Judge's Review: 86 Rating - Milky Way Galaxy by Pontoon Brewing

Milky Way Galaxy by Pontoon Brewing is being judged as BJCP category 31B, Alternative Sugar Beer with category 22A, Double IPA, as the base style.

The aroma opens with a pronounced sweet grapefruit joined by additional citrus reminiscent of clementine. Subtle honey malt comes through as it warms. Nearly opaque in its haziness. The beer was not identified as a NEIPA but appears to be one. Orange gold color topped with a big creamy off-white head. The flavor brings more of a tart orange and grapefruit character with a touch of pine resin and a little pineapple. Firm bitterness but not to the level typical of a Double IPA and overly so for a NEIPA. The lactose is serving to subdue the bitterness and providing a touch of sweetness. Some mineral chalkiness is present, which helps extenuate the bitterness. The finish is moderately dry with a pithy citrus character. The aftertaste lingers with blood orange. Medium full-bodied and somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Moderate carbonation levels with a carbonic bite lingers as does the mouth-coating stickiness.

The beer seems closer to a NEIPA other than the increased bitterness levels and mineral harshness would indicate. A Double IPA with lactose is somewhat of a conundrum as the lactose counters the crisp dry finish and overall drinkability, which is the hallmark for a Double IPA. Style issues aside, the beer does provide a nice big hit of citrusy hops in the nose and flavor. The lactose seems to round the beer out and keep the hops from being a one-man show. Overall, an enjoyable beer for hop lovers who want a fuller creamier body.