Staying current in the haze game is no small task these days, but when two breweries like BlackStack Brewing and Forager Brewery link up, expectations are rightfully high. Staying Current is a DDH DIPA built around hand-selected Strata, Mosaic, and Citra Cryo hops, and at 8.9% ABV, this one comes swinging. It’s a modern Midwest haze bomb that leans into smoothness and drinkability without forgetting it’s still a big beer.
Staying Current
It pours a dusty straw yellow, slightly muted in appearance, capped with a frothy white head of fine bubbles. The foam fades fairly quickly, leaving behind only brief, wispy lacing along the glass.
The aroma is soft and restrained, but still layered. Muted citrus leads the way, followed by melon, mixed berry, and light grapefruit. There’s a touch of unripe papaya in there, along with a subtle sweetness that comes across like fresh apple juice. It’s not loud or punchy, but it pulls you in for a closer look.
On the palate, a smooth malt backbone slides easily across the tongue, setting the stage for mellow, rounded hop flavors. Gentle citrus, smooth lemon, strawberry, and juicy melon roll through without any harsh edges. The Cryo hops bring saturation and depth, but everything stays balanced and polished rather than aggressive.
The body definitely reminds you that this is an 8.9% beer, but it drinks far easier than the number suggests. It’s full, soft, and warming, yet dangerously approachable. This is one of those DIPAs that sneaks up on you, making it far too easy to put back a pint of this big banger without a second thought.
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Staying Current may not shout, but it speaks confidently. It’s a smooth, modern DIPA that showcases restraint, balance, and collaboration done right. A reminder that sometimes the best hazy beers don’t need to overwhelm, they just need to drink well.