Rooster’s Brewing Co has unveiled Hazy-Faced Assassin, a gluten-free Hazy IPA, launched in both keg and 440ml can to become the latest addition to its renowned Assassin series of IPAs.
The juicy, modern Hazy IPA launches in keg and 440ml cans at select venues from Friday 2nd May, with wide supermarket listings to follow shortly after.
At 5.7% ABV, Hazy-Faced Assassin is a crushable, flavour-forward IPA that punches well above its weight, the brewery said in a statement.
Brewed with a bold blend of Citra, Galaxy and Mosaic hops, it delivers a tropical hit, with standout notes of mango and peach. True to its namesake, Rooster’s flagship IPA, Baby-Faced Assassin, the new addition to the brewery’s line-up is also ‘deceptively drinkable, not to be taken lightly.’
The launch of Hazy-Faced Assassin strengthens Rooster’s year-round range of gluten-free beers across cask, keg and can, sitting alongside Easy-Going Assassin (4.3% session IPA), Haus Lager (4.2% session lager), Good As Hell (4.9% premium Helles lager) and Yorkshire’s Best (3.8% best bitter).
Originally hatched as a concept midway through 2024, Hazy-Faced Assassin has been in development for the past six months.
Commenting on this process, Oliver Fozard, Rooster’s head brewer said: “We’ve tested and tweaked the recipe across four pilot brews, taking on feedback from trusted trade customers along the way, ahead of gearing up for the launch at the start of May. I’m delighted we’re now able to share the beer and am confident it will hit the spot!”
In a bid to push back against AI-generated art trends and support creative talent, Rooster’s commissioned Manchester-based illustrator David Bailey to create the beer’s striking new look. Known for his work with Patagonia, Rapha, The Guardian, CAMRA, as well as some of the UK’s most exciting modern breweries, David’s work brings a fresh and exciting, hand-drawn look to the beer.
“We’ve always taken pride in creating everything in-house,” says Tom Fozard, commercial director. “But with Hazy-Faced Assassin, we wanted create a fresh approach. It was great working with David and I’m delighted with just how interesting and exciting the artwork is.”
Speaking of the collaboration, David Bailey added: “I’m very excited to work with Rooster’s on Hazy -Faced Assassin. Rooster’s are pioneers of the modern UK beer scene, and I’ve been drinking their beers for ten years plus, so it’s a big honour to get to work with Tom and the team on a new direction for their Assassin range. I hope the artwork does the beer justice.”
