Following up from their Single Hop Series my local brewery Pretty Decent are looking to get a little funkier with some of their upcoming brews. Their latest offering is a Milkshake IPA with heavy amounts of pineapple and passion fruit added in. I’ve never had a milkshake IPA before but I have had plenty of beers that have added lactose. The distinction is the combination of both the added fruit, and more lactose than usual, to get a milkier, fruitier tone to the body.

Pours a hazy orange-gold colour with a bright, white head. A supremely pungent nose of passion fruit. Very appetising. The body and the flavour of the beer is rather complex. There is an initial hit of fruit with the passion fruit coming through predominantly. It then transitions into the creamier milk aspect before finishing on a little sharpness and acidity.

A quick note on the can art: A yellow base to the wrap on this can reminiscent of a banana milkshake to me.

The head brewer told me the feedback he was getting on it was like Marmite. Some people are loving it and others not so much. I’m in the first camp, regarding both Marmite and this beer, however I can see how this wouldn’t be some peoples cup of tea. The tartness on the back end, which I think is coming from the passion fruit, is slightly surprising at first and could put some people off. However, I thought it provided a nice balance to the creamier fruitier front of the the beer. Very interesting to see how lactose can be used in beer for more than just a shortcut to a smoother or creamier mouthfeel. I am keen to try other fruit combinations in this style now.

Score: 8/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Not Available
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 5.3%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: No
• Purchase Location: Pretty Decent Beer Co. Tap Room
• Purchase Price: £3.75