If you’re looking for something new to celebrate the holiday weekend in Puerto Rico, Boxlab Brewing Co. has just the beer. Available today for its official launch, Monte Carlo IPA is making its debut exclusively at The Beer Box in Aguadilla.
Boxlab Brewing describes Monte Carlo IPA as a Milkshake India Pale Ale, delivering all the juicy hop character IPA lovers expect while adding a smooth, creamy twist. Brewed with vanilla, lactose, hop terpenes from Simcoe and Mosaic, then generously dry hopped with Mosaic and Sabro, this limited release offers vibrant tropical aromas, a silky mouthfeel, and exceptional drinkability at just 4.5% ABV.
Available only at Boxlab’s brewery taproom and produced in very limited quantities, Monte Carlo IPA is exactly the kind of small-batch release that rewards making the trip before it’s gone.
To celebrate the launch, The Beer Box will also feature live music from Labajura beginning at 7:00 PM, making it the perfect evening to enjoy fresh local craft beer with friends.
Aroma & Flavor Profile
Aroma
An inviting burst of ripe mango, pineapple, citrus zest, and sweet stone fruit leads the way. Vanilla adds a soft dessert-like note, while the hop terpenes amplify the fresh hop bouquet with remarkable intensity.
Malt Character
A light malt backbone allows the hops to remain the star while lactose and vanilla create the signature silky body associated with the Milkshake IPA style. The result is a smooth, creamy texture that enhances the fruit-forward character without becoming overly sweet.
Hop Presence
Mosaic takes center stage with juicy tropical fruit and berry notes, while Sabro layers in hints of coconut and citrus. Simcoe-derived terpenes contribute subtle pine and resin that provide additional complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Finish
Smooth, creamy, and juicy with restrained bitterness. Tropical hop flavors linger alongside gentle vanilla before finishing soft, refreshing, and remarkably easy drinking.
What to Expect From Monte Carlo IPA
Monte Carlo IPA isn’t your typical hazy IPA. Instead, Boxlab Brewing has blended the drinkability of a session-strength IPA with the smooth, creamy character of the Milkshake IPA style.
Despite the name, a Milkshake IPA doesn’t contain a milkshake. Instead, lactose provides a fuller body while vanilla complements the hop character, creating a pillowy mouthfeel that makes the beer feel richer than its modest 4.5% ABV suggests.
Expect a hazy golden pour, a dense white head, layers of tropical fruit aroma, and a velvety texture that carries bright notes of mango, citrus, coconut, and subtle pine from its carefully selected hop combination.
Best Enjoyed With
- Fish tacos
- Chicken tacos with pineapple salsa
- Fried shrimp
- Caribbean chicken skewers
- Pulled pork sliders
- Spicy wings
PRBG Final Pour
Monte Carlo IPA showcases Boxlab Brewing’s creative approach to modern IPA brewing by combining the easy-drinking nature of a Session IPA with the creamy texture and expressive hop character of a Milkshake IPA. The combination of vanilla, lactose, Mosaic and Sabro dry hopping, and Simcoe and Mosaic hop terpenes creates a beer that’s bursting with aroma while remaining incredibly approachable.
Available only at The Beer Box in Aguadilla and only while supplies last, Monte Carlo IPA is exactly the kind of taproom-exclusive release that makes visiting the brewery worthwhile. If you’re on Puerto Rico’s west coast this weekend, this is one beer you won’t want to miss.
Photo: Boxlab Brewing Co.
