If you’re a fan of hazy IPAs but don’t always want the knockout ABV that usually comes with them, then Beerbliotek’s #371 Hay-Z might just be your next fridge staple. This Swedish craft beer delivers big flavor in a light, sessionable package — and today I’m giving you the full breakdown: from the brewery’s story to the pour, aroma, flavor, and my final verdict.
A Little Backstory: Who Is Beerbliotek?
Before we dive into the glass, let’s talk a little about Beerbliotek, the brewery behind Hay-Z.
Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, Beerbliotek was started by four friends who came together from different parts of the world — New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, and Australia. Their mission was pretty simple: brew the kinds of beers they wanted to drink, and never stop experimenting. That ethos shows in their catalogue, which is massive. Each beer gets a number, and Hay-Z is #371, nestled among dozens (maybe hundreds) of other inventive creations.
Beerbliotek is all about rotating releases, small batches, and bold designs — and Hay-Z fits right in. This one is a New England-style session IPA sitting at just 3.4% ABV, making it perfect for warm days, beer tastings, or anytime you want flavor without the fuzziness.
The Pour: Hazy, Golden, and Inviting
Pouring Hay-Z into the glass is exactly what you’d expect from a hazy IPA, and maybe even a little more. It lands with a deep golden to light orange hue, fully hazed out and totally opaque — no light’s getting through this thing.
There’s a gentle fizz as it settles, with a creamy, off-white head that holds up for a bit before leaving behind some nice lacing. Visually, it’s somewhere between fresh-pressed juice and cloudy sunset, which is pretty on-brand for a New England IPA.
Despite the low ABV, the body looks full and smooth, which had me instantly curious about how it would deliver on the palate.
Aroma: Fruity, Fresh, and Full of Life
As soon as the can cracked, I got a burst of tropical fruit and citrus — almost like a fruit salad in hop form. Dominant notes of mango, pineapple, and peach come through first, followed by a refreshing grapefruit zest brightness. There’s even a hint of melon and lychee tucked in there if you breathe in deeply enough.
Underneath all that fruit, there’s a gentle green, grassy edge, likely from the dry-hopping, and a soft biscuity malt note that rounds everything out. It smells vibrant, clean, and balanced — like it’s going to be juicy but not overly sweet.
If you love aromatic hops without the heavy booze, Hay-Z hits that sweet spot.
Taste: Surprisingly Bold for a Session IPA
Let’s be honest — session IPAs can be hit or miss. Some feel watered down, others lack the hop punch. But Beerbliotek really nailed the balance with Hay-Z.
The first sip gives you all that juicy fruit promised by the aroma. There’s plenty of citrus peel, passionfruit, and melon, with a smooth, slightly creamy texture that coats the tongue without overwhelming it. You get that classic NEIPA softness — maybe from oats or wheat in the grain bill — and just enough bitterness on the finish to keep things refreshing.
The bitterness isn’t aggressive at all; more like grapefruit pith or lemon rind, which helps cleanse the palate and makes it super drinkable. And again — this is 3.4% ABV! It drinks like a much fuller beer without the heaviness.
Overall, it’s light-bodied but not thin, juicy but not sweet, and crisp without being sharp. In other words: balanced.
Verdict: 4/5 – A Smart, Sessionable Hazy Worth Repeating
I’m giving Beerbliotek #371 Hay-Z a solid 4 out of 5. For a low-alcohol hazy IPA, this beer overdelivers in almost every category. The flavor is vibrant, the aroma is punchy, and the finish is clean and refreshing. You can tell it’s crafted with intention — not just a watered-down version of a bigger beer, but a proper session NEIPA in its own right.
Would I drink it again? Absolutely. It’s one of those beers I’d reach for when I want big hop character without the buzz, whether it’s for an afternoon BBQ or just something light to go with dinner.
If you’re a fan of juicy, hazy beers but wish more of them were easygoing and low-ABV, Hay-Z should be on your radar.
Beerbliotek continues to show why they’re one of the most interesting breweries coming out of Scandinavia. With #371 Hay-Z, they’ve brewed a crushable hazy IPA that doesn’t compromise on flavor — and that’s not easy to do at 3.4%.
Whether you’re into session beers, craft beer exploration, or just love trying something different, Hay-Z is worth a spot in your next mixed pack.
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