I’m talking about BJ’s Brewhouse and today we’ll be test driving my very first BJ’s beer, Zany Zitrus. Just a few weeks ago, I brought you the release details for this beer, and now I’m excited to sample it. The original recipe for this beer was created by BJ’s Head Brewer Aaron Stueck in Boulder, CO to test brew a New England IPA style beer. The beer is unfiltered and it uses Bravo, Cascade, Citra & Cashmere hops as well as oats and wheat in place of some of the barley. This helps impart the soft mouthfeel and helps create the hazy appearance we’ve come to expect from an NEIPA.
As BJ’s describes it: What sets Zany Zitrus apart? With a 7.4% ABV and 50 IBU, Zany Zitrus features tropical fruit aromas like orange, grapefruit, mango, and papaya, alongside a smooth, full-bodied flavor that balances bright citrus and tropical fruit notes with a mild malt sweetness and just the right amount of hop bitterness. It takes the best aspects of a West Coast IPA—intense hop aroma and fruity flavors—but with a smoother finish and less bitterness, making it more approachable for a wider audience. Its hazy, unfiltered look is a hallmark of New England-style IPAs, which BJ’s Head Brewer Aaron Stueck crafted using a blend of Bravo, Cascade, Cashmere, and Citra hops. This beer delivers a “friendly IPA” experience—packed with flavor but less intense than traditional American IPAs.
I should mention up front that the cans look great and I really liked the promotional packaging (see photos). Of course I can’t wait to try my first BJ’s beer….so off we go…
BJ’s Brewhouse Zany Zitrus
Brewery Description: Full-bodied mouthfeel. Mild malt sweetness up front blends with big citrus and tropical fruit hop flavors across the palate, balanced by a refreshing and smooth hop bitterness in the finish.
ABV: 7.4%
IBU: 50
Style: New England IPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Hazy light gold
Aroma: Tropical fruit, citrus and mango
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied
Taste: A fruit-forward mix of bright citrus, tropical fruits & sticky mango
Overall: I’m not really sure why I say this with surprise, but this beer was really good. Zany Zitrus lives up to it’s name with plenty of “Zitrus” and fruit on-board. The mix of citrus, mango and sweet tropical fruits balanced by the late and smooth hop bitterness makes for a really enjoyable and drinkable beer. Overall, I’d say this just happens to be one of my top 4 or 5 NEIPAs.
BJ’s Brewhouse Zany Zitrus is available now in 12oz canned 6-packs as well as on draft at BJ’s locations beginning 2/27, so get out there and enjoy one for yourself…and when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think. zzubreebym
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