Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Clone Recipe

Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Clone Recipe

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Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing didn’t just join the hazy movement; it redefined it. It proved that a juicy, unfiltered IPA could be brewed with the same consistency and quality as a classic Pale Ale. By combining a pillowy, protein-rich grain bill with a bold, citrus-forward dry-hop schedule, it captures that elusive "sunshine in a glass" experience.

It’s one of the most rewarding beers to master at home. This recipe captures that signature unfiltered appearance and vibrant, tropical aroma, using your professional-grade ingredients to help you replicate that soft, luscious finish.

The Recipe

  • Batch Size: 5 gallons

  • Method: BIAB or traditional all-grain

  • Boil Time: 60 minutes

  • Fermentation Temp: 68°F–70°F

Target Stats:

  • ABV: ~6.7%

  • IBU: 35

  • OG/FG: 1.065 / 1.014

Grain Bill

  • 2-Row Pale Malt: 8.0 lbs

  • Munich Malt: 2.0 lbs

  • Flaked Oats: 1.0 lb

  • White Wheat Malt: 1.5 lbs

Mash: 152°F for 60 minutes. This moderate temperature is designed to produce the body and mouthfeel necessary to carry those juicy hop oils.

Hop Schedule

  • Magnum: 0.5 oz @ 60 min

  • Citra: 1 oz @ 15 min

  • Simcoe: 1 oz @ 5 min

  • Whirlpool: 2 oz Citra + 1 oz Simcoe @ 170°F for 20 min

  • Dry Hop: 2 oz Citra + 1 oz Simcoe (add 3–5 days after fermentation starts)

Yeast

  • 1 packet SafAle US-05 American Ale Yeast US-05 provides the clean, neutral canvas this beer requires. It allows the complex interaction between the wheat/oats and the Citra/Simcoe hops to take center stage.

Brew Day Notes

  • Water Profile: Aim for a "Juicy" profile. A chloride-to-sulfate ratio of 2:1 will help accentuate the pillowy mouthfeel and soften the bitterness.

  • Whirlpool Technique: Chilling to 170°F before adding your whirlpool hops is critical. It preserves the delicate aromatic oils and prevents the extraction of harsh, vegetative bitterness.

  • Biotransformation: Adding your dry hops while the beer is still slightly active (day 3–4) encourages biotransformation, which is the secret to that signature hazy, juicy character.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Deep straw/gold, unfiltered, and hazy with a persistent white head.

  • Aroma: Intense citrus, tropical fruit, and stone fruit.

  • Flavor: Soft, pillowy mouthfeel with a bright, juicy hop profile.

  • Finish: Clean, refreshing, and incredibly smooth with a restrained bitterness.

Troubleshooting

  • Need more haze? Don’t over-fine this beer. If you use a Whirlfloc tablet, keep it to a half-dose. The protein from the wheat and oats will naturally stabilize the haze.

  • Hop Burn? If the beer tastes "grassy," ensure your dry hop contact time is kept to 3–5 days max.

  • Too Bitter? Verify your whirlpool temperature. If it drifts above 170°F, you will increase your IBUs and change the flavor balance away from that "juicy" profile.