Pilsner, Hazy IPA, IPA: A Guide to Understanding Our Signature Brews

At Bean Bag Brewery, we pride ourselves on crafting beers that reflect our passion for brewing and our love for bold, exciting flavors. Among our core lineup are three distinct styles: Pilsner, Hazy IPA, and IPA. Each of these brews brings something unique to the table, offering a variety of taste experiences to satisfy all kinds of beer lovers. Whether you're new to craft beer or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the differences between these styles can enhance your appreciation of what’s in your glass. Let’s dive into the details of each one and explore what makes them stand out.

1. Pilsner: Crisp, Clean, and Refreshing

Style Overview: Pilsner is a classic lager style that originated in the Czech Republic in the 19th century. Known for its light, golden color and crisp, refreshing taste, it's a beer that appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. At Bean Bag Brewery, our Pilsner is brewed with the highest quality ingredients to deliver that perfect balance of bitterness and smoothness that makes this style so beloved.

Tasting Notes: Our Pilsner pours a clear, pale gold with a frothy white head. On the nose, you'll get subtle aromas of floral hops and fresh bread. The taste is clean and crisp, with a slightly sweet malt backbone balanced by a pleasant bitterness from the noble hops we use. The finish is dry and refreshing, making it the perfect beer for a sunny day or any time you’re craving something light and easy to drink.

Brewing Process: Brewing a great Pilsner requires precision and patience. We use a blend of Pilsner malt and noble hops like Saaz, which give the beer its signature crispness and floral aroma. The beer undergoes a long, cold fermentation process, which helps to develop its clean flavors. We take our time with this one, ensuring that every batch is as crisp and refreshing as the last.

Food Pairing: Pilsner pairs well with a variety of foods, thanks to its light body and clean taste. Try it with grilled chicken, seafood, or a fresh garden salad. The subtle bitterness and dry finish make it a great companion for spicy dishes like Thai or Mexican cuisine, as the beer helps to cleanse your palate between bites.

2. Hazy IPA: Juicy, Aromatic, and Bursting with Flavor

Style Overview: Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs, have taken the craft beer world by storm in recent years. Unlike traditional IPAs, which are known for their bitterness, Hazy IPAs focus on juicy, fruity flavors and a soft, smooth mouthfeel. Our Hazy IPA at Bean Bag Brewery is a testament to this style, delivering a beer that’s as deliciously aromatic as it is drinkable.

Tasting Notes: Our Hazy IPA pours a cloudy, golden-orange color with a thick, creamy head. The aroma is an explosion of tropical fruit—think mango, pineapple, and passionfruit. On the palate, this beer is all about juicy hop flavors, with minimal bitterness. You’ll taste ripe citrus and stone fruits, all wrapped up in a soft, pillowy mouthfeel that makes each sip a delight.

Brewing Process: The key to a great Hazy IPA lies in the hops and the timing of their addition. We use a generous amount of hops like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, but instead of adding them early in the boil (which creates bitterness), we add them late or during fermentation to extract more fruity and aromatic flavors. We also use a specific yeast strain that enhances the beer’s haze and contributes to its juicy character.

Food Pairing: Hazy IPAs are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. The fruitiness of the beer makes it a natural match for dishes with a bit of sweetness or spice. Try it with grilled shrimp, barbecue ribs, or a fruit-forward salad. The juicy flavors also pair well with creamy cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, as the hops help cut through the richness.

3. IPA: Bold, Bitter, and Full of Character

Style Overview: IPA (India Pale Ale) is a staple of the craft beer world, known for its bold hop bitterness and complex flavors. While there are many variations of the style, at Bean Bag Brewery, we stick to the roots of IPA with a beer that’s packed with hop character and a solid malt backbone to balance it out. Our IPA is a beer for those who love big, bold flavors and aren’t afraid of a little bitterness.

Tasting Notes: Our IPA pours a deep amber color with a thick, lacing head. The aroma is a blend of pine, citrus, and resinous hops, with a hint of caramel from the malt. On the palate, you’ll experience a bold bitterness upfront, followed by flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a touch of toasty malt. The finish is long and dry, with lingering hop bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Brewing Process: For our IPA, we use a combination of classic American hops like Cascade and Centennial, which provide those signature piney, citrusy flavors. The malt bill includes a mix of pale and caramel malts, which give the beer its depth and balance. This beer undergoes a vigorous fermentation process, and we dry-hop it to boost the aroma and flavor intensity.

Food Pairing: IPAs are great with rich, flavorful dishes that can stand up to the beer’s bitterness. Think of grilled steaks, burgers, or spicy curries. The bitterness of the IPA also pairs well with sharp cheeses like Cheddar or blue cheese, as it cuts through the richness and enhances the flavors.

Final thoughts

At Bean Bag Brewery, our Pilsner, Hazy IPA, and IPA each offer a unique experience for beer lovers. Whether you prefer the crisp refreshment of a Pilsner, the juicy allure of a Hazy IPA, or the bold bitterness of a classic IPA, we’ve got something for you. So next time you’re in Auckland, swing by the brewery and try our signature brews for yourself—you might just find your new favorite beer.

Cheers!