Reel Hazy
Crystal Lake Brewing
Story by:
Bev Blackwood
Specialty IPA
Year-Round
Illinois
United States
Judges Ratings 87
Aroma: 21 / 24
Flavor: 36 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6
Mouthfeel: 8 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
A healthy dose of oats and wheat malt create a smooth, creamy foundation for this immensely hoppy hazy pale. Tropical fruit and citrus aromas transfer right into the flavor of Reel Hazy delivering an explosion of mango, pineapple, orange and vanilla. Bitterness is very light and adds balance to this crushable lower alcohol hazy beer.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 5.70%
IBUs: 20
Served at: (44º F)
Hops: Hopsteiner Solero, Trident, Sultana, Simco, Citra
Malts: Two-Row, Wheat, Carafoam, Oats
Judges Review
By Michael McGuire
Judges Ratings 87
Aroma: 21 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 36 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 8 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
Reel Hazy by Crystal Lake Brewing is a New England IPA and was judged as a Specialty IPA (BJCP sub-style 21B). It poured straw-colored and moderately hazy into the glass, forming a modest white head. The aroma featured intense fruity hop notes and almost no malty or spicy ones. Dominant flavors were entirely from the strong bittering and lesser flavor hops, resulting in a sweet and “juicy” flavor profile. Mild malt notes followed but were not sufficient to give this beer the balance needed to enhance its drinkability in the final analysis. Even for an intentionally hop-forward IPA, some malt backbone is essential. The mouthfeel included medium body and carbonation as well as some creaminess. This is a refreshing and flavorful ale, but needs more malt balance to enhance its depth and flavor profile.
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