Joining us again from the sunny shores of California is Surreal Brewing. I like these guys. They feel like the underdogs, and they make great beers and I think they should be given more attention in the NA craft beer circuit. They are humble and awesome. We’ve previously drank their Kolsch and their Creatives IPA, but this week we have one of my favorites from Surreal Brewing.
This week, we are drinking Milkshake IPA from Surreal Brewing. This trend began shortly before I ducked out of drinking. I believe I had my first Milkshake IPA back in 2017 and I specifically remember asking the bartender what it was because it sounded crazy, and you don’t typically think of vanilla milky sweetness when you think of IPAs. Well, get over it. You’re wrong. Surreal Brewing is here to prove you wrong with this tasty treat.
How Does It Pour?
This Milkshake IPA from Surreal Brewing pours the way you would think a nice light IPA would pour. Lighter in color and clarity with a crisp white head. The aromas off the top are delightful as you immediately get massive hints of vanilla flowing through the air around all of the popping bubbles of carbonation. The hops are there but neatly disguised.
How Does It Taste?
The flavors that Surreal Brewing threw into this delicious mixture are all very present and ready to party. The lactose and vanilla live at the front of this Milkshake IPA and there are reminiscent hints of birthday cake as you swallow it down your gullet. Even though this is an IPA at its heart, the hops only take residency on the sides of your tongue and a little at the back of your throat. The main event flavors here are vanilla and lactose, and if you look for it, you can find that slight hint of monk fruit, almost like an afterthought in the brewing process.
Untappd gives this Milkshake IPA by Surreal Brewing a 3.3 out of 5. As an IPA, it definitely leans more on the dessert side of things, but as a milkshake IPA, I think it’s about as spot-on as you could ask for and I would highly recommend it. Any fans of lighter summer IPAs and birthday cake will be very pleased with this delightful and triumphant treat. Go grab some from their website and thank me later.
#ADDTOCART SURREAL BREWING
NA BEERS AND 90s: Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (and sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his amazing collection of memorabilia from the ’90s.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND: Want more Justin in your life? We don’t blame you! Check out his podcast Friend Request Justin has in-depth interviews with people he follows on social media, as well as his own social media followers. Friend Request dives deeper than the likes and comments. With each episode, Justin tries to create a more meaningful conversation about each individual he’s connected with. Justin ties each interview together with the commonalities and struggles that not only are extremely relatable but also fall across the entire spectrum of the human experience.
Check Out This Episode from Friend Request:
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
