Out of a flurry of seasonal and limited local craft beer releases this month on the BC Ale Trail, this Milkshake IPA stands out to me as a true winner. A couple of other releases had me wondering whether I was making the right choice. Twin Sails Vapor Wave Tart IPA and Steamworks Tart IPA are in a tight race for runner-up. 

I tried a few of these before the writing of the article, one I shared with an incredulous neighbour (he drinks Coors, but likely not for long), one after a particularly hard day (very soothing!) and one out with friends. I enjoyed every drop, like slurping that last delicious drop with a straw from a summer shake.

ABV: 6.5% IBU:  Parallel 49 does not list the IBU of this beer. Rather, they have a graph available on their website which lists the many flavours available in this beer from 1-10. Check it out on their advanced beer section, it's well worth it!

Appearance: Thick pour and creamy head with lasting thick sticky lace. One of the thickest milkshake IPA's I've tried. Likely this is due to the malted oats, lactose and flaked oats as an adjunct. Hazy and deep darkish orange, brownish to hazy copper under a light, white froth.

Aroma: The orange peel used in this beer comes through immediately, reminiscent of the aroma of my first orange DQ milkshake. I also smelled a slight note of peach, probably from the Amarillo and Cascade hops that were used (these are typically used both for aroma and bittering).  Creamsicle came through as well, likely the vanilla aroma from the Mandarina Bavaria hops or from the lactose adjunct.

Flavour and Mouthfeel: Thick, thick, thicc! Sweet and very refreshing. The oats added as adjunct, lactose and malted oats in the mash make this one of the deepest (but not dark) beers I've tried. More than hints of vanilla come through immediately at the frontside of the sip, and light then increasing bitter notes upon swallowing. But not too bitter, more like a Creamsicle, but with the ice cream on the outside and the orange flavour at the centre. I tasted peach flavours halfway through the glass as well. 

Artwork: As with all of the artwork for Parallel 49 bottled and canned beers, there is a lot in the design to unpack. Immediately the cartoon magician/soothsayer/genie character entices you to give in to the possibilities of the future and peer into the crystal ball. An orange slice rather than a jewel in the turban is a hint at the rich and complex array of citrus flavours available to the lucky one who tries this beer. In place of the crystal ball is the Parallel 49 logo, more than hinting at where you can get this in the future.

You can find this beer in stock at your local private liquor store, on one of Canadian Craft Tours BC Brewery Tours either on a private tour or one of our monthly tours. Get it now before it vanishes in a mysterious puff of smoke!