Strange Cattle

Tasting Notes

Typical of the New England-style hazy IPA, Strange Cattle leads with soft, tropical aromas — think ripe mango, citrus peel, and a hint of stone fruit — carried by a low-bitterness hop character that leans juicy rather than sharp. The mouthfeel is full and pillowy, a hallmark of the style's heavy use of oats or wheat in the grain bill. Flavor stays fruity and round through the mid-palate, with hops doing most of the heavy lifting while malt stays quietly in the background. The finish is relatively clean and short, leaving fruit impression without lingering resin.

About the Brewery

MAP Brewing Co. is based in Bozeman, Montana, a college and outdoor-recreation town that has developed a lively craft beer scene. The brewery is known for approachable, well-made ales and lagers that serve both the local community and the steady stream of visitors passing through the Gallatin Valley. Their lineup spans a range of styles without leaning too hard into any single niche.

Food Pairings

The soft bitterness and tropical fruit character here pair naturally with spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes, where the juicy hop profile cools heat without fighting it. Fish tacos work well because the bright citrus notes mirror lime-forward garnishes and cut through fried or grilled fish fat. A sharp cheddar or aged gouda finds a complementary contrast in the beer's low bitterness, while the round body holds up to the cheese's weight. Fresh corn-based dishes — grilled elotes, for instance — echo the beer's subtle sweetness and make for an easy seasonal match.

Style Guide

Hazy IPA, sometimes called New England IPA or NEIPA, is defined by its deliberately unfiltered, opaque appearance and a hop profile built for fruit and aroma rather than bitterness. It typically falls in the 6–8% ABV range and uses hop varieties like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, dry-hopped heavily to maximize tropical and citrus character. The style emerged from small New England breweries in the mid-2010s — most notably The Alchemist in Vermont — and spread rapidly as drinkers sought alternatives to the sharp, resinous West Coast IPA. Where West Coast IPAs emphasize clarity and bite, hazy IPAs prioritize softness, body, and juicy forward flavor.