SweetWater Brewing, based in Atlanta, is known for its chill vibe and hop-forward beers. Their 420 Citrus Haze Hazy Pale Ale takes the foundation of their flagship 420 Extra Pale Ale and gives it a juicy, modern twist. It promises a mix of citrusy fruit flavors with the smooth, hazy body of a New England style pale ale.
Appearance – 4.2/5
Poured into a glass, this beer has a hazy golden-orange color with a frothy white head that holds steady for a while. The cloudiness is expected for the style, and it looks inviting with a fresh, unfiltered glow.
Aroma – 4/5
The nose is lively with bright citrus notes, including orange peel, grapefruit, and a hint of tangerine. Some tropical undertones come through, backed by a mild, bready malt character. There’s a light dankness…perhaps a nod to SweetWater’s hop-forward reputation, but it’s not overpowering.
Taste – 4.2/5
The first sip delivers exactly what the aroma suggests…a balance of citrus fruit, juicy hops, and a mild malt sweetness. Orange and grapefruit lead the way, followed by a touch of mango and pineapple. The bitterness is mild, making this more crushable than an IPA but still providing enough hop character to satisfy pale ale fans. The wheat and oats in the malt bill contribute to a smooth mouthfeel, keeping everything in balance.
Mouthfeel – 4.1/5
Medium-bodied with a soft, slightly creamy texture, this beer is easy to drink. The carbonation is moderate, giving it a refreshing crispness without being too sharp.
Finish – 4/5
The finish is clean, slightly dry, and leaves a lingering citrusy zest. There’s just a hint of hop resin that sticks around but doesn’t overwhelm.
Overall – 4.1/5
SweetWater’s 420 Citrus Haze is a good hazy pale ale that bridges the gap between their classic 420 Extra Pale Ale and modern, juicy styles. It offers plenty of citrusy hop character while staying approachable, making it a solid choice for both casual drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
Strengths
- The citrus-forward aroma and flavor are bright and inviting, making this a great choice for warm weather or casual sipping.
- At 5.4% ABV, it’s sessionable without sacrificing flavor.
- The hazy texture is spot-on, delivering the creamy mouthfeel that fans of the style expect.
Weaknesses
- While enjoyable, the flavor profile doesn’t stand out significantly from other hazy pale ales on the market.
- The hop character is somewhat one dimensional, lacking the complexity that might appeal to hardcore hop heads.
If you enjoy hazy pale ales that lean more fruity than bitter, this is worth trying…especially if you’re already a fan of SweetWater’s lineup.
If you’ve tried 420 Citrus Haze, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments section below.
Leave a Reply