Which type of beer is best suited to scrub the palate after fatty, sweet foods?

A bitter IPA is particularly well-suited to scrub the palate after consuming fatty, sweet foods due to its pronounced hop bitterness and high carbonation. The bitterness from the hops helps to cut through the richness of fatty foods and the sweetness found in desserts, cleansing the mouth and preparing the palate for the next bite or sip. The high carbonation levels in IPAs also contribute by providing a refreshing effervescence that enhances the palate cleansing effect.

Wheat beers, while generally light and refreshing, may not have the same impactful bitterness. Dry stouts, although they have roasted flavors and some bitterness, may not provide enough contrast to balance the fat and sweetness of the dishes. Cream ales are smooth and mild, which doesn't offer the robust bitterness necessary for an effective palate cleanse after rich or sweet foods. This makes the bitter IPA the optimal choice in this context.