Cellarmaker Brewing Company Christopher Riwakan
What the brewers say
Made with 100 percent New Zealand Riwaka hops, this pale ale has all the tropical notes to give you a smash hit.
What our panel thought
Nose of kiwi, apricot, light diesel—funky and earthy. Unique flavor with perplexing complexity—funky, fruity, with big dank notes. Nice hop bite up front, with some almost burnt hop notes, and pineapple, melon, peach, citrus all dancing around each other. Soft mouthfeel, finishing very dry, slightly chalky. Unique. Enjoyable.
What our editors thought
The aroma is unique, with a crisp floral note—there’s a white flower intensity with green herbs and high-key dankness. It’s thoroughly engaging as you plumb the depths. In the sip, the edges soften, that floral note complemented by lighter tropical notes. Gentle, clean, crisp, yet semisweet and endearing. Weird and wonderful.