East West S.D.N. Hazy Hazy: A Collab Masterpiece

Finding a truly authentic New England Hazy IPA in Southeast Asia can be a challenge; the style demands freshness that imported bottles often lose in transit. East West S.D.N. Hazy Hazy solves this by brewing the "haze craze" right in the heart of Vietnam.

This brew is a special collaboration with Zero State Brewery (Oregon, USA) and its founder Darren Provenzano. It represents a literal "East meets West" reunion, bringing the juicy, unfiltered character of the Pacific Northwest to the streets of Saigon.

First Taste

The pour is true to its name: a vibrant, opaque golden hue that glows in the glass. The aroma hits you before the glass even reaches your lips, an intense bouquet of ripe tropical fruits.

Thanks to a generous double-hopping of Citra and Nelson Sauvin, the nose is packed with notes of fresh mango, zesty grapefruit, and a distinct hint of white grape (a signature of the Nelson hop). The first sip is undeniably "juicy." It lacks the harsh bite of old-school IPAs, instead flooding the palate with a soft, fruit-forward sweetness that mimics biting into a fresh orange slice.

The Second Sip

By the second sip, the "pillowy" mouthfeel takes center stage. The bitterness is present but remarkably restrained (sitting at a moderate 40 IBU), acting more as a balancing agent than a main event.

This beer is unfiltered, and you can feel it in the texture, smooth, creamy, and satisfyingly full-bodied without being heavy. The Nelson Sauvin hops add a sophisticated layer of white wine complexity that lingers on the finish, scrubbing the palate clean and inviting you back for more. It is dangerously drinkable for a 6.5% ABV beer, hiding its strength behind layers of fruit and creaminess.

Final Thought

S.D.N. Hazy Hazy isn't just a beer; it's a love letter to modern American craft brewing, written with Vietnamese freshness. It captures the essence of the "New World" style, less bitter, more aromatic, and incredibly smooth. It proves that you don't need to fly to Portland to experience a world-class Hazy; you just need to stop by 3B Saigon.

Who Should Try It?

• The Haze Lover: If you obsess over "juice bombs" and New England IPAs, this is your holy grail in Vietnam.
• The "I Hate Bitter" Drinker: Perfect for those who want the hop flavor and aroma without the aggressive, tongue-scraping bitterness of a West Coast IPA.
• The Connoisseur: Drinkers who appreciate the nuance of premium hops like Nelson Sauvin and the technical skill required to balance a hazy beer in a tropical climate.