Monkish Foggier Than London
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leans heavily on tropical and citrus fruit — think mango, tangerine, and a faint note of guava — with a soft, almost pillowy mouthfeel that's typical of the style done well. Flavor follows through with bright, juicy hop character and minimal bitterness, the haze contributing a smooth, round texture rather than astringency. At 8% it carries a bit more weight than session NEIPAs but wears it without obvious heat. The finish is relatively short and dry, keeping the fruit-forward profile from becoming cloying.
About the Brewery
Monkish is based in Torrance, California, and has become one of the most sought-after NEIPA producers on the West Coast since shifting its focus toward hazy, hop-forward beers. They built a devoted following through limited can releases that routinely draw long lines and sell out quickly. Their output is prolific and hop-variety-driven, with beers frequently named around wordplay and released in rapid succession to showcase different hop combinations.
Food Pairings
Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes work well here because the soft, fruity hop character tempers heat without fighting it. Fish tacos with a citrus slaw echo the beer's tropical notes and keep the pairing light despite the higher ABV. A ripe, creamy brie or similar soft-ripened cheese plays off the round mouthfeel and lets the fruit hop character read as a counterpoint to the fat. Grilled shrimp with mango salsa doubles down on the tropical register in a way that feels cohesive rather than redundant.
Style Guide
The New England IPA — sometimes called a hazy IPA — is defined by heavy dry-hopping, intentional haze from hop proteins and adjuncts like oats or wheat, and a flavor profile that prioritizes juicy fruit character over bitterness. It originated in Vermont in the early 2010s, with The Alchemist's Heady Topper frequently credited as a foundational example, and spread rapidly across American craft brewing. Unlike West Coast IPAs, which emphasize resinous bitterness and clarity, NEIPAs aim for softness and approachability, though ABVs commonly range from 6% to 8% and can run higher in double iterations.