Judge’s Review: 91 – Hazy Rays by Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Hazy IPA | Year-Round | USA

By Dan Martich

Judges Rating: 91
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Hazy Rays by Lawson’s Finest Liquids is being evaluated as a Hazy IPA (Category 21C) from the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines. 
Big hop aromas of grapefruit peel, lemon and pineapple – a bouquet that screams “Citra hops.” A slight herbal note is detected in the aroma complementing the citrus and pineapple notes, and big yeast esters give in to the fruitiness.
The beer poured hazy, and the fluffy white head was beautiful and persisted. Many bubbles were seen rising to the top, indicating a level of higher carbonation.
The flavor opens with a grainy malt character that is secondary, as the primary focus here is coming from the hops. This beer is well-attenuated with not a lot of residual sweetness, but more of a perceived sweetness. The balance is decidedly toward the hops, as it should be, with a characteristic that matches the aroma. The finish is dry and the aftertaste is long and fruity. This beer is balanced and delivers on hop flavor.
Medium-low body, with very high carbonation accentuates the dryness. There are no warming alcohols indicative of the lower ABV, and absent of creaminess.
Here’s a very drinkable hazy IPA, one that accentuates the drinkability via the flavors of the hops. The citrus grapefruit peel/pineapple combination is elevated as the beer warms in the glass. There is a very low amount of dankness, one that is not offensive and actually complements well while giving the beer more complexity.