Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

Dan Martich's picture

Judge’s Review: 88 Rating - Zaboo Hazy IPA by Switchback Brewing Co.

September, 2022

Zaboo Hazy IPA

Zaboo Hazy IPA

Vermont
United States
Zaboo Hazy IPA, Switchback Brewing Co.
Description 

Zaboo Hazy IPA features a zestful and effervescent blend of hops, hand selected to amplify aroma. Vibrant notes of juicy stone fruit, honeydew melon, orange, peach, and pear create a fun expressive flavor.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.9%
Served at: 
38
Malts: 
Pale, Pilsner, Flaked Wheat, Pale Crystal, Acidulated
Hops: 
Wai-iti, Mosaic, Citra, Calypso, Simcoe

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating: 
88
Aroma: 
24 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
34 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
16 / 20

Zaboo Hazy IPA by Switchback Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Hazy IPA (Category 21C) from the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines. 

This beer’s aroma opens up with a moderately high amount of pineapple, pink grapefruit, white peach and sweet orange and rounding out with hoppy floral aromas. Minutes after pouring, notes of blueberry and dank hops, similar to Mosaic, become present.

The color is light golden with a hazy clarity, and a big, off-white, fluffy head crowned the glass beautifully.

There are lots of citrus flavors, similar to grapefruit and tangerine. Pineapple and floral notes are here too, mirroring the aroma. The malt profile is grainy and neutral, with little to no residual sweetness giving this beer a very dry finish. While the bitterness is high, the balance is decidedly toward the hop flavors.

Medium-bodied, with a moderately high carbonation level. There are no warming alcohols in the mouthfeel or flavor, which gives it a light drinkability. The neutrality of the malt makes it super-dry on the palate.

Overall, this is a very good beer that hits the hallmarks of the style without being too over the top. This beer resembles the original hazy IPAs of the 2010s in that the creaminess is low with no residual sweetness and the bitterness is higher.