Riri Waka
Monkish Brewing Co.

 

 

Served from Monkish crowler into a 16oz pint glass. Brewed with a hop that is new to me, Riwaka, I am very excited to try this one out.
L: First off, the color. It is that bright, fluorescent yellow that I truly love to see in my NE-styled offerings. Given this is a pale ale, and just from the looks, I know this is going to be a batch of double dry-hopped goodness. Complexion is totally hazy, borderline murk status. About a finger of bubbly head formed on the pour, and lower end of moderate in terms of lacing.
S: I am a huge fan of southern hemisphere hops such as nelson sauvin and galaxy. Being unfamiliar to the riwaka hops, the smell alone gives away its location of origin. Riwaka smells like a nelson/galaxy beer. Very citrusy and grapey on the nose with hints of white wine such as a dry chardonnay. Mild aromas of pineapple and apricot as well, with a pronounced grassy dankness. Smells fantastic, strongly resembling some of my all star hops.
T: Does not disappoint. Again, if you enjoy southern hemisphere hops, you'd love this. If not, I'd suggest steer clear. This puppy is dank with flavors of lemon, green grapes, white wine, black pepper, and yeah more dankness. Finish is grassy with hints of black pepper and lemon at the end, and the aftertaste is a lemon drop/danky grass concoction with an underlying sweetness.
F: Medium in body, light in weight. For a new-age pale ale, it feels really nice. Moderate carb, perhaps a touch on the higher end of moderate. Not booze presence.
O: I dunno, I really like it. To avoid redundancy, I'll just say that I would gladly drink it again, and I think it is worthy of a try if you're a fan of hops from down under. Cheers!