Penguins In Space

Tasting Notes

Expect a soft, pillowy texture that's typical of the New England-leaning hazy pale ale format, with aroma leading on fresh tropical fruit — think mango, passionfruit, and a hint of citrus peel. The hop flavor is present but restrained, keeping bitterness low and letting juicy, slightly sweet fruit character carry the palate. Body is light to medium with a smooth, rounded mouthfeel from the haze-inducing adjuncts. The finish is clean and brief, fading on a gentle resinous note rather than any sharp bitterness.

About the Brewery

Kings County Brewers Collective, known as KCBC, is based in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and has been part of the borough's brewing scene since around 2016. They operate out of a large warehouse taproom and have built a reputation for hop-forward and hazy beers alongside experimental and adjunct-driven releases. They're a fixture in the New York craft beer community and maintain a consistently rotating tap list.

Food Pairings

A hazy pale ale at this weight pairs well with fish tacos because the citrus and tropical hop notes mirror fresh lime and avocado without overwhelming the delicate fish. Lightly spiced Thai noodle dishes work because the low bitterness won't clash with chili heat while the fruit character plays off fish sauce and lime. A simple roast chicken brings out the beer's subtle malt backbone, and fresh goat cheese on flatbread complements the juicy, slightly tangy hop profile without competing for attention.

Style Guide

The hazy pale ale is essentially a lower-ABV sibling to the New England IPA, sharing its unfiltered, cloudy appearance and emphasis on soft, juicy hop character over assertive bitterness. Dry-hopping with varieties like Mosaic, Citra, or Galaxy produces the tropical and citrus aromas the style is known for, while adjuncts like oats or wheat contribute the characteristic full, smooth mouthfeel. ABV typically falls in the 4.5–5.5% range, making it lighter than a full hazy IPA while retaining the same basic flavor philosophy. It's distinguished from a traditional American pale ale primarily by its turbidity, reduced bitterness, and fruit-forward, aroma-driven hop profile.