Arbeiter Yuzu Cold IPA

Arbeiter Yuzu Cold IPA. In Collaboration with Lucky Envelope Brewing.

6.6% ABV. 49 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Here I am having another "Cold IPA" and once more it is by Arbeiter. Maybe one day I'll try one by someone else, maybe not, we'll see, won't we. One thing that I have learned, though, is that "cold" has nothing to do with serving temperature, but that of fermentation. Some have likened it to an IPL, as it has several qualities similar to a lager, and some of an IPA. 

Crystal clear, vibrant golden hue, short-lived ivory head. 

In the nose: Ah, there's your yuzu. Bright, sharp, and super-citrusy. 

In the mouth: The fruit stands on top once more, but with moderately bitter, grassy/piney hop presence lurking beneath. Lean-bodied and easy-drinking. Fairly juicy, clean, and quite tasty. Lemon-y flavors of the yuzu fruit dominate throughout. 

One question I need to investigate is whether the use of rice is part of the "Cold IPA" recipe or is another use of Asian ingredients to continue the theme of this collaboration with another Asian-owned brewery. A quick Google search reveals that, yes, use of adjuncts, like rice or corn, is part of this new style. Vested with this new knowledge, I retain a certain stance of skepticism. 

Or, instead, should I shrug and say, "whatever works." 

Arbeiter Brewing and Lucky Envelope Brewing of Seattle, WA present this collaborative Yuzu Cold IPA featuring Rahr North Star Pils™ malt and flaked rice hopped with Citra, Cascade, and Centennial plus the lemony zest of yuzu.

A years-long friendship between Juno Choi and Barry Chan – who are of Korean and Chinese heritage respectively – brought about this collaborative celebration of their cultural harvest holidays. Chuseok is traditionally celebrated throughout Korea, emphasizing ancestor worship and the sharing of rice cakes known as Songpyeon. Chinese traditions celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival by gathering together in reunion and celebrating renewal with lotus paste-filled mooncakes.