I used two different dry malt extracts. One was a 1 lb bag of Breiss Golden Light DME. The other was a 3 lb bag of CBW Golden Light DME. I added all 4 lbs to the beginning of the boil (careful of overboil) but I have also heard of 1/2 in the beginning, 1/2 at the end. I used LME at the end instead.
Important to add LME with about 15 mins left in boil. This will avoid over-scorching which is known to give a metallic taste to the beer.
Add pureed apples (use a muslin bag) with about 10 mins left in the boil. You will not taste the apple in the brew, but the pectin in the apple adds a nice body and haze to the beer.
Add lactose sugar with 10 mins left in boil.
Freeze Strawberries and whole vanilla bean (use however much you want). When it is time to add these at day 7 of the secondary fermentation, they will be easy to crush.
I like the smell of the galaxy, cascade, and simcoe hops the best, which is why I chose to use them for the dry hop. Since most of what we taste comes from what we smell, it is important to use your favorite hops towards the end of your boil and for the dry hop. Dry hopping will increase aroma and get rid of bitterness.
Inspired by my favorite Milkshake IPA's from Tired Hands.