Hop Butcher (2019)

BOM definitely does not say lactose on it

 

The reason being that lactose added to their regular DIPA's are small compared to a milkshake in which lactose is a key element. It would almost be like listing their grain bill.

For example, I just brewed an NEIPA that had a bit too much attenuation... so I added 3oz of lactose (5 gallon batch) to give it a little bit of body and sweetness that was lost. If I were making a milkshake I would add a pound or more.

 

One could argue that on the milkshakes, the lactose is implied. IMO any ingredient that is not water, yeast, barley, or hops should be listed on the can.

 

I'd have to disagree that its like listing their malt bill. They would simply say "Double India Pale Ale with Lactose added" I believe the original IPA's brewed with lactose did exactly that, long before anyone was brewing Milkshake IPA's.

 

Way to create a new controversy, HB

 

SMH

 

Whoops. Looks like I was wrong on the lactose on the label. It is only on their for Old School Hawaii Vibes which doesn't call itself a milkshake beer but, tastes exactly like their milkshake beers.

I honestly think the amount of lactose in their milkshake beers and DIPAs are the same or very close as the mouthfeels are almost identical in my opinion.

 

I don't get the same mouthfeel but maybe it's just not as apparent to my pallet. A lot of breweries overdo it on lactose in milkshakes but they don't.

 

It might have to do with the fact that when people see "with lactose" they think "milkshake". It probably also has to do with the fact that there are a lot of NEIPA hardos out there that will cry if someone adds lactose to that style.

 

Did that 3oz even do anything for your beer? I use a good bit more (when I have used it)

 

It didn't add much body which makes sense considering I think you get about 4 points out of a full pound in 5 gallons of beer, but it did give it just a little bit of sweetness. How much do you use and are you making a milkshake or just an NEIPA? IMO you should only be using it to balance out bitterness that you get from the massive amount of hops.

 

these last batches of double grid have been noticeably sweeter than B1 for example, and I couldn’t finish even a single can. There is no way it was a trivial amount simply to add a bit of body, as it completely changed the beer for me.

I would think this warrants listing it as an ingredient, otherwise I’m under the impression the base recipe changed

 

Ive used anywhere from 4-8 ounces depending on where I want my beer to finish. I only brew NEIPAs. Obviously I use more if I mash at a lower temp, which will make the wort more fermentable. I think in a milkshake (Ive only done 2) I may have used a full pound, that could be off though. Its been awhile.

 

Loophole is a pretty damn good beer. Great aroma on the pour and well rounded. I, personally, prefer a lit bite or burn, but this one toes that line of sweetness pretty well.

 

I’m guessing this wasn’t the case until Justin got there. Which is when their beers got sweeter imo. Think I started noticing it around the time mellotron was released last March.

 

I guess it makes sense now why I was so gassy from some of their beers even though it didn't list the lactose.

 

Lactose or not...Loophole Technicality is great. Mango & melon flavors, a bit of ganja bite & a subtle dryness (not bitterness).

Overall, one of their better brews, IMO.

 

After the huge home run that was Wave Burst, I'm pleasantly stunned by Loophole Technicality, which is a verified grand slam. This is probably the best New England/hazy I've had from any brewery in Chicago and the best from Hop Butcher as well. Like Wave Burst, I find this a bit gin-like, lots of tropical flavors, a bit of dankness, berries, guava, passion fruit, and more, plus somehow balanced and not too sweet. I'll have a better description when I get another can down, but this is amazing.

 

I think it says "cosmic fountain" on the can. Looks good!