Riwaka Pale Ale
Hill Farmstead Brewery
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- From:
- Hill Farmstead Brewery
- Vermont, United States
- Style:
- Pale Ale - American
Ranked #29 - ABV:
- 5.2%
- Score:
- 95
Ranked #1,471 - Avg:
- 4.3 | pDev: 9.53%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Dec 09, 2021
- Added:
- Dec 31, 2010
- Wants:
- 52
- Gots:
- 3
SCORE
95
World-Class
95
World-Class
Notes:
An American Pale Ale bittered, flavored, and dry hopped exclusively with one of our favorite hop varieties: New Zealand's rare and difficult to obtain Riwaka!
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4 by Newbeergeek1 from Maine on Dec 09, 2021
4.5 by smartassboiler from Illinois on May 19, 2021
4.16/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
by Siriusfisherman from Vermont
L: Hazy yellow/orange with a thick Rocky head and good lacing.
S: Green bell pepper, white whine grape, orange. Very clean malt presence, stonefruit esters.
T: Mild bitterness, pithy citrus, some spice, peach. Light bready malt flavor.
F: Full bodied, somewhat sweet finish. Not in a bad way though.
Overall: A very tasty pale ale with a unique hop character. Great single hop showcase.
Sep 23, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
by Siriusfisherman from Vermont
L: Hazy yellow/orange with a thick Rocky head and good lacing.
S: Green bell pepper, white whine grape, orange. Very clean malt presence, stonefruit esters.
T: Mild bitterness, pithy citrus, some spice, peach. Light bready malt flavor.
F: Full bodied, somewhat sweet finish. Not in a bad way though.
Overall: A very tasty pale ale with a unique hop character. Great single hop showcase.
Sep 23, 2020
4.34/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BEERMILER12 from Maine
On tap at Mule Bar
Sep 23, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BEERMILER12 from Maine
On tap at Mule Bar
Sep 23, 2020
4 by pepesylvia from Pennsylvania on May 14, 2020
3.99/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by DefenCorps from Oregon
Canned Oct 29, received in trade with rodman3. Thanks, Rick!
A mildly hazy orange with a dense, off-white head with excellent retention and gorgeous lacing, this looks great. The nose is soft, fruity, with plenty of passionfruit to go along with a melony blend of honeydew and watermelon, a mildly spicy, peppery, minty note, an undercurrent of citrus, particularly fresh squeezed OJ and alongside everything, a mild allium note, kind of like fresh ramps. The palate opens mildly spicy with a peppery, arugula like sharpness (but clearly not vegetal) coupled with a strong passionfruit note. Clean, juicy hops, with a little melon, peach and a good amount of OJ. The mid-palate is a little thin, resulting a slightly watery feel that seems strange coupled with the potently juicy passionfruit that lingers on in the finish. The spicy note from the hops are really tasty, and the flavors are tasty, but the watery flavors do bother me a little.
Dec 27, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by DefenCorps from Oregon
Canned Oct 29, received in trade with rodman3. Thanks, Rick!
A mildly hazy orange with a dense, off-white head with excellent retention and gorgeous lacing, this looks great. The nose is soft, fruity, with plenty of passionfruit to go along with a melony blend of honeydew and watermelon, a mildly spicy, peppery, minty note, an undercurrent of citrus, particularly fresh squeezed OJ and alongside everything, a mild allium note, kind of like fresh ramps. The palate opens mildly spicy with a peppery, arugula like sharpness (but clearly not vegetal) coupled with a strong passionfruit note. Clean, juicy hops, with a little melon, peach and a good amount of OJ. The mid-palate is a little thin, resulting a slightly watery feel that seems strange coupled with the potently juicy passionfruit that lingers on in the finish. The spicy note from the hops are really tasty, and the flavors are tasty, but the watery flavors do bother me a little.
Dec 27, 2019
4.46/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by bobv from Vermont
12 oz. can.
Canned 10/29/19.
I had this the day it was canned, then about a week later, then two weeks later, and finally this evening at 25 days old. Delicious! Moderate to vigorous pour yields a one inch white head over a hazy light golden body with sticky lacing. Earthy, floral, and herbal nose with slight tropical fruit. Taste mirrors nose somewhat with tropical fruit flavors coming forward. Very nice finish of melon with slight lemon. Nice, soft feel and overall, a very unique hop provides a very unique experience. Cheers to Shaun!
Nov 23, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by bobv from Vermont
12 oz. can.
Canned 10/29/19.
I had this the day it was canned, then about a week later, then two weeks later, and finally this evening at 25 days old. Delicious! Moderate to vigorous pour yields a one inch white head over a hazy light golden body with sticky lacing. Earthy, floral, and herbal nose with slight tropical fruit. Taste mirrors nose somewhat with tropical fruit flavors coming forward. Very nice finish of melon with slight lemon. Nice, soft feel and overall, a very unique hop provides a very unique experience. Cheers to Shaun!
Nov 23, 2019
4.31 by Nichols33 from Massachusetts on Nov 18, 2019
4.25 by Zekenyce from New Jersey on Nov 16, 2019
4.39 by alexsergio from New York on Nov 16, 2019
4.25 by paulish from New York on Nov 16, 2019
5 by CreightonSM from New York on Nov 16, 2019
4.22/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Franziskaner from Missouri
Straw yellow in color with a pronounced haziness in the body. There a quarter inch of creamy dishwater white on top. The aroma is of pungent vegetal to earthy hops, palm leaves, and unripe melon. I’m tasting palm leaves, unripe melon, green vegetables, and earthy hops. The mouth is very smooth and delicate.
Nov 16, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Franziskaner from Missouri
Straw yellow in color with a pronounced haziness in the body. There a quarter inch of creamy dishwater white on top. The aroma is of pungent vegetal to earthy hops, palm leaves, and unripe melon. I’m tasting palm leaves, unripe melon, green vegetables, and earthy hops. The mouth is very smooth and delicate.
Nov 16, 2019
4.25 by t2grogan from Arizona on Nov 15, 2019
4.12 by VelvetExtract from Massachusetts on Nov 13, 2019
4.19/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by SABERG from Massachusetts
Poured from a 12 oz can packaged 12 days ago, into the test glass
A - Textbook HFB backdrop, golden, glowing, loose knit white frothy cap. Carbonation hides in the haze and provides constant support.
S - Earthy and tropical, ripe melon, and cut grass, a very nice spice thread is buried in there, touches of white pepper, grapefruit peel, and peach flesh.
T - Flavors are in that melon, pineapple, and earthy category, malts add a balanced sweet element. Fresh ripe peach is a thread that adds some balance.
M - So soft on the palate, wanders across the experience, semi sweet start, followed by a full tropical wave, chased by some gentle spice reminders. Finish is complete in a flash.
O - A wonderful single expression of this hop. The base is a delight, add the hop treatment and you have a treat. Time is needed to pull this one apart, The reward is worth the effort
Nov 10, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by SABERG from Massachusetts
Poured from a 12 oz can packaged 12 days ago, into the test glass
A - Textbook HFB backdrop, golden, glowing, loose knit white frothy cap. Carbonation hides in the haze and provides constant support.
S - Earthy and tropical, ripe melon, and cut grass, a very nice spice thread is buried in there, touches of white pepper, grapefruit peel, and peach flesh.
T - Flavors are in that melon, pineapple, and earthy category, malts add a balanced sweet element. Fresh ripe peach is a thread that adds some balance.
M - So soft on the palate, wanders across the experience, semi sweet start, followed by a full tropical wave, chased by some gentle spice reminders. Finish is complete in a flash.
O - A wonderful single expression of this hop. The base is a delight, add the hop treatment and you have a treat. Time is needed to pull this one apart, The reward is worth the effort
Nov 10, 2019
4.3 by 4ster from Canada (ON) on Nov 09, 2019
4.08 by vfgccp from New York on Nov 02, 2019
4.63 by Supergenou from Canada (QC) on Sep 27, 2019
4.33 by MJSFS from Florida on Sep 14, 2019
4.44 by RollTide7 from New Jersey on Sep 07, 2019
4.16 by stevec32 from New York on Sep 05, 2019
3.86/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by Jwale73 from Rhode Island
Served in a willibecker. Pours a dull, hazy orange with a frothy, half inch, bright white head. Nose is interesting - very earthy with just a hint of citrus in the background. Taste reveals green cantaloupe; earthy character in the nose is very much diminished in the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is light-medium in body (closer to light) with a soft, even carbonation. Overall, my first experience with this hop. It's very interesting; however, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it.
Sep 02, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by Jwale73 from Rhode Island
Served in a willibecker. Pours a dull, hazy orange with a frothy, half inch, bright white head. Nose is interesting - very earthy with just a hint of citrus in the background. Taste reveals green cantaloupe; earthy character in the nose is very much diminished in the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is light-medium in body (closer to light) with a soft, even carbonation. Overall, my first experience with this hop. It's very interesting; however, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it.
Sep 02, 2019
4.34/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
"Best consumed by 8/26/16"; drank 8/26/16 (1) @ Harvest Hop Haus.
Opaque dull yellow appearance.
Small bright white head; frothy lace.
Lemon, melon & fresh bread notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Melon, fresh bread & mild fresh earth flavors up front; lemon spritz notes on the finish.
Unique, challenging & rewarding; a grower!
Sep 01, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
"Best consumed by 8/26/16"; drank 8/26/16 (1) @ Harvest Hop Haus.
Opaque dull yellow appearance.
Small bright white head; frothy lace.
Lemon, melon & fresh bread notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Melon, fresh bread & mild fresh earth flavors up front; lemon spritz notes on the finish.
Unique, challenging & rewarding; a grower!
Sep 01, 2019
3.19/5 rDev -25.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
by brutalfarce from Connecticut
Looks great smells of oily popcorn to me just didnt land
Aug 21, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
by brutalfarce from Connecticut
Looks great smells of oily popcorn to me just didnt land
Aug 21, 2019
4.34 by rpjterp from Virginia on Aug 17, 2019
4.25 by stephenjmoore from Maryland on Aug 17, 2019
4.3 by GreenMind from Pennsylvania on Aug 16, 2019
4.34 by Jstuart23 from North Carolina on Aug 14, 2019
4.25 by rodmanfor3 from Vermont on Aug 12, 2019
4.41 by BeerBucks from New York on Aug 09, 2019
4.37/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by GuitarIPA from Connecticut
Refreshing, great feel, pungent smell, dry finish, delicious beer. Hazy appearance.
Aug 05, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by GuitarIPA from Connecticut
Refreshing, great feel, pungent smell, dry finish, delicious beer. Hazy appearance.
Aug 05, 2019
4.06 by 22Blue from Kansas on Aug 04, 2019
4.13 by clake from Vermont on Aug 04, 2019
4.29/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Hyptochrons from Massachusetts
sharp slightly tart lemon, cirtus pith, grapefruit rind, floral, herbal and plant matter, meyer lemon sweetness, cereal malt, grainy throughout.
Aug 02, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Hyptochrons from Massachusetts
sharp slightly tart lemon, cirtus pith, grapefruit rind, floral, herbal and plant matter, meyer lemon sweetness, cereal malt, grainy throughout.
Aug 02, 2019
4 by whatsgoody from Vermont on Aug 01, 2019
4.5 by von_kaiser from Connecticut on Jul 22, 2019
4.5/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Damasen from Massachusetts
This hop is earthy and spicy which plays well with HF 's yeast strain. There is some citrus notes over a solid body. Overall a very interesting hop and pale ale.
Jul 06, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Damasen from Massachusetts
This hop is earthy and spicy which plays well with HF 's yeast strain. There is some citrus notes over a solid body. Overall a very interesting hop and pale ale.
Jul 06, 2019
4.19 by eppie82 from Illinois on Jul 02, 2019
3.98 by M_chav from New Mexico on Jun 29, 2019
Riwaka Pale Ale from Hill Farmstead Brewery
Beer rating:
95 out of
100 with
218 ratings