Saga Hazy IPA

Tasting Notes

The aroma leads with tropical and citrus notes — think ripe mango, tangerine, and a hint of stone fruit — characteristic of the heavily dry-hopped, New England-influenced approach. On the palate, hop flavor is front and center but softened by a round, full body that keeps bitterness low and the finish relatively smooth. The mouthfeel is fuller than a standard IPA, with a slight haze and a pillowy texture that carries the fruit-forward hops well. The 7% ABV sits solidly in the style's upper-mid range without tipping into boozy territory.

About the Brewery

Summit Brewing is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and was founded in 1986, making it one of the earlier craft breweries in the upper Midwest. The brewery built its reputation largely on its Extra Pale Ale, a longtime regional staple, and has since expanded into a wide range of styles including seasonal and specialty releases. Summit is well-regarded in the Twin Cities beer scene as a consistent, independent regional anchor that has kept pace with evolving craft trends without abandoning its foundational lineup.

Food Pairings

Fish tacos work well here because the citrus and tropical hop character mirrors the brightness of lime and fresh salsa. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the beer's low bitterness and soft body, which temper heat without fighting it. A simple roast chicken with lemon and herbs lets the fruit-forward hops echo the aromatics of the dish. Mild, creamy cheeses like brie or havarti contrast nicely with the hop oils without getting overpowered, and grilled shrimp skewers with a mango glaze double down on the tropical notes already in the glass.

Style Guide

Hazy IPA — sometimes called New England IPA or NEIPA — is defined by its low perceived bitterness, high hop aroma and flavor, and a characteristically cloudy, soft-bodied character that comes from specific yeast strains, high-protein grain bills, and heavy dry-hopping. The style emerged out of Vermont and the broader New England brewing scene in the early-to-mid 2010s and quickly spread nationwide. It differs from West Coast IPA mainly in its texture and bitterness profile: where West Coast leans dry, resinous, and clear, Hazy IPA emphasizes juicy, fruit-forward hop expression with a smoother, rounder finish.