Nosh: Riwaka
Twin Elephant Brewing Company

Fully opaque oranish yellow, moderate head, bone white, elongated if wispy lacing. Big, juicy nose of naval orange, grapefruit with a healthy dose of dankness to complement the pineapple, kiwi, melon scents, active nostril presence. Full-bodied and thick but does have decent pacing, isn't sluggish. Sour bite, plenty dank. not quite bitter. Carbonated prickle brings energy. Tropical fruit with a more pronounced melon element. Gets doughy on the back end. What I like is that nothing is too exaggerated. Not an easy drinker but has personality more than bombast.

On draught at the brewery on its release day. Served in a nonic pint glass. It pours a turbid, pale, pastel yellow color with a modest cap of milk-white foam and thick, soapy lacing inside the glass. The smell is subdued at first but as it warms there are notes of lemon and tangerine, along with white wine and herbs. The taste defied my expectation. I thought there would be tropical fruit but it's dry and fairly bitter with lemon peel and white wine grape over a solid, earthy, herbal, brown bread malt base. It's moderately bitter and slightly spicy throughout. I like the balance. The taste is unique and to me quite appealing. This ale has a plush, creamy feel with appropriate carbonation, and at 6.3% ABV it's very drinkable. Overall, while not quite what I expected, Nosh: Riwaka exceeded my expectations. I will gladly drink it again.