Boulder Beer Company- Hazed and Infused Dry Hopped Ale: A Trip Worth Taking

           When Jason met up with me and brought me on board a while back he had the great foresight to hand over a bunch of beer.  It was like he was the Beer Fairy granting my wishes for frothy goodness.  Well, I have been making my way through all the beer he has sent my way and recently, when retrieving a beer for the Blackhawk’s playoff game, I decided on Boulder Brewing Company’s Hazed and Infused Dry Hopped Ale.  This was the first release in Boulder’s Looking Glass series, and the funky psychedelic label has been calling me.

            Hazed and Infused poured a nice, hazy, burnt orange color.  It had a thick and moderately creamy head that had a bit of lasting power.  The aroma of this brew hit me with the characteristic fruity citrus aroma of hops.  It also had mild floral and spice notes.  This ale has a refreshing fruity sweetness that is well-balanced with nuanced spice notes and a clean bitter finish.  No puckering bitter aftertaste here, just some nicely blended flavors.  The only down side I found was that Hazed and Infused had a little lighter mouth feel than I anticipated, a slightly creamier texture would have made this a truly outstanding brew.

            With summer around the corner, Boulder’s successful concoction has me thinking of long days working in the yard or the garage only to end my day with one of their delicious ales.  While this could have been hoppier and a little thicker, I can honestly say that Hazed and Infused will have me quickly returning to the local liquor store to get my hands on some more.  Now, if the Beer Fairy only looked a little more like Heidi Klum and a lot less like Jason my life would be complete.

ABV: 4.85%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy a Twelve Pack

Boulder Beer Company- Hazed & Infused: What A Long Strange Sip It’s Been…

I’m not sure what the so-called resident “hophead” was talking about but I love hoppy beer as much as the next guy.  This unfiltered dry-hopped ale is a hop head’s delight, with big hop aromas and a crisp bite taste with a nice finish.

This brew from Boulder Beer Company is an American Pale Ale and their bottle describes Hazed & Infused as “Take a trip through the Looking Glass to discover a whole new world of ales from the Brewers at Boulder Beer Company.  Introducing Hazed & Infused, the first release in the Looking Glass Series of specialty beers.  This unfiltered dry-hopped ale is “hazed” in its natural state and “infused” with Crystal and Centennial hops, creating a flavorful aromatic brew you have to taste to believe.”

This brew poured a hazy copper color with an off white 1” head, big hoppy aromas and registers 4.85% ABV.

Previously, I have really not been much of a fan of pale ales.  For some reason the last two, including Hazed & Infused, have me rethinking my stance on pale ales all together.  Did I just get lucky in trying the right two?  Maybe so but I can tell you this, Hazed & Infused has made a believer out of me.  This is an enjoyable, flavorful, hoppy beer that will not have you seeing stars or pink elephants but will have you smiling and your friends wondering “what’s he on?”

ABV: 4.85%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack