How to Choose a Double IPA: Haze vs West Coast Style
By Chicago's Best Wine & Spirits Store | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding between a hazy or West Coast double IPA? This guide breaks down the key differences in bitterness, hop character, and mouthfeel to help you pick your next six-pack.
Quick answer
Choose a hazy double IPA when you want juicy, low-bitterness fruit flavors; choose a West Coast double IPA when you crave a crisp, piney bitterness. Your personal tolerance for IBU and preference for clarity are the deciding factors.
Why the style matters more than the ABV
Both hazy and West Coast double IPAs typically land in the 8–12% ABV range, so alcohol strength alone won't steer your choice. The real difference is how the hops are handled. West Coast brewers boil hops early to extract maximum bitterness (often 70+ IBU), then dry-hop for aroma. Hazy brewers add hops late or during fermentation, preserving volatile oils that give tropical, citrus, and stone-fruit notes without the harsh bite.
Haze is not a flaw
A hazy IPA's cloudy appearance is intentional—it comes from suspended yeast, protein, and hop particles. That cloudiness also carries a fuller, silkier mouthfeel and a softer bitterness. If you've ever found a West Coast IPA too astringent, a hazy double IPA is worth trying. The trade-off is that hazies can taste sweeter and may not age as gracefully as their clearer counterparts.
Your double IPA decision rules
- Check the IBU number: West Coast double IPAs often list IBU above 70. Hazy IPAs rarely exceed 50–60 IBU. If you see a high IBU and want a smooth finish, look for a hazy style instead.
- Look at the pour: A clear, copper or deep red beer points to West Coast. A cloudy, pale-gold pour signals a hazy. The appearance directly reflects the hop schedule and mouthfeel you'll get.
- Match the aroma to the occasion: Pine, resin, and grapefruit pith suit grilled meats or aged cheese. Juicy stone fruit, orange sherbet, and tropical notes pair better with spicy dishes or fresh salads. If you're pairing with food, let the aroma guide your choice more than the ABV.
Three double IPAs that show the range
- FLYING DOG DOUBLE DOG DOUBLE IPA 12oz 6PK BOTTLES: Double Dog Pale Ale is a generously hopped ale with a deep red color, and when poured...a nice frothy head. The abundance of Columbus, Warrier, and Cascade hops will conjure up provocative aromas with hints of raisins and citrus. 11.5% ABV; 85 IBU At 85 IBU, this is a classic West Coast-style double IPA—expect firm bitterness and a raisin-citrus aroma that cuts through rich food.
FLYING DOG DOUBLE DOG DOUBLE IPA 12oz 6PK BOTTLES - LAGUNITAS HAZICUS MAXIMUS HAZY IPA 12oz 6PK CANS: A hazier, danker double IPA with big, juicy grapefruit bursts, hints of orange sherbet and ripe, stone fruit flavors, all balanced by a touch of resinous terps. This hazy double IPA delivers the juicy, low-bitterness profile that defines the style, making it an easy entry point for IPA drinkers who want fruit-forward flavor.
LAGUNITAS HAZICUS MAXIMUS HAZY IPA 12oz 6PK CANS
Which double IPA style fits you?
Best for
- Drinkers who love bold, bitter hop character and a crisp finish
- Fans of classic American pale ales who want more alcohol and hop punch
- Anyone pairing beer with strong, savory dishes like barbecue or aged cheddar
Not for
- Anyone who dislikes high bitterness or astringent finishes
- Drinkers seeking a smooth, juicy, low-bite IPA experience
