Brewery: Smoke Brewing Company (Lee’s Summit, Missouri)
Style: Hazy / New England IPA
ABV: 6.4%
IBU: 30
Smoke Brewing Co’s Shelter in Haze is a double dry-hopped New England-style IPA that features Mosaic and Eldorado hops. The beer delivers a hazy, juicy experience with a few unique twists. As a craft beer enthusiast, I found it to be a solid representation of the style, though it doesn’t quite reach the upper echelons of the hazy IPA category.
Appearance
True to its name, Shelter in Haze pours a cloudy, golden-orange hue with a thick, frothy white head that lingers nicely. The beer’s opacity is a visual treat, promising the juicy, unfiltered experience that hazy IPA fans crave.
Aroma
The nose is vibrant and inviting, bursting with tropical fruit notes, such as ripe mango, pineapple, and a hint of citrus…likely from the Mosaic hops. There’s a subtle floral undertone and a touch of sweetness, likely from the malt backbone, which balances the hop-forward aroma.
Flavor
On the palate, Shelter in Haze is a fruit-forward explosion. The initial sip brings waves of mango, peach, and tangerine, followed by a mild piney bitterness that keeps the beer from being overly sweet. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with a medium body that coats the tongue without feeling heavy. The finish is moderately dry, with a lingering citrus zest.
Compliments
Smoke Brewing Co’s commitment to small batch brewing and experimentation shine with this beer. While Shelter in Haze isn’t necessarily ground breaking, it showcases the brewery’s ability to craft a well balanced, approachable hazy IPA.
Critiques
While enjoyable, Shelter in Haze lacks the depth and complexity of some of the top tier hazy IPAs on the market. The hop profile, while pleasant, doesn’t evolve much as you drink, and the bitterness, though mild, could be dialed back slightly to let the fruitiness shine even more.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4.1/5
- Aroma – 4/5
- Flavor – 3.9/5
- Mouthfeel – 4/5
- Overall – 4/5
Smoke Brewing Co’s Shelter in Haze is a solid hazy IPA that’ll satisfy fans of the style. While it may not stand out in the crowded hazy IPA space, it’s a reliable, flavorful option that showcases the brewery’s skill and attention to detail. If you’re looking for a juicy, easy drinking IPA, this one is worth a try.
If you’ve tried Smoke’s Shelter in Haze, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments section below.
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