Slam Dunk by Monday Night Brewing is being evaluated as a New England IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21B) but with the additional twist that it features an addition of lactose. Despite being in this category however, it pours with a burnished golden color and a near brilliant clarity that many lagers would be jealous of. High carbonation allows for the formation and retention of an ever-present head of foam.
Like many milkshake IPAs, it’s all about the citrus and tropical hop flavors. This one features orange marmalade, grapefruit, lemongrass, and a hint of mango in both the nose and the flavor of the beer. Malt takes a backseat but makes a honey, bready appearance in the beginning of tasting the beer. Due to the lactose, it finishes semi-sweet especially considering the low hop bitterness that’s present.
Slam Dunk is a fine beer for the morning drinkers out there as it comes across as an alcoholic, citrus breakfast beverage. Without a unique and distinctive hop profile however, it fades into the realm of so many other semi-sweet milkshake IPAs.