Orange Drips /// Creamsicle IPA
Vault Brewing Company

This isn't the original version, now listed as retired. The ABV has been upped to 7.5%, for one thing. The label doesn't include milk sugar as an ingredient, but that might not mean it isn't included. The pour that emptied a pint can into a clear glass liter mug went smoothly. The white head is modest and enduring. The color of the brew is orange-amber and it's opaque. An aroma much like orange juice is detected. The taste comes across a little harshly, like a shot of orange vodka was dropped into an IPA. Even with the vanilla in the mix, it's a reach to compare this with a Creamsicle. Harsh, yes, but it doesn't taste too badly. The orange is muted and not close to being too sweet. As there's some astringent bite to even the sweetest orange, that aspect is only problematic because of the Creamsicle description and subsequent expectation. This drinks a little thinly, so if there is lactose included, it really doesn't add much body, nor sweetness. There's no glass lacing and the head didn't make it to the finish. If you like bitter orange beer, here is one to try. It might be better than one that was much sweeter and sticky with lactose.