For a few years the only way to get a proper hazy IPA was to queue outside a tiny brewery. Sierra Nevada changed that with Hazy Little Thing, a soft, juicy, unfiltered IPA that they can and ship nationwide. It is the beer that proved a big brewery could do the hazy style properly, and after drinking it again for this guide it remains my go-to when I want a juicy IPA and cannot be bothered with the hunt.
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing at a glance
| Style | Hazy / New England IPA |
| ABV | 6.7% |
| IBU | Around 40 |
| Calories | Around 190 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Sierra Nevada, Chico, California |
| Hops | Citra, Mosaic, Comet and more |
| Best served | Cold, straight from the can into a glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is all about soft texture and juicy fruit rather than bitterness. It pours cloudy and drinks smooth.
The full review
It pours a hazy, glowing orange, exactly as the name promises. The aroma is a big hit of tropical fruit and citrus, mango and tangerine with a little peach, all soft and inviting rather than sharp.
The texture is the star. It is soft and slightly creamy on the tongue, the way a good hazy should be, with juicy stone fruit and citrus flavour and only a whisper of bitterness at the end. It is unfiltered and canned without fining, so what you get is close to how it tastes straight out of the tank.
It is not the most complex hazy I have ever had, and the true small-batch New England IPAs can beat it on sheer juice. But none of those are sitting in every supermarket cooler in the country at a sensible price. For availability against quality, nothing touches it.
At 6.7% it is easy to drink and it holds up well. Because Sierra Nevada can it fresh and ship it fast, it is usually in good condition, which matters more with hazy IPAs than almost any other style.
Hazy Little Thing is the beer that put a proper juicy IPA in every shop in America, and it still does the job brilliantly.
- Genuinely good hazy IPA at national scale
- Soft, juicy and tropical
- Usually fresh thanks to fast distribution
- Sensibly priced for the style
- Not as intense as small-batch hazies
- Haze fades if it sits around too long
Who it is for
If you like juicy, soft IPAs but do not want to chase limited releases, this is your beer. It is the best entry point to the hazy style and a reliable everyday choice.
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing FAQs
What does Hazy Little Thing taste like?
Soft and juicy with mango, tangerine and peach fruit, a creamy texture and very low bitterness. It is the approachable, drinkable end of the hazy IPA style.
Is Hazy Little Thing a New England IPA?
Yes, it is Sierra Nevada’s take on the New England or hazy IPA style: unfiltered, cloudy, fruit-forward and low on bitterness, at 6.7% ABV.
How many calories are in Hazy Little Thing?
Around 190 calories per 12 fl oz, which is fairly typical for a 6.7% IPA.
Where to buy Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing
Hazy Little Thing is one of the most widely stocked hazy IPAs in the US and is sold in cans almost everywhere. Grab it fresh using the buy button above.
The verdict
Hazy Little Thing is proof that a big brewery can nail a modern style. It is juicy, soft and easy to find, and it is the hazy IPA I recommend to almost everyone.
FAQs
Who makes Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing?
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing is brewed by Sierra Nevada (independently, family-owned by founder Ken Grossman).
What kind of beer is Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing?
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing is a Hazy / New England IPA, at 6.7% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing?
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing has an ABV of 6.7%.
How many calories are in Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing?
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing has Around 190 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing made?
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing is brewed by Sierra Nevada in Chico, California.
How do I open Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing?
Cold, straight from the can into a glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
