The Arbiter
Paradise Creek Brewery

this is great, impressively good, took me by surprise. for whatever reason i never expect too much from these small random breweries i always find myself in, but once in awhile i stumble on a gem, and this is one of them, just a really well made and distinctive ipa, memorable even, and the trend of me liking every beer ive had from paradise creek continues. i love that its not the same old basic ipa that everybody makes. its got some real unique hops in it, i get sorachi ace right away, and a little research shows there is also galaxy, mosaic, and citra in the mix, a modern group but a unique combination, and it makes the beer very unique to me. light amber in color, some crystal malt apparent in here, even orange tinted, not all the way clear but i wouldnt call it a hazy either. lemon curd, cut grass, sweet orange flesh, tangerine, lime leaf, and pine all come into the mix in the nose, a crackery pale malt character more than sweet crystal to me in the taste on the grain side, really different from what i was expecting based on appearance, and really nice with this mix of hops, which are so fresh and pungent and persistent in here from beginning to end. i pretty much like all beer with sorachi ace in it, but i especially like this one, its very dynamic, the galaxy is great with it. pineapple juice, cut pine, and fresh citrus to finish, great balance, enough carbonation, clean ferment, just awesome beer. definitely one of the better hoppy beers i have had recently, and from such an unexpected source! really great beer here, love the hop complexion!

 

16oz can poured into 14oz teku. Poured a muddy, deeply burnt orange color with 1/2 inch of off-white head that had moderate retention and lacing.

Lots of big, bright hops in the nose, with just faint hints of malt.

Very similar on the tongue, lots of hops, low grain, but the finish was very bitter and bitey.

The body was the typical medium of the style, and had a dry finish.

Drinkability was fine, except for that lingering harshly bitter finish.

Overall, a fairly average brew. Probably worth a shot if you see it.