Riwaka IPA
Untitled Art

 

this is pretty distinctive, not sure ive seen this hop by itself or featured quite this prominently before, and its unique to my senses, a somewhat imperfectly refined hazy, but i beer that i like anyway because of the hop profile, found on tap in the wild yesterday, cool score for me! a bit messy looking, dull and thicker with a light peachy orange tone to it and a thin airy white head that barely clings together, looks a tad light on the carbonation too. the faintest fade in the nose right away, but past that its cooked peach, bright kiwi fruit, ripe melon, candied pineapple, and a little oily citrus essence, very appealing, and here balanced by a fairly sturdy malt structure that must at least include some wheat, not all the way pale or dry, no problem, it works in the flavor to extend the hops. i get green gooseberry and a hint of juniper and herbal sage when its cold and early, but as it warms and later its juicy mango and papaya, honeydew and cantaloupe, and again the kiwi thing, even a trace of tang like that. there is a subtle ale yest element to this that isnt out of place and adds depth, the riwaka packs a little bitterness which i dont mind at all, and while freshness might not quite be optimal here, this is still a cool showcase of a hop to be excited about, neat green fruit and even coconut as it fades, some body to this, bready almost at its core, maybe a touch overbalanced and thick feeling as a result, but i liked this quite well anyway. some interesting beers these guys are making!

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Cloudy golden pour, silky white head, solid lacing. Light citrus aroma, floral notes, subtle. Taste brings soft, mellow, fruity notes, lemon, tangerine, floral. Very delicate flavors, subtle. But so easy to drink