The Milkshake IPA and NEIPA (New England IPA) are both styles of beer that have gained popularity in recent years. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two.
1. Hazy Appearance: Both Milkshake IPAs and NEIPAs are known for their hazy appearance. However, the NEIPA tends to have a more pronounced haze, often resembling a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. This haze is achieved through the use of certain brewing techniques, such as adding flaked oats or wheat to the malt bill, and the inclusion of hops that contribute to a hazy appearance.
2. Hop Profile: The hop profile is an important factor that sets these two styles apart. NEIPAs are characterized by their juicy and tropical hop flavors, often showcasing notes of citrus, stone fruit, and tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. The hops used in NEIPAs are typically added late in the brewing process to maximize the hop aroma and flavor while minimizing bitterness.
On the other hand, Milkshake IPAs take the hop profile a step further by incorporating additional ingredients to enhance the flavor. This can include the addition of fruit purees, spices, or even lactose sugar. These additional ingredients can create a more complex flavor profile, often with a sweeter and creamier mouthfeel.
3. Mouthfeel: NEIPAs are known for their soft and pillowy mouthfeel, which is achieved through the use of certain adjuncts like flaked oats or wheat. These ingredients contribute to a fuller body and a smooth, creamy texture. Milkshake IPAs take this one step further by incorporating lactose sugar, which adds sweetness and a silky mouthfeel to the beer. The lactose sugar is not fermentable by yeast, so it remains in the finished product, providing a residual sweetness.
4. Sweetness: While NEIPAs can have a slightly fruity sweetness from the hops, Milkshake IPAs are intentionally brewed to be sweeter. The addition of lactose sugar gives these beers a distinct sweetness, often resembling a milkshake (hence the name). This sweetness can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of lactose used, but it is a defining characteristic of the style.
5. Controversy: The Milkshake IPA has been a more divisive style within the beer community. Some beer enthusiasts appreciate the unique flavors and mouthfeel that the style offers, while others argue that it deviates too far from traditional IPA characteristics, such as hop bitterness. The addition of lactose sugar can also make these beers less approachable for those who prefer drier, more bitter IPAs.
While both Milkshake IPAs and NEIPAs share similarities such as their hazy appearance and emphasis on hop flavor, the Milkshake IPA takes it a step further by incorporating additional ingredients like lactose sugar to create a sweeter, creamier, and more complex beer. The controversy surrounding Milkshake IPAs stems from their departure from traditional IPA characteristics, making them a love-it-or-hate-it style among beer enthusiasts.