Guide

Beers Like Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA) — Similar Styles Ranked

These options share enough structural and flavour characteristics with specialty-ipa-eg-milkshake-ipa-brut-ipa-new-england-ipa to serve as useful alternatives or starting points. The ranking is based on profile similarity from the WhatDrink database.

10 styles ranked by structured-profile similarity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA), using the WhatDrink style database.

Black IPA
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A beer style that is characterized by a dark color and a strong hop flavor and aroma.
Cold IPA
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A modern hybrid IPA brewed with lager yeast or ale yeast at colder temperatures, often using adjuncts like rice or corn. Crisp, clean body with intense hop-forward aroma and flavor.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
An intensely hopped ale defined by assertive bitterness and vivid hop aroma — typically citrus, tropical fruit, or pine depending on the hop varieties used. India Pale Ales balance high bitterness with medium body and enough malt backbone to prevent harsh dryness.
Session IPAs
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A type of India Pale Ale with a lower alcohol content, allowing for multiple beers to be consumed in a "session" without excessive alcohol consumption.
Hazy IPA
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
Hazy IPA category style used for WhatDrink frontend filtering and taxonomy matching.
American Double / Imperial IPA
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–14% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A beer style that is a stronger version of the American IPA, with a higher alcohol content and more intense hop flavor and aroma.
Pale Ale
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
4.5–6.2% ABV25–45 IBUBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: mediumAcidity: lowTannin: lowColour: gold to amber
A hop-forward ale with a firm but balanced bitterness, bready malt backbone, and typically prominent citrus or floral hop aroma. Pale ales occupy the space between a session bitter and an IPA — assertive enough for hop character to lead without the high bitterness of a double IPA.
Bohemian Pilsner
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A type of pilsner that originated in the Czech Republic and is characterized by a crisp, clean taste and a moderate hop character.
Czech Pilsner
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A type of pilsner that originated in the Czech Republic and is characterized by a crisp, clean taste and a moderate hop character.
Italian Pilsner
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA).
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: medium-highAcidity: low
A German-style Pilsner brewed with traditional methods but dry-hopped to impart a fresh, aromatic hop character on top of the crisp lager profile.

Methodology

Frequently asked questions

What is specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa?: Specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa is a beer style with a specific flavor profile and production character. If you already enjoy specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa, the alternatives on this page share key sensory attributes from WhatDrink data.
What does specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa taste like?: Specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa has a recognisable flavor defined by its ingredients and production method. The sensory profile on the page shows its dimensions relative to similar styles.
Why would I want an alternative to specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa?: Common reasons include regional availability, wanting to explore the broader style category, preference for slightly different flavor balance, or price point. The alternatives here share enough attributes to appeal to fans of specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa.
How similar are these styles to specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa?: Similarity is scored on shared sensory attributes — body, sweetness, bitterness, acidity — from WhatDrink style data. Styles at the top share the most overlap. Individual taste will affect how similar they feel in practice.
How many alternatives are on this page?: The count is shown above. All are drawn from WhatDrink's style database.
What foods pair well with styles like specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa?: Food pairings for each alternative are listed on their individual style pages. Styles similar to specialty ipa eg milkshake ipa brut ipa new england ipa tend to suit similar food pairings, though there will be variation.
Are these styles easy to find?: Availability varies by region and retailer. The style names on this page are the standard industry terms — use them to search your local bottle shop, bar, or online retailer.