Judge’s Review: 91 Rating – Island Haze by Alameda Brewing

Hazy IPA | Year-Round | USA

By Joseph Formanek

Judges Rating: 91.00
Aroma: 21.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 37.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 18.00

Island Haze by Alameda Brewing is being evaluated as Category 21C, Hazy IPA, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

The aroma is slightly grassy, with quite a bit of sulfur that comes through in a somewhat kerosene-like way. It is very dank. The appearance is a hazy golden color with a moderate white, small-bubbled head and great retention.

The flavor is moderately sweet, with a bit of grassiness from the hops as well as evident melon-like hop character, a sulfury Simcoe note, and a bit of citrus. There is also a grapefruit-like flavor, perhaps from Centennial hops, that helps accentuate the moderate hop bitterness present in this brew. That grapefruit character lingers throughout the drink. Overall hop flavor is moderate, the body is medium, and the finish comes off just a touch sweet.

All in all, this is a well-crafted Hazy IPA. The grassiness on display is not overly assertive, and the hop flavors play well over a solid base malt backbone.