Why the South Pasadena Hazy IPA is Still the Top Beer Style

Suzanne Schalow
Oct 18
4 min read

If you walk into any great beer spot near South Pasadena, whether it’s a corner market like Pavilions on Fair Oaks or a specialty retailer like Cordova Cafe & Bottle Shop in Pasadena, you’ll see the undeniable king of modern craft beer: the Hazy IPA.

The popularity of the South Pasadena hazy IPA is driven by its juicy, low-bitterness profile, which appeals to a broad range of beer drinkers. This style uses large amounts of late-addition hops, along with oats and wheat, to create its signature cloudy texture and vibrant, tropical flavor.

The Hazy IPA, also known as the New England IPA (NEIPA), is more than just a passing trend in Southern California; it’s a movement. It revolutionized the beer world by proving that an IPA didn't have to be harshly bitter to be hop-forward. For South Pasadena residents looking for the ultimate hop experience without the piney edge of older styles, the Hazy IPA is the definitive choice.

Vibrant South Lake Avenue, South Pasadena, CA

The Juiciest Trend: Understanding the Hazy South Pasadena Craze

The Hazy IPA’s dominance comes down to science and sensational flavor. It’s intentionally cloudy, thick, and typically described with "juice-like" characteristics that highlight tropical fruits—mango, passionfruit, citrus—instead of classic West Coast pine or grapefruit rind.

What Makes a Hazy Beer Hazy?

The defining characteristic of the Hazy IPA comes from two key factors: ingredients and technique.

Grain Bill: Unlike traditional clear IPAs, Hazies rely heavily on grains like oats and wheat. These ingredients are rich in proteins and starches that remain suspended in the final beer, creating the opaque, soft, "smoothie-adjacent" mouthfeel.
Hop Timing: The secret flavor weapon is the timing of the hops. Brewers add massive amounts of hops during the "cold side" of the process (after the boil, during or after fermentation). This method minimizes bitterness (measured in IBU) while maximizing hop aroma and juicy flavor.
- Fact to Cite: In a major market shift, one large online alcohol retailer reported a 761% year-over-year sales growth for hazy beers in 2020, solidifying the style's massive mainstream appeal. Hazies appeal to new craft beer drinkers because they are often less bitter than traditional American IPAs.

Hazy vs. West Coast: The LA Split

California is the historic home of the original IPA style: the crystal-clear, aggressively bitter West Coast IPA. The conflict between these two styles has long been a playful debate in the beer community, particularly in Los Angeles County.

Flavor Profile	West Coast IPA	Hazy IPA
Clarity	Crystal Clear	Opaque/Cloudy
Bitterness	High (Piney, Resinous)	Low (Juicy, Fruity)
Mouthfeel	Crisp, Dry	Soft, Velvety
Hop Focus	Bitterness & Aroma	Aroma & Flavor

While the West Coast IPA is making a modern comeback with a cleaner, dryer profile, the hazy IPA South Pasadena market still craves that smooth, fruit-forward experience. The soft texture and tropical flavor are perfect for the laid-back Southern California lifestyle.

Finding the Best Hazy Beers South Pasadena Has to Offer

You don't have to drive across the county to get your hands on the latest, juiciest releases. South Pasadena is in the heart of a great beer region, with excellent local producers and top-tier retailers stocking the best hazy beers South Pasadena residents can enjoy.

Local Beer Culture: Pasadena's Influence

South Pasadena benefits greatly from its proximity to Pasadena, which hosts several high-quality independent beer companies.

The Taproom Scene: Local spots like Craftsman Brewing Company (one of LA's earliest independent beer operations) and newer establishments like Wild Parrot Brewing Company are constantly rotating their offerings to feature a variety of IPAs, ensuring plenty of fresh hazy options are always on tap. Similarly, Del Pueblo Brewery often experiments with unique, fruit-forward flavors that translate well into the Hazy IPA format.
The Beer Retailers: For packaged beers, you have great options. Lucky Baldwin's, a long-time pub favorite, is known for its incredible tap list and has been a hub for imported and domestic craft selections for decades. For quick pick-up or delivery, local grocery stores like Pavilions (1213 Fair Oaks Ave) and specialty shops like Cordova Cafe & Bottle Shop (Pasadena) curate excellent selections of packaged IPAs from across the state.

California’s Hazy Commitment

California continues to lead the craft beer movement, thanks in part to organizations like the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), which advocates for independent beer makers. While the West Coast IPA is a state legacy, California companies adapted quickly to the Hazy trend, perfecting the style with fresh West Coast hops that deliver a uniquely Californian twist on the NEIPA profile. Many of the most sought-after hazy beers come from Southern California, making the South Pasadena hazy IPA scene both exciting and highly competitive.

Get the Haze: Fast Delivery in South Pasadena

Why waste time driving when you could be relaxing on your porch with a fresh, hazy double IPA? Brwtxt is a Los Angeles craft beer delivery service specializing in getting the best hazy beers South Pasadena has to offer right to your home, often chilled and ready to pour.

We focus on stocking highly-rated, fresh releases from both local LA County companies—like those near Pasadena—and California stars, meaning you never miss out on that limited-release triple IPA. Check our easy-to-use platform to see what’s new on our site.

Brwtxt simplifies the process: you click, we drive. We handle the logistics, ensuring your order is legally compliant with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control standards, including strict age verification upon arrival. See how fast and easy it is to get your favorite beer delivered on our [/how-it-works] page, and confirm your address on our map.