Bell's Official Hazy IPA 6Pk

Bell's Official Hazy IPA 6-Pack is a double dry-hopped hazy IPA from Bell's Brewery in Michigan, available in a six-pack of 12 oz cans at 6.4% ABV. This expression earned an 87 on BeerAdvocate and distinguishes itself through a five-hop blend of Mosaic, Citra, Azacca, Amarillo, and El Dorado that delivers layered tropical complexity uncommon at its price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.4%  |  Origin: Michigan, USA  |  Style: Hazy / New England IPA  |  Brewery: Bell's Brewery

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery, founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan, stands as one of the oldest and most respected craft breweries in the Midwest. Official Hazy IPA is built on a grain bill of malt and wheat, fermented with Bell's house ale yeast, then double dry-hopped with Mosaic, Citra, Azacca, Amarillo, and El Dorado hops. The wheat component contributes the soft, pillowy mouthfeel characteristic of the style, while the five-hop combination creates a broader aromatic spectrum than single- or dual-hopped hazy IPAs typically achieve.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit leads immediately — ripe pineapple and melon give way to brighter citrus and a subtle undercurrent of pine resin. A second pass reveals floral hop character from the Amarillo and El Dorado additions.

Taste: The entry is juicy with pineapple and stone fruit, landing soft on the palate thanks to the wheat malt backbone. Mid-palate introduces ripe peach and unripe apricot alongside a gentle pithy bitterness reminiscent of citrus rind. Bready undertones from the malt emerge beneath the fruit, adding structure without heaviness.

Finish: Drier than many hazy IPAs in this tier, with balanced bitterness that cleans the palate without astringency. Lingering notes of tropical fruit and a subtle pine resin character fade gradually over a medium-length finish.

How to Drink Official Hazy IPA

Serve cold, ideally between 40–45°F, in a tulip glass or standard pint to concentrate the aromatic hop oils. Pouring into a glass rather than drinking from the can significantly enhances the tropical nose. For a refreshing twist, Official Hazy IPA works well in a Citrus Shandy with fresh lemonade, where the hop-driven pineapple complements the tartness. It also pairs naturally in a Tropical Michelada — the stone fruit and citrus notes play well against lime juice and hot sauce. A Beer-mosa with mango or passion fruit juice highlights the existing tropical character without overwhelming it.

Best For

• Stocking a summer cookout cooler alongside grilled food
• Introducing hop-curious friends to the hazy IPA style
• Pairing with a casual taco night or spicy takeout
• Building a craft beer variety pack for a housewarming gift

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Official Hazy IPA taste like? Official Hazy IPA leads with juicy pineapple and stone fruit, supported by citrus rind and bready malt, finishing drier and more balanced than many hazy IPAs in its class.

How does Official Hazy IPA compare to Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing? Both are widely distributed, fruit-forward hazy IPAs, but Official Hazy IPA uses a five-hop blend and double dry-hopping for greater aromatic complexity, while Hazy Little Thing tends toward a simpler, softer citrus profile at a slightly lower 6.7% ABV. Bell's version finishes noticeably drier, with more defined bitterness on the back end.

Is Official Hazy IPA good for beginners? Yes — the soft wheat malt body and prominent fruit character make it an approachable entry into hazy IPAs, while the balanced bitterness and dry finish prevent it from tasting one-dimensionally sweet.

Where is Official Hazy IPA made? Official Hazy IPA is brewed by Bell's Brewery, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, one of the longest-operating craft breweries in the United States, founded in 1985.

What foods pair well with Official Hazy IPA? Fish tacos with mango salsa mirror the beer's tropical aromatics. Thai green curry benefits from the hop bitterness cutting through coconut richness. Grilled shrimp skewers complement the citrus and pine notes. A sharp aged cheddar creates contrast against the soft, fruity body. Jerk chicken finds a natural partner in the pineapple and stone fruit flavors.

What sizes does Official Hazy IPA come in? Official Hazy IPA is commonly available in 12 oz can six-packs, which is the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Official Hazy IPA worth the price? Official Hazy IPA positions as a mid-range craft hazy IPA, competing directly with other nationally distributed options while delivering a more complex hop profile through its double dry-hopping and five-variety hop bill — strong value for the style.

Why Official Hazy IPA?

The defining advantage here is the double dry-hopping process with five distinct hop varieties — a combination that creates a layered aromatic experience most competing hazy IPAs at this price tier do not attempt. Bell's house ale yeast and wheat-forward grain bill deliver the expected soft body without veering into the cloying sweetness that plagues many entries in the style. The 87-point BeerAdvocate rating and over 113,000 Untappd check-ins confirm broad consumer approval alongside critical recognition. For drinkers who want a hazy IPA that balances tropical intensity with a clean, dry finish, Official Hazy IPA stands as one of the more complete options on the shelf.