Todd DiMatteo shares Good Word’s perspective on hazy IPA, brewing with intention, and the changing craft beer landscape.

Recently we were tapped by The Beer Connoisseur® to discuss hazy IPA and the role it has played
in craft beer, for better or worse.

The feature story, “What Role (if any) Did Hazy IPAs Play in the Current Craft Beer Downturn?”,
written by industry veteran Owen Ogletree, brings together brewers and industry voices to look at
whether the popularity of hazy IPA has contributed to the challenges facing craft beer, or whether
the style is simply one part of a much bigger shift in the industry.

Good Word co-owner and brewer Todd DiMatteo pushed back on the idea that hazy IPA is a lazy
style or one requiring minimal thought or skill. “In fact, I believe it’s quite the opposite,” Todd told The
Beer Connoisseur®. “And the folks I know doing them on a world-class level take them very
seriously.” That perspective reflects how we approach brewing at Good Word: we bring the same
dedication and discipline to hop-forward beers that we bring to lager, English beer, and the other
styles we brew.

Todd also spoke candidly about the broader effect hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and big stouts have had
on the beer landscape. He believes those styles collectively contributed to the current homogeneity
of craft beer and discussed how ratings can influence what consumers seek out and what retailers
order. As Todd explained, “Hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and high-gravity adjunct stouts seemed to
attract attention and get higher scores, and this encouraged other drinkers to focus mainly on these
three styles.”

At the same time, Todd sees hazy IPA as part of the path forward for bringing new drinkers into craft
beer. “We have to remember to meet the consumer where they are, where they begin,” he said.
“Beer needs to be viewed as fun.” He added, “Honestly, hazy IPA can be a gateway for new drinkers
to enter our wonderful craft beer culture.”

Thanks to Owen and The Beer Connoisseur® for including Good Word in the conversation.

Read the full story from The Beer Connoisseur®: What Role (if any) Did Hazy IPAs Play in the
Current Craft Beer Downturn?