Belching Beaver Brewery 'Hop Maxxxing' Hazy IPA Beer, California

Juicy hop character, expressive aromatics, and a soft hazy profile define Belching Beaver Brewery's 'Hop Maxxxing' Hazy IPA Beer, California. Built as the brewery's full-commitment move into contemporary Hazy IPA territory, Hop Maxxxing delivers concentrated hop presence at 7.4% ABV while a measured 34 IBU keeps bitterness from overwhelming its fruit-forward character. It reflects Belching Beaver's broader philosophy of pairing serious brewing standards with a playful, deliberately irreverent identity.

Product Details:

• Owner: Tom Vogel
• Brewmaster: Troy Smith
• ABV: 7.4%
• IBU: 34
• Production: Hop-forward Hazy IPA designed around juicy character, pronounced hop aroma, and restrained bitterness

Sensory Description:

Hop Maxxxing pours with the opaque, hazy appearance associated with modern Hazy IPA and leads with an assertive aromatic hop presence. The palate is juicy and rounded, placing hop-derived fruit character ahead of sharp bitterness while retaining enough structure to keep the beer focused. At 34 IBU, the bitterness remains measured against the beer's fuller hop expression, carrying a soft texture and persistent aromatic intensity into a clean, hop-driven finish.

Brewer's Background:

Belching Beaver Brewery was founded in 2012 by Tom Vogel, Dave Mobley, and Brewmaster Troy Smith to produce serious craft beer without adopting an overly serious personality. Smith brought professional brewing experience to the new venture, while Vogel and Mobley helped build the brewery around a broad portfolio intended to reach different beer drinkers rather than concentrate on a single style. The company subsequently expanded its production footprint in northern San Diego County, with Thomas Peters later taking responsibility for production and quality oversight. From approachable blonde ales and hop-forward IPAs to stouts, sour beers, and barrel-aged releases, Belching Beaver has maintained a deliberately broad brewing program. Hop Maxxxing represents the brewery's contemporary Hazy IPA side, applying that same quality-focused approach to an unapologetically hop-centered release.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 42 to 46°F in an IPA glass, tulip, or stemmed beer glass to emphasize its hop aromatics while preserving the soft texture and refreshing structure. Pair with fish tacos, grilled chicken, spicy fried foods, burgers, citrus-marinated pork, or sharp cheddar. Its juicy hop character and moderate bitterness are particularly well suited to dishes with spice, richness, or char.