Wicked Hazy Ipa Abv Review (Updated | May 4th)
Selecting a New England style IPA requires balancing hop intensity with drinkability. This review examines the Wicked Hazy IPA, focusing on its specific alcohol by volume and how that strength influences the overall flavor profile and mouthfeel. Key considerations for this category include the level of tropical fruit notes, bitterness levels, and the characteristic cloudy appearance. This guide serves consumers seeking a detailed breakdown of technical specifications and sensory characteristics. It is designed for craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers who prioritize transparency regarding potency and ingredient composition before making a purchase.
Key Takeaways
- The Award-Winning Classic is ideal for drinkers seeking a punchy tropical aroma with a clean, dry finish.
- Choose the Tall-Boy Hazy if you prefer a larger format for extended sessions or outdoor social gatherings.
- The 7.3% ABV in the Award-Winning Classic delivers a strong buzz while maintaining high drinkability without boozy heat.
- Check the canned-on date to ensure maximum hop freshness and peak tropical flavor profiles before purchasing.
- Prioritize hazy IPAs with a dry finish to avoid the heavy sweetness often found in high-ABV craft beers.
Wicked Weed Brewing Pernicious IPA 6-Pack 12oz Cans
Award-Winning Classic
- The tropical aroma is incredibly punchy and fresh.
- A very clean and dry finish for high drinkability.
- The 7.3% ABV provides a great buzz without feeling boozy.
- BEST FOR AWARD-WINNING CLASSIC: Wicked Weed Brewing Pernicious IPA 6-Pack 12oz Cans Read More ↓
- BEST FOR TALL-BOY HAZY: Hi-Wire Brewing Hazy Pitch IPA 6-Pack 16oz Cans Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VARIETY PACK ESSENTIAL: Wicked Weed Brewing Hop Spectrum IPA 12-Pack 12oz Cans Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Wicked Hazy Ipa Abv
Wicked Weed Brewing Pernicious IPA 6-Pack 12oz Cans
If you are looking for a beer that defines the modern West Coast style while staying true to its North Carolina roots, the Pernicious IPA is a heavy hitter. It carries a solid 7.3% ABV that hits that sweet spot between being sessionable and packing a punch.
When you pour it, you get this massive blast of tropical fruit and citrus notes that don’t feel artificial. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a clean, dry finish rather than those syrupy, heavy malts you find in older IPAs.
It is bright, crisp, and honestly one of the best craft beers for a backyard hangout. However, you should know that the hop bitterness is quite aggressive and sharp.
If you prefer the soft, pillowy mouthfeel of a New England style, this might feel a bit too biting on the back of your throat. It’s a classic, but it definitely demands you appreciate a lingering piney resin after every single sip.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The tropical aroma is incredibly punchy and fresh.
- A very clean and dry finish for high drinkability.
- The 7.3% ABV provides a great buzz without feeling boozy.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The intense bitterness might overwhelm casual lager drinkers.
- It lacks the juicy sweetness found in hazy varieties.
Hi-Wire Brewing Hazy Pitch IPA 6-Pack 16oz Cans
Hi-Wire really leaned into the juice craze with their Hazy Pitch IPA, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser for the hazy fans out there. This one comes in 16 fl oz cans, which is the perfect size for a slow-sipping craft experience.
At 7.2% ABV, it has enough body to feel substantial but remains dangerously smooth. You should buy this if you are a fan of that ‘orange juice’ appearance and a velvety mouthfeel that coats the palate.
It’s packed with stone fruit flavors and lacks that harsh ‘hop bite’ that scares people away from traditional IPAs. It’s basically a tropical vacation in a tallboy.
One real downside is the consistency of the haze; if the cans sit too long, you might notice some sediment settling at the bottom, which requires a gentle swirl to re-incorporate. It’s also quite filling and heavy, so don’t expect to crush a whole six-pack in one sitting without feeling some serious bloat.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The 16-ounce tallboy cans offer a better value per serving.
- Incredibly smooth mouthfeel with almost zero hop burn.
- Bursting with bright peach and mango flavor profiles.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The heavy body makes it feel quite filling very quickly.
- Sediment can settle at the bottom if not stored properly.
Wicked Weed Brewing Hop Spectrum IPA 12-Pack 12oz Cans
If you are looking to dive deep into the world of North Carolina craft beer, this IPA Hop Spectrum 12-pack from Wicked Weed is a fantastic starting point. I love that you get a variety of profiles in one box, ranging from bright and citrusy to that deep, earthy pine finish.
With a solid 6.5% ABV, these cans hit that sweet spot where they are flavorful enough to savor but won’t completely knock you off your feet after just one. It is the perfect choice for someone hosting a backyard hangout who wants to offer more than just basic lagers, or for the curious drinker who hasn’t quite decided if they prefer West Coast bitterness or New England haziness.
You really get to taste the premium hop selection the brewery is famous for. The only real bummer is that because it is a variety pack, you might find yourself wishing for more of one specific style while a few others sit in the back of the fridge, as the flavor balance across the different cans can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on your personal palate.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The 6.5% ABV offers a perfect balance of strength and flavor.
- A great variety of hop profiles for curious craft beer fans.
- Convenient 12-pack cans are easy to transport for outdoor events.
- Showcases high-quality brewing standards from a reputable craft brand.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Flavor consistency varies significantly between the different styles included.
- Some cans may feel overly bitter for those preferring smoother hazies.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which of these is best for someone who prefers a classic, crisp West Coast style?
The Wicked Weed Pernicious is your best bet, as its 7.3% ABV and bright hop profile deliver a much sharper, cleaner bitterness compared to hazy alternatives. It is widely considered a benchmark for the style, though it might be too intense if you prefer a smooth, juice-like finish.
How does the Hi-Wire Hazy Pitch compare to the Wicked Weed options?
Hi-Wire Hazy Pitch is specifically designed for those who want a softer mouthfeel and lower perceived bitterness, typical of the New England style. While Wicked Weed Pernicious focuses on clarity and bite, Hazy Pitch offers a tropical, cloudy experience in a larger 16oz format.
Is the Wicked Weed Hop Spectrum pack a good choice for parties?
The Hop Spectrum 12pk is excellent for variety, offering a lower average ABV of 6.5% which makes it more sessionable than the heavy-hitting Pernicious. It allows you to explore different hop profiles in one sitting, though individual cans may lack the specific punch of a dedicated 6-pack.
What should I look for regarding the ABV in these IPAs?
Pay attention to whether the ABV sits in the 6% range or climbs above 7%, as this significantly impacts the ‘heat’ and sweetness of the malt. Higher ABV IPAs like Pernicious provide more body and a boozy backbone, while lower ABV options are easier to drink over a longer period.
Does the can size make a difference in the drinking experience?
The 16oz cans found in the Hi-Wire Hazy Pitch are ideal for slow sipping and maintaining a head of foam in a glass. However, the standard 12oz cans from Wicked Weed stay cold longer if you are drinking straight from the container, which is vital for preserving hop aromatics.
What is the most important factor when checking the freshness of a Hazy IPA?
Always look for a ‘canned on’ date rather than a ‘best by’ date, especially for hazy styles like Hazy Pitch which degrade faster than clear IPAs. Ideally, you want to consume these within 60 to 90 days to ensure the hop oils haven’t oxidized into a cardboard-like flavor.
How should I store these IPAs to maintain their flavor?
Keep these beers refrigerated at all times; heat is the enemy of the delicate hop compounds in Wicked Weed and Hi-Wire products. Storing them at room temperature will cause the bright citrus and pine notes to fade into a dull, malty sweetness within weeks.
