Strawberry Milkshake
NOVO Brazil Brewing Co.

Normally my go-to beer at Novo Brewery. One time, I was served the bottom or top of the barrel; it was the best beer of my life!! Looked and tasted like a Milkshake!!

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: Milkshake IPA
Glass: Belgian beer glass 13 oz
Price: $5
From: Whole Foods (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: July 15, 2020
Consumed: July 15, 2020
Canned on June 30, 2020

Only had about 5 types of milkshake IPAs back then when I had this, but after another 8 later, I would rate this milkshake IPA near the top of the list. ( I like Hazys a lot, but prefer west coast for 3/4 of the time).

Poured a light hazy color, 2-3 fingers of head, excellent foam and retention.

Smelled strawberry milkshake, strawberry milk, cream, lactose and strawberry ice cream. Not so much the grassy fresh picked strawberry smell, but the classic milkshake strawberry smell. Very pleasing to my nose, not artificial smelling, but just the right amount of aroma to give a natural fantastic smell. Out of all the milkshake IPAs I've had, I'd say this smell fit the description the most spot on.

Taste of strawberry milk, but in order- got a hazy velvety smooth, lactose-y IPA taste, with enough hoppy taste for a double ipa, but I think the smell right before this brought the thought of strawberry milk/milkshake with that initial taste, then followed by lingering strawberry milk taste ( but definitely not overly sweet like many other milkshake IPAs), the sweetness is more fleeting, balanced just right with aromas of strawberry milk trailing the sweetness.

Medium body/ Medium-light body. Not the milk-shakiest milkshake IPA, but incredibly velvety smooth, very balanced. Long smooth finish.

Overall I think this milkshake IPA stays true to IPA hops, and is not overly creamy, but also has definite lactose and creamy taste, with the perfect balance of strawberry milkshake aroma. One of the beers that made me want to go back for more, and sad thereafter that it was no longer available due to the seasonal nature. Some beers I'm kindof sad that it's no longer available, but know that there will soon be other ones that will hit the spot. But this is one that no other milk shake ipa has hit the spot as it did.

4.75 | 98 | A+

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: Milkshake IPA
Glass: Firestone 16-oz. Spiegelau IPA glass
Price: $3.39
From: Windmill Farms in Del Cerro (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: July 9, 2020
Consumed: July 14, 2020
Misc.: Canned on June 30, 2020

Spent way too much at Windmill Farms and then at North Park Beer Company, but happy with my selections. Beer description called for, “Hazy IPA with Lactose, Strawberry, and Vanilla. The mouthfeel is like “velvet”, very smooth, easy-drinking, well-balanced flavors that remind us of a milkshake.” Sounded right up my alley.

Poured a medium amber hazy color with 3-to-4 fingers of rocky white head. Could see a few bubbles coming up along the sides of the glass. World-class foamy lacing. Almost perfect retention. (Sight - 4.75)

Smelled strawberry milkshake, strawberry milk, vanilla, strawberry ice cream and lactose. Was all milky strawberry, not the actual berry. Not artificial strawberry per se, but that strawberry milky flavor. Maybe not quite as good from the can, but just lovely from the glass. (Smell - 4.50)

Taste wasn’t as good as the nose, but still really good. In order got strawberry milkshake, strawberry milk, strawberry ice cream, strawberry blossom, vanilla, cream and lactose. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth finish. (Feel - 4.25)

I really liked this. Excellent overall. (Overall - 4.25)

4.24 | 94 | A-