Follow the moth… 

Hypnomoth is a Hazy Imperial IPA fluttering with ripe melon and juicy orange aromas, ample notes of resinous pine and bright citrus, and a full, fuzzy mouthfeel. This mesmeric goliath takes to the skies to lead you toward the hazy, hoppy glow. You are getting thirsty…very thirsty…

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malts: Pilsner, White Wheat, Dextrin, Flaked Oats, Acidulated, Flaked Wheat

Hops: Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, Cascade, El Dorado, Idaho 7, Amarillo CGX

Hypnomoth is a new release in our series of Hazy Imperial IPAs. As our previous Imperial Series releases drew on giant prehistoric megafauna, these imperial hazies draw on cryptids and fantastic mythological creatures to capture the spirit of the big, bold, mysterious profiles. Give us a little background on Hypnomoth.

With Hazy Imperial IPA being such a popular and delicious style, we decided to split the rotating West Coast DIPA line and mix in a few of these murky monsters. We spent the last year and a half experimenting with different malt and hop bills at our R&D brewery, allowing us to dial in the exact flavor profile we wanted for Hynomoth. The recipe is a hop lover’s dream, with a blend that features some of the most popular varietals ever cultivated.

This is a big, hazy Imperial IPA. What are the notable features of this style, and what does Hypnomoth bring to the table?

Breaking down the style by word, we’ll start with “hazy.” Traditionally dry hopped IPAs are made by allowing fermentation to finish before adding a dose of hops. By adding hops during fermentation, the time that yeast is actively converting sugars extracted from malt into alcohol, physical changes to hop oils by yeast create intensely fruity flavors. Hops are also used sparingly in the boil or whirlpool, meaning the beer has little residual bitterness. Additions of other grains, like wheat and oats, create a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel. Add all these factors together and you’re left with a low bitterness, incredibly fruity, juice-like IPA, with haze as a by-product. By not passing these beers through a filter, that haze is preserved. The term “Imperial” means that a brew has an elevated alcohol by volume (abv) compared to what is typical of the style, born from English brewers in the 18th century who created high ABV beers meant to survive being shipped to the Russian Imperial Court without spoiling. At 9% abv and loaded with hoppy haze, Hypnomoth fits this recently created style perfectly.

What are some other favorite Hazy Imperial IPAs?

Instead of specific beers, I’ll list a few breweries that make exceptional hazies- Other Half, Tree House, Trillium, and Hill Farmstead.

Appearance: Bright gold with heavy haze and thick, white foam.

Aroma: Juicy orange, fresh pineapple, resinous pine.

Taste: Mild bitterness and low sweetness allow the many hop derived flavors to dominate the profile.

Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and pillowy, enhancing the juice-like character.

Overall: Bright gold with heavy haze, Hypnomoth is loaded with juicy orange and citrus aromas that are enhanced by a well-balanced, full-bodied brew.

What foods would pair well with Hypnomoth?  Hypnomoth would go really well with grilled chicken.

Ideal glassware for Hypnomoth?  A snifter.