Thru The Haze by Bear Republic Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA (Category 21B) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
Thru The Haze IPA pours a medium yellow with a white head that leaves a thick and creamy stand of fine bubbles on the beer, quite visually appealing. The beer has a light haze, a touch clear for a traditional hazy IPA. The aroma features prominent tropical fruit hop character, with fresh pineapple and mango, with a hit of orange citrus making a late appearance. As the beer warms and vents, a light grapefruit aroma begins to rise. Very light bready malt emerges behind to create some balance to the hoppy aroma. The flavor follows with a conspicuous ripe mango and pineapple, with a shot of fresh orange and grapefruit. Medium hop bitterness emerges mid-palate and remains smooth through the dry finish, growing slightly as it passes through the tropical aftertaste. Light bready malt rounds out the flavor profile. Any fermentation character that may be present it overpowered by the hop aroma and flavor.
An enjoyable beer than leans more toward an American IPA (21A) than a hazy or New England style IPA. A good beer to grab as you enjoy the warm and waning summer months heading into autumn.