Introduction: Is it Beer or Dessert?
For the modern craft beer drinker, the landscape has never been more diverse—or more polarizing. Few styles illustrate this complexity better than the Milkshake IPA. These thick, creamy, fruit-forward brews burst onto the scene, causing traditionalists to cringe and enthusiasts to line up around the block. If you appreciate pushing boundaries and experiencing beer that truly challenges expectations, the Milkshake IPA is a style you cannot ignore. It’s more than just a passing fad; it’s a commentary on how innovation can transform a classic IPA into something entirely new, blurring the lines between beverage and dessert.
We’ll dive deep into what defines a Milkshake IPA, why it tastes the way it does, and how you can navigate this wildly experimental corner of the craft market.
What Exactly Makes a Milkshake IPA ‘Milkshake’?
The name isn’t metaphorical; it’s a structural descriptor derived from a key ingredient: lactose. Traditional IPAs rely on fermentable sugars that yeast completely consume, leaving behind dry, alcohol-rich beer. Milkshake IPAs interrupt this process, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied, and often hazy brew.
The Core Ingredients that Define the Style:
- Lactose (Milk Sugar): This is the crucial ingredient. Lactose is unfermentable by brewer’s yeast, meaning it remains in the finished beer, contributing a residual sweetness and an incredibly creamy, thick mouthfeel. This texture is the hallmark of the ‘milkshake’ quality.
- Fruit Purees: Most high-quality Milkshake IPAs utilize generous additions of fruit—often strawberry, mango, peach, or passion fruit—added post-fermentation. This not only enhances flavor but often increases the overall body and haze.
- Vanilla: Often added in the form of beans or extract, vanilla enhances the perceived sweetness and reinforces the dessert-like character, rounding out the sometimes sharp bitterness of the hops.
- Oats and Wheat: These grains are used heavily in the mash to maximize protein content, further boosting the silky smoothness and haze, similar to a New England IPA base.
The combination of unfermented sugar and high protein content creates a beer that mimics the texture and flavor of a fruity, melted dairy treat, hence the polarizing but accurate name.
The Flavor Profile: Where Sweetness Meets Subtlety
While the name suggests overpowering sugar, the best Milkshake IPAs achieve a delicate balance. They aren’t meant to be cloyingly sweet, but rather use residual sugar to soften and complement the hop profile.
Unlike West Coast IPAs that emphasize piney, resinous bitterness, MIPAs usually employ modern, aromatic hop varieties like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy. These hops provide juicy, tropical fruit notes that harmonize with the added fruit and vanilla, rather than fighting the sweetness.
Key Sensory Experience:
- Mouthfeel: Exceptionally smooth, often described as pillowy or velvety.
- Aroma: Dominated by fruit and vanilla, with bright, hop-derived citrus or stone fruit notes.
- Bitterness: Typically restrained (low to moderate IBU), allowing the fruit and sugar to take the spotlight.
When considering food pairings, think complementary desserts or contrasting savory dishes. A strawberry Milkshake IPA pairs surprisingly well with spicy Thai curry, while a mango version is fantastic alongside vanilla bean ice cream (if you dare double down on dessert!).
A Brief History: The Birth of a Beer Style
The Milkshake IPA style is relatively young, tracing its roots back to a highly influential collaboration in 2015 between Sweden’s Omnipollo and Tired Hands Brewing in Pennsylvania. The initial goal was to create a beer that embodied the sensory experience of a fruit smoothie. The addition of lactose, which was already being used sparingly in certain stouts, proved to be the magic key to achieving that creamy texture.
This experiment quickly exploded in popularity, driving a massive trend throughout the craft beer world. Its success demonstrated that modern consumers were eager for novel experiences, pushing brewers to constantly innovate and perfect your recipe far beyond traditional guidelines. This creative freedom has allowed the style to evolve rapidly, leading to variations incorporating cheesecake, pie crust, and even breakfast cereal flavors.
Navigating the MIPA Market: What to Look For
Because Milkshake IPAs rely heavily on ingredient quality and precise execution, consistency can vary wildly between breweries. Here are some actionable steps to ensure you’re drinking the best examples of the style:
- Check the Freshness Date: Due to the high content of fruit purees and residual sugars, Milkshake IPAs are highly susceptible to oxidation and flavor deterioration. Look for cans packaged within the last 6–8 weeks for optimal taste and texture.
- Reputation Matters: Focus on established breweries known for their clean brewing practices. Off-flavors can easily manifest in highly adjunct-heavy beers.
- Read the Label: A quality MIPA should clearly list the fruit and adjuncts used. Look for natural fruit purees rather than artificial flavoring.
As the market for specialty beers continues to expand, savvy drinkers and distributors need reliable sourcing. If you’re looking to find the latest distribution options for these highly sought-after beverages, utilizing a dedicated beer distribution marketplace is essential for discovering these limited-run releases.
Troubleshooting Common Milkshake IPA Complaints
Not everyone loves the Milkshake IPA, and valid criticisms exist. Addressing these points helps build trust and provides valuable context:
- “It’s too sweet!” This is the most common critique. The solution lies in balance. Look for versions where the brewer has intentionally added acidic components (like tart berries or citrus zest) to cut through the lactose, providing a refreshing finish rather than a sticky one.
- “It doesn’t taste like beer.” This is accurate. If you are seeking traditional bitterness, stick to classic IPAs. The MIPA is a hybrid beverage designed for those seeking novelty and intensity.
- “Can these ferment in the can?” While proper brewing techniques mitigate this risk, the high residual sugar content means poor sanitation can lead to secondary fermentation. Always store MIPAs cold and consume them fresh to avoid potential issues.
FAQs About Milkshake IPAs
Q: Is a Milkshake IPA actually dairy-free?
A: No. Almost all true Milkshake IPAs contain lactose (milk sugar). While it is not the same as milk proteins, individuals with severe lactose intolerance should generally avoid the style. Always check the ingredient list for clarity.
Q: What is the typical ABV of a Milkshake IPA?
A: Most range from 6.5% to 8.5% ABV. The high amount of residual sugar contributes significantly to the overall body, masking the alcohol surprisingly well.
Q: What is the difference between a Milkshake IPA and a Fruited Sour?
A: Fruited Sours achieve their flavor profile through acidity (lactic acid bacteria) and are typically dry and tart. Milkshake IPAs use lactose for sweetness and body, often resulting in a far thicker, sweeter, and less acidic experience.
Q: Why are they so expensive?
A: The cost is driven by the sheer volume of expensive adjuncts used—especially high-quality fruit purees, vanilla beans, and high hop doses—combined with the complex process required to stabilize a beer with such high residual sugar.
Conclusion: Embrace the Innovation
The Milkshake IPA is the quintessential modern craft beer style: daring, delicious, and deeply divisive. It exemplifies the freedom brewers now have to push traditional boundaries and create sensory experiences previously reserved for the dessert menu. By understanding the role of lactose, fruit, and hop selection, you can better appreciate the technical skill required to execute these creamy masterpieces.
If you haven’t yet explored this genre, look for a well-reviewed, fresh example and prepare for a beer experience unlike any other. And if you’re a brewery looking to capitalize on niche markets and create buzz with truly unique recipes, understanding the anatomy of successful experimental styles like the Milkshake IPA is crucial for growth in today’s competitive landscape.
