgrimages to these breweries to pick up 4-packs of cans. Brewers took notice. In the following years, breweries all over the country (and eventually the world) were brewing their own. Nowadays, New England IPA is one of the most common craft styles.
How NEIPAs are Brewed and Get Their Key Characteristics
NEIPAs stand out for several reasons:
- Hazy appearance: It’s pretty easy to pick a NEIPA out of a lineup. The opaque straw appearance comes from high-protein ingredients like oats and wheat. Producers will also skip the filtration step to leave hop particles in suspension for flavor.
- Juicy flavors: Hops are introduced later in the brewing process (often after fermentation) to contribute hop oils and compounds that create juicy, tropical, and citrus-forward flavors. Dry-hopping is a key method for producing NEIPAs.
- Low bitterness: Compared to West Coast IPAs, hazy IPAs will have minimal bitterness because of hop selection and later additions.
- Smooth texture: Ingredients like oats and wheat, combined with specific yeast strains, create a thick and smooth mouthfeel. Adjuncts like lactose sugars are also added for spectacularly creamy textures—hence the nickname “milkshake IPAs.”
NEIPA vs Other IPA Styles
Here’s how NEIPAs compare to other popular IPA and pale ale styles:
| Beer Style | Appearance | Aroma/Flavor | Mouthfeel | ABV Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEIPA | Cloudy, straw-colored | Juicy, fruit-forward, and sweet | Thick, chewy | 6–8% |
| West Coast IPA | Amber and clear | Piney and bitter. Grapefruit | Medium body | 6–8% |
| Double IPA | Dark amber, clear | Bitter with a sweetness from alcohol | Medium body | 8–10% |
| Pale Ale | Light amber, clear | Piney, grassy. Dry finish. | Crisp | 4–5% |
Flavor and Aroma Families in NEIPAs
Hops are the star of the show in NEIPAs. Different hops produce different flavor families:
| Flavor Family | Example Hops | Typical Descriptors |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus | Citra, Amarillo | Grapefruit, orange, lemon |
| Tropical | Mosaic, Galaxy | Mango, pineapple, passionfruit |
| Pine | Simcoe, Centennial | Piney, resinous |
| Herbal/Spicy | Chinook, Saaz | Herbal, earthy, floral |
10 of the Best NEIPAs to Try
Tree House Brewing Julius IPA (ABV: 6.8%)
While it’s not the original, Julius is widely considered the platonic ideal for a hazy IPA. Massive sweet orange and mango flavors make this an absolute juice bomb. Even better, there’s a manageable ABV and malt balance that makes Julius worth drinking more than one of.
The Alchemist Heady Topper (ABV: 8%)
No other beers on this list would exist if not for the mighty Heady Topper. And while its reputation is truly legendary, the beer itself is simple, subtle, and approachable. Expect a nice balance of juicy sweetness with a relatively dry finish. This is a bucket-list beer for a reason.
Maplewood Son of Juice IPA (ABV: 6.3%)
This hazy IPA has become a Chicago staple for its tropical flavors and approachable mouthfeel. Pineapple, guava, and papaya mingle with lovely sweetness from oats. Fortunately, the beer is never cloying.
Toppling Goliath King Sue (ABV: 7.8%)
It’s worth the hype. The hopped-up older sister of Toppling Goliath’s flagship Pseudo Sue is one of the Midwest’s best hazy IPAs. All the best citrus flavor is packed into this drinkable IPA that even boasts some bitterness (100 IBUs in a hazy beer is practically unheard of) to add balance.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine (ABV: 8%)
What was once an elusive four-pack of cans you had to travel for is now widely available across the northeast. Sip of Sunshine hasn’t lost any of its bright floral characteristics or vibrant hop flavor, but you’ll now be able to buy one of these bad boys at a Red Sox game!
Hazy Little Thing – Sierra Nevada (ABV: 6.7%)
Juicy mango and a myriad of tropical fruits will make your taste buds tingle (without making your lips pucker). The soft bitterness provides enough balance that Hazy Little Thing can function as a go-to IPA. Even better, you’ll be able to find this beer anywhere.
Bissell Brothers Swish (ABV: 8%)
This Northeast institution focuses on every detail to craft its hazy IPAs. While Swish’s Simcoe, Mosaic, and Citra hops hog all the attention, it’s the Golden Promise malts and Maine wheat that make this double IPA the absolute ideal sipper for when you want the juice with a bit of booze.
Firestone Walker Mind Haze (ABV: 6.7%)
This brewery may be known for traditional English and European styles, but its venture into the NEIPA style has produced wonderfully juicy results. They balance the ample pineapple and mango on the nose with a flavorful citrus kick and pleasant malt base.
Threes Brewing Logical Conclusion Hazy IPA (ABV: 7%)
Packed with Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops, this balanced IPA is brewed with wheat for pillowy drinkability. Expect a blast of ripe peach and citrus along with a surprisingly dry finish.
Juicy IPA – Tree House Brewing (ABV: 6.5%)
One of New England’s best, Tree House’s flagship hazy is notable for its particularly creamy mouthfeel and unmistakable pineapple aroma.
Where to Buy NEIPAs
- Local Craft Beer Stores: Specialty beer shops have the best selections of local, regional, national, and international breweries. Their hazy IPAs are always on the shelves, and they routinely keep good care of the beer!
- Brewery Taprooms: By far the best place to grab a hazy IPA has to be the source. You’ll find all the best limited releases. Most importantly, everything will be fresh!
- Online Retailers: Some chains and retailers will have a reasonable selection of hazy IPAs. Major breweries will often distribute across state lines this way. Local beer stores will also have online kiosks for pickup.
- Beer Festivals & Events: Breweries often host parties or festivals and will tap sought-after hazy IPAs to draw the crowds. Large beer festivals are great for trying NEIPAs from a number of different breweries.
What to avoid: Buying from resellers has to be the worst option. 4-packs are often marked up to unreasonable prices, and you have no idea how fresh or well-stored the beer is.
Tips for Enjoying a NEIPA
- Take it slow! The pillowy mouthfeel, while a plus, can be filling. These beers are truly not for chugging.
- Use a tulip or IPA glass to keep the aromas in the glass and hold some of the carbonation.
- Serve cold, but not too cold, because you won’t want to mute any of the flavors. The ideal temperature range is 45°–50°F, especially for stronger IPAs.
- Pair with lighter (but still flavorful) foods like seafood, salads, or soft cheeses. Robust and rich foods might not always jive with the juicy tang of a hazy IPA.
- Freshness is key! Avoid long storage; NEIPAs, unfortunately, lose flavor more quickly than other beers.
Final Thoughts
The popularity of New England IPAs may have felt like a fad, but their enduring appeal absolutely makes it a worthy part of the craft beer pantheon. There’s always a time and place for the vibrant flavors and smooth drinkability of a hazy IPA.
Have a favorite hop bomb? Give it a shout out in the comments! And if your next homebrew batch is a New England IPA, sign up for our newsletter for tips, hop guides, and recipe ideas!
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