Beer Review: Alvarado Street Brewery – Riwaka, Baby! Hazy IPA
Alvarado Street Brewery’s “Riwaka, Baby!” is a bold showcase of 100% Riwaka hops sourced from New Zealand. This Hazy IPA highlights the unique characteristics of a hop variety that is notoriously difficult to grow and harvest, making each release a special experience for fans of the style.
The Craftsmanship
The beer is built by blending multiple hand-selected lots of Riwaka hops, often utilizing various forms such as T90 pellets, lupulin-enriched pellets, and sometimes even hop kief to amplify the aromatic profile. By focusing entirely on this single-hop variety, the brewery leans into its reputation for expressive, thiol-driven aromas and flavors that set it apart from more common American hop profiles.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: The nose is complex and intense, defined by Riwaka’s signature free-thiol profile. You can expect notes of over-ripe passion fruit and pithy grapefruit, often accompanied by secondary hints of melon, papaya, and a distinct, pungent “diesel” or petrol-like quality that is a hallmark of high-quality New Zealand hops.
- Flavor Profile: On the palate, the beer delivers a vibrant medley of tropical and stone fruit, including guava, mango, nectarine, and lime. These fruit-forward flavors are balanced by the hop’s earthy undertones and that characteristic zesty, resinous finish.
- Mouthfeel: It generally features a soft, plush body with moderate carbonation, providing a satisfying, approachable texture that lets the hop oils remain the star of the show.
Verdict
“Riwaka, Baby!” is a must-try for those who appreciate the pungent, tropical, and slightly savory intensity of New Zealand-grown hops. While the “diesel-y” or petrol-like notes may be polarizing for some, they offer an authentic, complex experience that highlights why Riwaka remains one of the most sought-after varietals in craft brewing today. It is a sophisticated, lush IPA that stands as a testament to Alvarado Street’s skill in single-hop experimentation.
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage temperatures, all craft beer arrivals are sold exclusively in-store and are not available for online ordering.
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