Hazy beers have exploded in popularity over the last decade, but what actually makes a beer “hazy”? And why do drinkers associate haze with juiciness, softness, and modern IPA flavor?

In Part 1 of The Science of Haze, Mother Earth Brew Co.’s Director of Brewing Operations, Chris Baker, joins us to explore how haze-forward beers evolved, what defines them, and how consumers interpret what they see in the glass. We break down the stylistic differences between hazy IPAs, NEIPAs, juicy pale ales, and “unfiltered” beers, and discuss the sensory and psychological cues that drive the modern haze craze.

Whether you’re a brewer, beer enthusiast, or someone who loves learning how trends shape the craft beer industry, this episode is your guide to understanding haze from a style and flavor perspective.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

-What separates hazy IPAs, NEIPAs, and juicy pale ales

-Why haze became a symbol of “juicy” hop flavor

-How appearance affects aroma and mouthfeel expectations

-Why some haze is intentional — and some isn’t

-How breweries balance haze, drinkability, and stability

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into the brewing chemistry behind haze: proteins, polyphenols, yeast behavior, biotransformation, and how modern brewers engineer haze on purpose.

Watch / Listen to The Craft Equation on ▶️ YouTube, 🎧 Spotify, 🍏 Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts

Follow Mother Earth Brew Co.

🌐 Website: https://www.motherearthbrewco.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherearthbrewco

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotherEarthBrewCo

🐦 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MotherEarthBrCo

Learn more about our Hazy IPA at motherearthbrewco.com/project-x.

Search for our beer on our beer finder at motherearthbrewco.com/locator.

About The Craft Equation

The Craft Equation explores the intersection of brewing science, business, and culture through conversations with industry professionals, brewers, creators, and thought leaders shaping the world of craft beer.

Ever wonder why your favorite brewery isn’t on every shelf or tap list? Maybe your'e a brewery looking to expand and don't know where to start. Distribution might be the toughest part of craft beer—and we’re breaking it down.

In this episode of The Craft Equation, we sit down with Kevin Hopkins, VP here at Mother Earth Brew Co., and Rich Collins, an industry veteran with stints at Stone Brewing, Maui Brewing, and Modern Times Beer. Together, they unpack the real challenges breweries face when trying to grow beyond their backyard—and why consumers often can’t find the beers they love everywhere.

Learn what goes into getting beer from the brewhouse to the bar, the shifting relationship between breweries and distributors, and how market trends, shelf space, and consumer habits are reshaping the business of beer.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why beer distribution is so complicated ✅ What limits breweries from expanding into new markets ✅ How distributors decide which brands get priority ✅ The impact of shelf space, pricing, and logistics ✅ How a brewery looking to grow should target markets ✅ What smaller breweries can do to stand out ✅ What consumers can do to get their favorite brands seen

Follow Mother Earth Brew Co. 🌐 Website: https://www.motherearthbrewco.com 📸 Instagram: @motherearthbrewco 📘 Facebook: @MotherEarthBrewCo 🐦 Twitter/X: @MotherEarthBrCo

🎧 Listen to The Craft Equation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ever wonder why your favorite brewery isn’t on every shelf or tap list? Maybe your'e a brewery looking to expand and don't know where to start. Distribution might be the toughest part of craft beer—and we’re breaking it down.

In this episode of The Craft Equation, we sit down with Kevin Hopkins, VP here at Mother Earth Brew Co., and Rich Collins, an industry veteran with stints at Stone Brewing, Maui Brewing, and Modern Times Beer. Together, they unpack the real challenges breweries face when trying to grow beyond their backyard—and why consumers often can’t find the beers they love everywhere.

Learn what goes into getting beer from the brewhouse to the bar, the shifting relationship between breweries and distributors, and how market trends, shelf space, and consumer habits are reshaping the business of beer.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why beer distribution is so complicated

✅ What limits breweries from expanding into new markets

✅ How distributors decide which brands get priority

✅ The impact of shelf space, pricing, and logistics

✅ How a brewery looking to grow should target markets

✅ What smaller breweries can do to stand out

✅ What consumers can do to get their favorite brands seen

Follow Mother Earth Brew Co.

🌐 Website: https://www.motherearthbrewco.com

📸 Instagram: @motherearthbrewco

📘 Facebook: @MotherEarthBrewCo

🐦 Twitter/X: @MotherEarthBrCo

🎧 Listen to The Craft Equation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.