Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Style: Hazy IPA
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 35
Sierra Nevada is one of the most influential craft breweries in the U.S. and has a long history of innovation…particularly with hoppy beers. Their Little Thing series, which includes Hazy Little Thing and Big Little Thing, aims to make bold IPAs more accessible. Juicy Little Thing follows this trend, offering a fruit-forward hazy IPA designed to be easy drinking while still packing plenty of hop character.
Appearance – 4/5
It pours a hazy golden-orange with a frothy white head that lingers, leaving light lacing on the glass. While not the most opaque hazy IPA out there, it still looks inviting and fresh.
Aroma – 4.25/5
Juicy citrus takes center stage, with dominant notes of orange, pineapple, and mango. There’s also a subtle floral and piney undertone, likely from the hop blend of Citra, El Dorado, Mosaic and Sterling hops. While it’s not as explosively aromatic as some hazy IPAs, it’s still vibrant and inviting.
Flavor – 4/5
The taste mirrors the aroma, featuring bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors. A touch of sweetness rounds things out without becoming cloying, and a mild bitterness lingers just enough to remind you it’s still an IPA. The malt profile stays in the background, providing light bready support.
Compared to other hazy IPAs, Juicy Little Thing leans more toward balance than extreme juiciness. It doesn’t quite hit the intensity of a New England style hazy IPA but offers an approachable and refreshing drinking experience.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
Medium bodied with a soft, slightly creamy texture. The carbonation is lively without being harsh, enhancing its drinkability.
Overall Rating – 4.1/5
What I liked best about Juicy Little Thing is its ability to strike a balance between bold flavors and drinkability. At 6.5% ABV, it’s not overly heavy, making it a great choice for both casual sipping and pairing with food. The malt backbone is subtle, providing just enough support to let the hops take center stage. While some hazy IPAs can veer into overly sweet or murky territory, Sierra Nevada keeps this one crisp and clean, a testament to their brewing expertise.
If you’re a fan of hazy IPAs but don’t want something too heavy or overly sweet, Juicy Little Thing is worth a try. It’s a solid, dependable beer that fits right into Sierra Nevada’s reputation for quality.
If you’ve tried Juicy Little Thing, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
I wouldn’t rate it quite as high as you did, but like everything Sierra Nevada makes, it’s a good beer.