2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) silver medal for Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale was awarded to Juicy Mid-Tones by Corn Coast Brewing Co. in Lincoln, NE
I have always wondered what gives a hazy IPA its color. The range from a light yellow (lemon cream) to a bright, deep orange (tangerine). The key factors include the malt, hops, and yeast.
Juicy Mid-Tones from Corn Coast Brewing has a lemon color, especially in good light. The picture here has a bit more orange due to the lighting.
Based on the color, I would guess a Pilsner or Extra Pale malt was used. The malt is definitely the primary factor. In addition, the milkiness of the oats and wheat for the hazy body lends to a lighter color. Lighter-colored hops (like Citra, Mosaic, or Nelson Sauvin) rather than more resinous, darker green hops tend to prompt the lighter color. From the research, I see that dry hopping and the release of tannins when yeast interacts with them can have a slight impact on color.
When you have a more orange-hazy IPA, it likely contains some Crystal or Caramel malts. Always be wary of a typically bright, hazy IPA that looks like muddy water. This beer has become oxidized and has lost its appealing color.
I described the color of Juicy Mid-Tones, and I bet you are wondering what it tastes like! Primary notes are tropical (pineapple) and stone fruit (peach). There is light dankness in the finish from the hop profile of Nectaron, Citra Lupomax, and HBC 586 (Krush)—a delightful hazy IPA with 7% ABV.
Cheers!
