Elysian Contact Haze: The Calorie Breakdown
For those monitoring their intake, understanding the nutritional profile of your favorite beverage is key. Elysian Contact Haze is a popular hazy IPA known for its juicy, tropical flavor profile. Its caloric content is a direct result of its ingredients and brewing process.
The primary drivers of calories in any beer are the alcohol and carbohydrates. With a 6.0% ABV, the alcohol in Contact Haze contributes a significant portion of the total calories. Alcohol itself contains about 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as calorically dense as fat. Additionally, the carbohydrates in this beer, derived from its grain bill of Pale Ale, Flaked Barley, and Oat Malt, add to the calorie total. The use of grains like oats contributes to the beer's signature haze and creamy mouthfeel, along with adding residual sugars that don't get fully fermented.
Factors Influencing Beer Calories
The calorie count of a beer is not a simple, one-size-fits-all number. Several factors contribute to the final tally:
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): This is the most significant factor. Since alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, a higher ABV beer will almost always be higher in calories. Elysian Contact Haze's 6.0% ABV places it in the mid-range for IPAs, which directly impacts its 170-calorie count.
- Residual Sugars: In brewing, not all the sugars from the malt are converted into alcohol by the yeast. The remaining sugars contribute to the beer's body, flavor, and, of course, its caloric content. This is particularly relevant for hazy IPAs, which are often left unfiltered to preserve these characteristics.
- Malt Bill: The specific grains used, such as the Pale Ale Malt, Flaked Barley, and Oat Malt in Contact Haze, dictate the amount of sugar available for fermentation and the amount left over.
- Additives: While not a major factor in most standard beers, certain flavor additives in specialty craft beers can increase the calorie count.
Elysian Contact Haze vs. Other Beer Styles
To put the 170-calorie count of Elysian Contact Haze into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular beer styles. This comparison highlights how ABV and brewing style affect nutritional content.
| Beer Style | ABV Range | Average Calories (per 12oz) | Calorie Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elysian Contact Haze IPA | 6.0% | 170 | Specific to this craft hazy IPA |
| Light Beer | 4-5% | 90-110 | Lower calories and carbs due to higher water content and less fermentable sugars. |
| Regular IPA | 6-7% | 180-220 | Similar ABV to Contact Haze, but can have more calories depending on ingredients. |
| Double/Imperial IPA | 8-10%+ | 250-300+ | Higher ABV and more malt lead to significantly higher calorie counts. |
| Session IPA | 4-5% | 120-150 | Lower ABV focused on hop flavor without high alcohol and calories. |
| Stout/Porter | 5-7% | 180-300 | Varies widely, higher calorie counts come from more malt and higher ABV in some cases. |
Making Informed Choices
For those who enjoy a flavorful craft beer but are mindful of their calorie intake, there are several strategies. Considering a session IPA is a great start. These beers are brewed to be lower in ABV and calories while still packing a flavorful hop punch. Many breweries, including competitors to Elysian, offer great low-calorie options.
Another approach is to simply enjoy the beer you love, like Elysian Contact Haze, in moderation. Savoring the rich, fruity notes and enjoying the experience can be more satisfying than focusing purely on the numbers. Additionally, pairing it with mindful food choices can help balance your overall dietary intake.
Conclusion
In summary, a 12oz serving of Elysian Contact Haze IPA contains 170 calories, with its 6.0% ABV and residual carbohydrates being the main caloric contributors. It sits in a moderate calorie range when compared to other craft beer styles. By understanding what drives the calorie content, consumers can make more informed decisions about their beverage choices and still enjoy their favorite hazy IPA. For those seeking lower-calorie alternatives, a wide range of session and light IPAs are available on the market that deliver on flavor without the higher calorie count. The key is to find the right balance for your lifestyle and preferences.
Elysian Brewing
Elysian Brewing has been a prominent name in the Seattle craft beer scene for over two decades, known for its innovative and diverse beer recipes. The brewery operates multiple restaurants in Washington and has brewed over 350 different recipes since its establishment in 1996. Elysian has garnered recognition at major events like the Great American Beer Festival, showcasing its expertise in crafting unique brews, including its line of flavorful IPAs.
