Grazing Clouds

Mountains Walking Brewery·New England IPA·7% ABV

★ 4.0 (1 rating) 1 log on Brewskipotatoes

Tasting Notes

Typical of a well-executed hazy IPA, expect a pillowy aroma of ripe stone fruit, citrus zest, and tropical notes — think mango, peach, and tangerine — with a low hop bitterness that lets the juicy, fruit-forward flavors lead. The mouthfeel is notably full and soft, a hallmark of the style's heavy use of oats or wheat in the grain bill. The finish is gentle and brief, leaving a faint resinous quality without the sharp bite of a West Coast counterpart. Haze in the pour is intentional, not a flaw.

About the Brewery

Mountains Walking Brewery is based in Bozeman, Montana, a craft beer market that has grown steadily alongside the region's outdoor recreation culture. The brewery draws its identity from the surrounding landscape of the Northern Rockies. No additional details are available about this brewery.

Food Pairings

Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes work well here because the beer's soft sweetness tempers heat without competing with aromatics. A good fish taco with mango salsa mirrors the tropical fruit character and keeps both elements bright. Mild, creamy cheeses like burrata or fresh chèvre complement the pillowy body without overwhelming it. Grilled shrimp with citrus butter echoes the orange and stone fruit notes in the hop profile, making it a natural pairing.

Style Guide

Hazy IPA — sometimes called New England IPA or NEIPA — is defined by its intentionally cloudy appearance, low bitterness, and intense fruit-forward hop aroma derived from late and dry-hopping techniques. The style originated in the northeastern United States, most closely associated with Vermont's The Alchemist brewery and their Heady Topper, before spreading nationwide through the mid-2010s. Unlike West Coast IPAs, which prize clarity and resinous bitterness, hazy IPAs prioritize aroma and a soft, full mouthfeel achieved through high-protein grains. ABV typically ranges from 6% to 8%, placing this example squarely in the middle of that spectrum.