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King Crush: A Double Milkshake IPA Fit for Royalty (Not)

440ml Can of Brewdogs King Crush 8.4% ABV

Reviewed: 14th Feb 2024

In theory, BrewDog's King Crush isn't messing around. This 8.4% Double Milkshake IPA boasts big, bold flavours, promising a tropical punch with a creamy twist. So, let's see if this brew lives up to its "royal" title, or if it's just a pretender to the throne.


The can:

I actually the the can design, very modern and regal, it's probably one of Brewdog's best can art labels I've seen for a long time.

And there is the promise "A big, bold and powerful Double Milkshake IPA that’s packed with mango and passionfruit, this is a brilliantly balanced sweet and citrusy beer fit for monarchs and enjoyed by mere mortals.", let's try it and se shall we!


Appearance:

Pours a hazy orange-yellow or a deep golden (depending on your standpoint), a cloudy paradise reminiscent of a mango smoothie. A fluffy white head adds to the tropical vibes.

Aroma:

Orange is the big aroma for me, a delicious wave of orange with very gentle waves of mango and passionfruit washes over the nose, there is a subtle hint of the lactose creaminess in there too. It's like sticking your head in a fruit basket (that is mainly filled with oranges!).

Taste:

The initial sip isn't as smooth as I would have liked, I though there would be more creaminess to it. The fruit flavours explode next, with juicy mango and orange taking centre stage (and why woudn't they, there is obviously juice in here, not just hops). There is definately a little alcohol bite with this one at the end of the taste and a mild creamy finish. BUT, the initial fruit flavour does taste a little syrupy and also artificient (which isn't a huge surprise for a Brewdog beer unfortunately).

Mouthfeel:

This is where King Crush should really shine. I wanted it to be full-bodied and creamy, thanks to the use of the lactose, but it isn't, at least there is some at the end, but that syrupy sweetness just hides any creaminess that there might be in the front or mid-sections. The carbonation is moderate, adding a gentle lift without being overpowering however.


Overall: 

King Crush is a big let-down, where it could have been a bold and flavourful Double Milkshake IPA that lives up to its name, it falls way short. 

I just can't get away from the terrible artificial syrupy flavours and lack of creaminess throughout, I would have liked it to be a drink fit for a King, but unfortunaley it isn't

Score: 4.5/10


Thanks for reading, enjoy your beers, cheers!






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