What is one of the hardest things to pull off with a low ABV beer? Getting the flavor right.
You have nothing to hide behind, and this one of the main challenges with any of the “session-able” or even table beers. Can you make something that tastes just like its higher ABV brethren but lets you drink a few over the course of the day?
Now I am not a fan of drinking to get drunk or buzzed, and honestly I would still drink my favorites even if they were, hypothetically speaking, non alcoholic.
Can you make something as stouty (forgive the pun) and rich as a Stout, but keep the ABV down below even that of Guinness(4.1%) or even Bud Light (also 4.1%)? Something brewed entirely with only malts, but has not only a nose, but the taste of coffee and coco?
Why yes, yes you can. And Milk manages to do it.
For something so light to taste the way it does, is a stellar example of what brewers can come up. Anyone that can pull off any full flavored versions of the normal favorites has talent, no doubt about it. As we move forward I am sure will be seeing more and more offerings popping up.
Personally though, I can only hope that this is the next one canned to help us get through the Fall and Winter.