What are the differences between NEIPA, Hazy IPA, Milkshake IPA and Juicy IPA?

In recent years, a series of variations on the IPA style has become fashionable. It’s increasingly common to see big colorful cans with names like NEIPA, Hazy IPA, Milkshake IPA or Juicy IPA, but what do all these terms mean? First, let’s look at what they have in common. They are all top-fermented beers with a lot of hops, often with several later dry-hopping additions, and an alcohol content above 5%. They are deliberately flavorful and aromatic beers with a special emphasis on the fruity nuances of the hops. They generally have a light-colored body. In addition, given their hyper-hoppy character, they are very perishable beers that are best consumed fresh.

A Hazy IPA is—as its name suggests—a hazy IPA. There’s no more mystery to it. The producer can brew an IPA that looks crystal clear or hazy. To obtain a hazy IPA, they can use significant percentages of oats and wheat in the mash, as well as special yeasts that remain in suspension and consecutive dry-hopping additions. Therefore, Hazy IPA simply indicates that it is a hazy, full-bodied IPA.

Now, a NEIPA (New England IPA) is still a Hazy IPA, but it places particular emphasis on a low‑attenuation/low‑flocculation yeast. For example, Vermont Ale from The Yeast Bay or London Ale III from Wyeast. It’s a style that was born on the East Coast of the United States and therefore uses American hop varieties as well as new varieties grown in Oceania. The paradigm of this style is Heady Topper from American brewery The Alchemist, based in Vermont.

As for Milkshake IPAs, the name is a “false friend.” They are not a milkshake and they don’t contain milkshake. They get this name because they contain lactose. Lactose is a non‑fermentable sugar derived from milk that gives beer a creamy, sweet body. Some brewers also add fruit—either as purée or juice—and even spices such as vanilla. In this sense, Milkshake IPAs are related to Juicy IPAs, to which fruit juice is added to boost this character.

Brewers clearly enjoy playing with the IPA concept and introducing innovations into modern styles. In the case of NEIPA, Hazy IPA, Milkshake IPA and Juicy IPA, it’s clear they’ve been successful not only among the most hard‑core geeks, but also among new consumers thanks to how easy they are to drink and their pleasant fruity character. Just walk into a beer bar or a specialty shop to see how well these new IPAs are being received.