Beer School: Hazy Beers and Milkshake IPAs

There are two new beer trends I’m seeing everywhere these days: hazy beers and milkshake IPAs. While they’re all over taprooms and my instagram feed, I realized that I didn’t exactly know what constitutes a hazy beer or how it got that way. And is that different than a milkshake IPA? I did my research and am here to drop some beer school knowledge on y’all.

Hazy Beers

Hazy beers are officially everywhere! The haze craze is upon us, and I admit, there is some visual appeal in the juicy complexion of these brews. You definitely can’t see through the glass with these. 

Most hazy beers you’ll find are NE IPAs. Usually described as juicy, the beer looks almost like orange juice when poured. They’re aggressively hopped, fruity and have a creamy mouthfeel. There’s been a lot of buzz around this style building in the past year or so, so stay on trend and give them a try.

NE IPAs to try: 

  • Fairstate Co-Op Spirit Foul
  • Insight Terror Bear
  • Modist Dreamyard
  • Tree House Julius

Photo by Dangerous Man Brewing Co.

Milkshake IPA

Milkshake IPAs are a newer trend on the scene and their name comes from the fact that lactose is used in the brewing process. Fruit is also added in the brewing process along with wheat and vanilla. The end result isn’t exactly a milkshake flavor. It’s fruitier and smoother than your average IPA, but it’s definitely still an IPA. Basically, it shares similar ingredients.

Milkshake IPAs to try:

  • 3 Floyds Apocalypse Cow
  • Dangerous Man Boysenberry Milkshake IPA
  • Omnipollo/Tired Hands Milkshake IPA