Name: HopSizz
Brewer: HideOut Craft Brewery (Philippines)
Style: Specialty IPA: New England IPA
ABV: 7%
Review Year: 2020
HopSizz was supposed to be the follow-up batch to HopBrother, the anticipated hazy or New England IPA (NEIPA) from Tatz Ang of HideOut Craft Brewery. However, a change in the malt bill resulted in a sweeter and fruitier version of the said NEIPA.
Read More: HideOut Craft Brewery “HopBrother” Hazy IPA
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA: New England IPA (21B) in the context of the provisional guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) for the said beer style. The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.
“Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale,” “Juicy or Hazy IPA,” and “Juicy or Hazy Double IPA” are beer styles from the 2020 Brewers Association (BA) Beer Style Guidelines. These styles are noted to represent what enthusiasts and brewers refer to as New England IPAs or Hazy IPAs.
Recommended Reading: ‘Juicy or Hazy’ Ales Debut in BA Beer Style Guide, Representing New England IPAs (CraftBeer.com, 2018)
TASTING NOTES
HopSizz pours a hazy yellow-orange beer with a notable off-white head. HopSizz has slightly darker shade compared to HopBrother. The nose revealed juicy tangerines and lychees, notably more aromatic compared to HopBrother which had slightly muted notes of lemon peel and lime citrus. HopSizz is medium-bodied while the moderately high level of carbonation seems to be an improvement from its predecessor.
This hazy or New England IPA still has a flavor profile dominated by hops relative to the malts. Hop flavors unveil prominent orange, lychee, and lime peel. Meanwhile, the malt flavors seem to manifest as bready with some notes of light caramel. Bitterness is more mellow and carries a pine-like character. A light peppery heat still lingers, but not as distinct as in HopBrother. No more star anise-like notes. Toss in some lemon peels in the aftertaste as well.
THE VERDICT
HopSizz turned out to be a sweeter and fruitier version of HopBrother but is still a beer that packs a decent amount of hop bitterness. As mentioned, the carbonation level and mouthfeel feel more appropriate this time compared to its predecessor. We think these are some fundamental aspects Tatz really worked on for this outturn.
HopSizz may have been a spin-off, but it is definitely a step forward. Now, we look forward to HopBrother 2.0.
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