The second beer that I sampled as part of the 50/50 challenge (50 beers, 50 states, 1 from each state) was Shook key Lime Pie IPA by Modist Brewing Company.
Being from Washington, I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Modist brewing – located in Minneapolis – which is unfortunate, as their website leads me to think I’d deeply enjoy the experience. The informative site and blog entries (chek it out at modistbrewing.com) place an emphasis on “alternative” and non-traditional” brewing, the result of which is beverages like Sacred Night, a barrel aged imperial molé stout, Forgotten Colors, a tropical fruited sour ale conditioned with pineapple, prickly pear and lime juice, and their MELT line of THC-infused seltzers. It also seems like Modist places a good deal of emphasis on being a part of the greater community, charitable giving, and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff and customers alike.
I have a feeling I’d really like this place.
The beer that I was able to sample – and thus include on my list – certainly reflects the Modist non-traditional philosophy. Shook is a Milkshake IPA, “brewed with milk sugar, vanilla bean, graham crackers, cinnamon and Key limes, hopped and dry hopped with Citra cryo and Strata,” and it’s exactly as curious as it sounds.
I want to take a second here and speak to the can art. I have to say that I appreciate the Modist aesthetic. In a world of often-over complicated (and sometimes downright misleading) can art, Modist seems to walk the line between creative and straightforward. The can I tried was simple and direct while still creating a visually appealing and informative experience. I appreciate that.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this beer, and having never had a Modist brew before I was apprehensive. The beer poured smoothly, and was mostly unassuming; it looked and smelled like a straightforward hazy IPA, which was no surprise given the use of citra in the dry hop.
The first sip was a bit of a surprise, which I assume was the intention of the brewer. It hit the front of my palate like a normal milkshake IPA, with a pillowy wave of subtle citrus flavors, which then rolled into the unmistakable tangy sweetness of key lime. Normally I’d worry that a beer like this would be overpowered by such a profound flavor, but the inclusion of lactose and vanilla seemed to round out those sharp edges, and lend the beer a smooth drinkability. The lime and vanilla was complemented by an unmistakable – though subtle – hint of graham cracker, which then rolled back into a citrusy and slightly bitter punch of hops; as if I was meant to be reminded that, despite the magic of the Modist brewers, the beer was a delicious IPA before and after anything else.
In the end, I’m very happy that I had the opportunity to try a Modist brew, and that this beer had such an interesting flavor profile! I would absolutely recommend it, if only to experience the sort of balance that can be achieved with a flavored milkshake IPA!
Cheers to tasting more beers!
Love, Food & Beer 