What Makes a Great Hazy IPA? Exploring Ontario’s Hazy IPA Revolution
Craft beer lovers across Ontario have embraced the haze. Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs (NEIPAs), have taken the beer scene by storm in the last 5 years, offering a juicy, smooth-drinking alternative to their more bitter West Coast counterparts. At MacLean’s Beer, we’ve poured our passion into crafting Lazy Hazy IPAzy, our take on this beloved style, delivering a burst of citrus and tropical fruit flavours with every sip. Let’s dive into what makes a Hazy IPA special, how it compares to traditional IPAs, and why Lazy Hazy IPAzy deserves a spot in your next beer lineup.
Spring & Summer LCBO Seasonal Craft Beer Release
Each year, craft brewers across Ontario roll out their best spring and summer seasonal releases, showcasing fresh, flavourful beers perfect for the warmer months. The LCBO Food & Drink magazine plays a key role in highlighting these seasonal offerings, featuring exclusive craft beer recommendations, food pairings, and insights into Ontario’s vibrant brewing scene. This seasonal showcase provides beer enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore new releases and find the perfect brews to complement their summer adventures.
MacLean’s Lazy Hazy IPAzy
Lazy Hazy IPAzy is not just another craft beer—it’s a seasonal favourite, available at LCBO locations throughout the spring and summer. (Find it closest to you using our Beer Finder Map!) This refreshing, fruit-forward Hazy IPA is crafted for warm days, lazy afternoons, and those moments when you just want to kick back and relax with a quality Ontario craft beer.
What Is a Hazy IPA?
A Hazy IPA is instantly recognizable by its cloudy, opaque appearance. Unlike clear lagers or even some traditional IPAs, the haze comes from a combination of proteins, hop compounds, and yeast in suspension. But the appeal of a Hazy IPA goes beyond looks—it’s all about the flavour.
Hazy IPAs are brewed with an intentional balance of malt, wheat, and oats, contributing to a softer mouthfeel and fuller body. Unlike traditional IPAs, which often showcase strong hop bitterness, Hazy IPAs emphasise juicy, fruit-forward hop profiles with lower perceived bitterness. The result? A beer that’s smooth, aromatic, and dangerously easy to drink.
What Does a Hazy IPA Taste Like?
Expect tropical and citrus fruit flavours to dominate, with notes of mango, passionfruit, tangerine, and pineapple being common. The soft, pillowy mouthfeel enhances the drinking experience, making each sip feel like a refreshing burst of hop-infused juice.
Shop online for local delivery or find MacLean’s at your nearest LCBO, Beer Store, or Circle K using our MacLean’s Craft Beer Map.
Hazy IPA vs. Traditional IPA: What’s the Difference?
West Coast IPA vs. Hazy IPA
While both styles share the same hop-forward DNA, they differ significantly in execution:
- West Coast IPA – Known for its clear appearance, sharp bitterness, and piney or citrusy hop flavours. The bitterness is more pronounced due to earlier hop additions during the brewing process.
- Hazy IPA (New England IPA) – Soft, juicy, and less bitter. The focus is on later hop additions and dry-hopping, which enhance aroma and fruit-forward flavours without increasing bitterness.
The Best Hazy IPAs in Ontario (Our Favourites)
Ontario has a thriving craft beer scene, and Hazy IPAs have found a devoted fan base. Some of the best options available include:
- MacLean’s Lazy Hazy IPAzy – Packed with mouth-watering juicy tropical flavours, this beer is the perfect pairing for laid-back moments. With its hazy, golden appearance and smooth malt character, Lazy Hazy IPAzy stands out as a seasonal favourite at the LCBO.
- Muskoka Brewery’s Hazed & Confused – A well-balanced Hazy IPA featuring bold hop aromas with a silky-smooth mouthfeel.
- Collective Arts Ransack the Universe – A juicy, aromatic IPA that leans into tropical fruit flavours with a balanced hop presence.
- Great Lakes Brewery’s Octopus Wants to Fight – A hazy, hop-forward IPA that delivers a burst of citrus and tropical notes with a smooth finish.
What Makes MacLean’s Lazy Hazy IPAzy So Delicious?
At MacLean’s Beer, we love pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing while keeping things approachable and flavourful. Lazy Hazy IPAzy is our tribute to the Hazy IPA style, brewed with a carefully selected blend of hops that bring out bold citrus, mango, and pineapple notes. The unfiltered haze gives it a luscious, silky mouthfeel, making every sip a smooth, juicy experience.
Lazy Hazy IPAzy is the perfect beer for those who love tropical flavours with a balanced, refreshing finish. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just discovering the world of Hazy IPAs, this is one beer you won’t want to miss.
How Strong are Hazy IPA’s?
Hazy IPAs come in a variety of strengths, ranging from sessionable 4% ABV versions to bold, double IPAs exceeding 8% ABV. Lazy Hazy IPAzy sits at a well-balanced 4.8% ABV, making it an easy-drinking option that delivers on flavour without overwhelming the palate. This makes it a perfect choice for warm-weather sipping or pairing with a variety of meals.
Are Hazy IPAs Less Hoppy?
While Hazy IPAs have lower perceived bitterness than West Coast IPAs, they are still packed with hops. The difference lies in how the hops are used. Hazy IPAs focus on dry hopping, which enhances aroma and fruitiness while keeping bitterness in check. Lazy Hazy IPAzy is loaded with hops, but you’ll taste juicy citrus and tropical notes rather than sharp bitterness.
Perfect Pairings for Lazy Hazy IPAzy
The tropical character of this Hazy IPA enhances a wide range of dishes. Pair it with:
- Your favourite summer BBQ – No need to complicate things. Grill and sip!
- Light grilled seafood – The beer’s fruit-forward notes balance delicate fish and shellfish flavours.
- Spicy Thai or Mexican cuisine – The juicy hop profile contrasts beautifully with bold, spicy dishes.
- Crisp summer salads – A refreshing pairing that complements light, fresh ingredients.
- Fruit-based desserts – Enhance tropical fruit notes with citrus tarts, mango sorbet, or pineapple upside-down cake.
Try Lazy Hazy IPAzy Today
Ready to experience the haze? Lazy Hazy IPAzy is available as a Spring & Summer LCBO Seasonal Craft Beer Release. Whether you’re pairing it with a meal, enjoying it on a sunny patio, or cracking one open after a long day, this is the Hazy IPA for you.
Find Lazy Hazy IPAzy at your nearest LCBO and savour the taste of Ontario’s craft beer revolution!
