Interchange

Tasting Notes

Monkish is well known for their hazy IPAs, and this one likely leans into their house character: big tropical and stone fruit aromas — think mango, peach, and papaya — with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel that keeps bitterness low and juiciness front and center. Flavor tends toward ripe citrus and melon with a faint herbal or resinous undercurrent depending on the hop bill. The finish is smooth and relatively brief, with residual fruit sweetness rather than a sharp bitter snap.

About the Brewery

Monkish is based in Torrance, California, and has become one of the most sought-after hazy IPA producers on the West Coast since shifting its focus to the style around 2017. They release heavily hopped, small-batch hazies frequently under punchy single-word names, which has earned them a devoted following and consistent lines outside their taproom. Their beers are distributed selectively, and they maintain a strong reputation for hop quality and consistency across a high-volume release schedule.

Food Pairings

A hazy IPA at this weight pairs well with spicy Thai green curry, where the fruit-forward hops soften heat without fighting it. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the tropical hop character and keep the pairing feeling cohesive. A soft, washed-rind cheese like Taleggio works because the beer's low bitterness won't clash with the funk. Grilled shrimp with citrus butter ties into the citrus notes in the hops, and even a simple avocado toast with chili flakes gives the beer's juicy softness a savory counterpoint.

Style Guide

Hazy IPAs — also called New England IPAs or NEIPAs — are defined by their intentionally unfiltered, opaque appearance and a flavor profile that prioritizes juicy fruit character over sharp bitterness. They typically land between 6% and 8% ABV and use large additions of late-added or dry hops, often featuring varieties like Citra, Mosaic, or Sabro. The style was popularized in the mid-2010s by breweries in New England, particularly The Alchemist and Trillium, and differs from West Coast IPAs through its softer water chemistry, lower perceived bitterness, and rounder, fuller body.