The Standard UK Hazy Jane: 5% ABV
For drinkers in the UK and most of its global markets, the BrewDog Hazy Jane they encounter is a sessionable New England IPA (NEIPA) with an ABV of 5.0%. This is designed to be a full-flavored, yet easy-drinking beer. BrewDog refers to this as their "sessionable" Hazy IPA, packing a fruity punch without the higher alcohol content often associated with the style. The brewers achieve its signature juicy flavor profile and hazy appearance by using a mix of oats and wheat and leaving it unfiltered.
Flavor Profile of the 5% Hazy Jane
While the ABV is moderate, the flavor is anything but. This brew is celebrated for its tropical fruit notes, including pineapple, mango, and stone fruit, with hints of tangerine. It features a low bitterness, characteristic of the NEIPA style, which allows the soft, fruity notes to shine. The mouthfeel is smooth and juicy, enhancing its refreshing qualities, especially in warmer weather. The use of specific hops like Citra, Simcoe, Amarillo, and Mosaic also contributes to its vibrant and aromatic character.
The Stronger US Version: 7.2% ABV
In a notable divergence from its European counterpart, the Hazy Jane brewed and sold by BrewDog in the United States is significantly stronger, coming in at 7.2% ABV. This version is crafted to appeal to a different market preference for higher-ABV craft IPAs. This difference in strength has created some confusion among consumers who are not aware of the regional distinction.
Why the Difference in Strength?
The variation in alcohol content likely stems from market demands and brewing strategy. The craft beer scene in the US often favors higher-strength IPAs, particularly in the New England style. The stronger US version of Hazy Jane leans into this, offering a more robust, hop-forward experience. The lower-ABV UK version is positioned as a more accessible, sessionable option. This strategy allows BrewDog to cater to different consumer tastes and regulatory environments in its major markets.
BrewDog Hazy Jane vs. Other IPAs
To understand where Hazy Jane sits in the BrewDog portfolio, it's helpful to compare it to some of their other popular IPAs. This comparison highlights how ABV and flavor profile vary, offering drinkers a range of experiences from the same brewery.
| Feature | Hazy Jane (UK 5%) | Hazy Jane (USA 7.2%) | Elvis Juice (6.5%) | Punk IPA (5.4%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABV | 5.0% | 7.2% | 6.5% | 5.4% |
| Style | New England IPA (NEIPA) | New England IPA (NEIPA) | Grapefruit IPA | India Pale Ale (IPA) |
| Flavor Profile | Tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, stone fruit) with low bitterness | Intense tropical fruit (pineapple, mango) with hints of lime, low bitterness | Full frontal citrus overload with grapefruit peel and a caramel malt base | An explosion of tropical fruit and caramel with a punchy bitterness |
| Mouthfeel | Smooth, juicy, and soft | Full-bodied and smooth | Slightly bitter with a citrus bite | Crisp and clean |
Variations on Hazy Jane
In addition to the standard and US versions, BrewDog has produced other variations under the Hazy Jane name, catering to different preferences.
- Hazy AF: A non-alcoholic version of the NEIPA style, with an ABV of 0.5%. This offers the fruity flavor profile and soft mouthfeel for those looking to avoid alcohol, though it does have a slightly different nutritional profile.
- Double Hazy Jane: A stronger, imperial version with an ABV of 7.2%, brewed for a more intense flavor experience. It emphasizes the ripe fruit flavors from peach to mango and has a pillowy mouthfeel.
- Hazy Jane Guava: A specific fruity variation, as seen on beer retailer sites, which may be a limited release or a regional offering.
Is Hazy Jane Gluten-Free?
Given its use of oats and wheat, the standard BrewDog Hazy Jane is not gluten-free. The ingredients list explicitly mentions these grains, confirming its gluten content. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is not a suitable option. BrewDog does, however, produce gluten-free beers, but consumers should always check specific product details.
Conclusion: Navigating the Hazy Jane Family
In conclusion, the question of what strength BrewDog Hazy Jane is depends entirely on where it is purchased. The standard, sessionable UK and international version is 5.0% ABV, making it an approachable and fruity New England IPA. Meanwhile, the stronger US market version is 7.2% ABV, offering a more robust craft beer experience that aligns with local preferences. Furthermore, BrewDog's portfolio includes non-alcoholic (Hazy AF), double strength (Double Hazy Jane), and other limited-edition variations. This range highlights BrewDog's strategy of adapting its flagship beers to meet the diverse tastes and demands of a global market, while maintaining the characteristic juicy, unfiltered style that has made Hazy Jane a popular choice among craft beer drinkers. When in doubt, always check the label to confirm the specific ABV of the beer in your hand.
For more information on the history and controversy surrounding BrewDog, you can refer to in-depth resources discussing the company's past.
