If you happen to be curious about how many possible meanings one word could have, as I was prior to writing this discussion, I encourage a quick google search using the terms “shake” and “definition”.
I realize that it will take several moments to read through all of the documented entries provided by Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com, Collins Dictionary, etc. Suffice to say, there are many, many, different ways that the word “shake” may be utilized.
If you scrolled down to the noun portion of the definition page, you probably saw the definition for shake that I believe Mikkeler was pointing towards when they named their imperial stout “Shake” series. I certainly believe the intent was to fashion this particular series in a manner consistent with that somewhat buried, but commonly known, informal word for milkshake.
Today comparison is, multi-layered. Firstly, the intent is to see if a member of this shake series is tasty. Secondary to this, is to see if it is in any way milkshake-like. The second part of this comparison, is to see if barrel-aging ups the enjoyability of this beer.
The base being sampled today is Mikkeler Beer Geek Vanilla Shake.
Judge #1 – Emptying this from the can is like pouring viscous motor oil into the glass. It is obsidian in color, and is topped by a quickly dissipating creme-mocha head. The smell is redolent of vanilla, and malty, slightly roasty notes, along with a tiny hint of caramel, poke through the thick vanilla cloud and enter the nose. The body is thick, rich, and chewy. Bakers chocolate hits the palate first, followed by chocolate syrup, vanilla malt, caramel, then hints of almond, before finally finishing with a tinge of pleasant bitterness, and a dash of confectioners sugar. Rating this straightforwardly, I give it a 9/10. Rating this in comparison to a milkshake, is a little more tricky, as there is a slight visual deception built in to this beer. It is a stout, and therefore dark in color, which contrasts directly with the color one would expect of a vanilla milk that of the color white. But, on flavor alone, and mouthfeel, this is pretty darn close to a vanilla milkshake, thereby earning a 8/10 on the similarity to a milkshake scale.
Judge #2 -The viscosity of this beer is so dense that it slowly flows like syrup from the can. The color reminds me of the nitro cold-brew I had this morning, while it leaves the mocha head around the ring of the glass. The smell immediately hits you with a strong vanilla waft. After sitting in the glass you get notes of nuttiness and sugar from the nose. The body is smooth, rich and thick. The taste is almost of a bitter, dark-chocolate covered almond with a sugary after notes. Overall, I rate this beer an 8.5/10. In regards to being “shake-like,” I would rate this as a 7/10.
The Barrel-Aged follow up, is Mikkelers Barrel Aged Vanilla Shake.
Judge #1 – The appearance of the barrel-aged shake is essentially identical to that of the regular vanilla shake. The nose, however, is drastically different. This smells like it spent considerable time in a freshly dumped, bold flavored bourbon barrel. Oaky notes marry perfectly with caramel, vanilla, roasted malts, tobacco, and leather, in a magical olfactory melange. The mouthfeel is considerably, though not unexpectedly, thinner. The flavor starts with bourbon-vanilla Werthers, followed by milk chocolate sweetness, brown sugar, then a hefty splash of bourbon and alcohol heat. Amazingly, for one who loves barrel-aged beers, I actually found the regular shake more enjoyable overall, so I rate this a 7/10. As far as being milkshake-like, this one is far from comparable, 4/10.
Judge #2 – The appearance of this beer is very dark, with a foamy and airy head. The smell immediately assaulted my nose with the subtlety of a lumber yard on a hot and humid summer day. As the beer settled in the glass the pungent notes of the bourbon start to come through. The longer it sits, the more the nose leans towards vanilla. Confusingly, the flavors on my tongue are completely devoid of vanilla. Rather, my palate picks up mostly bourbon notes, and then is perplexed by a body which more closely resembles the viscosity of a beer. Admittedly, I am not generally a fan of bourbon, so this beer rates a mediocre 5/10 for me. Its milkshake qualities are also very lacking, so on that scale, it receives a 3/10.
Honestly, this is a tough comparison to summarize. If you are strictly looking for a drink that most closely resembles a “shake,” definitely choose the regular Beer Geek Vanilla Shake. If you are looking for a barrel-aged beer experience, featuring a lot of complex flavors, and heavy barrel notes, go with the barrel-aged vanilla shake. If, like the googlers of the dictionary definition of shake, you truly have no idea what depths you may discover, let alone enjoy in a craft beer, just get both of these fine offerings if you happen to see them, and let your palate and senses decide which you prefer. Shake it up! You may love both.
Humbly yours,
J