Arsenal XPA - Deschutes Brewery

lacqueredmouse

Australia

3.95/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A beefed up version of the Armory XPA, dry hopped with an experimental hop variety. On tap at the pub in Portland, OR.

Pours an amber-ish golden hue, with just a hint of depth. Good firm head of silky white that leaves some good lacing. Decent weight to the body. Looks good.

Nose is sharp and redolent with citrus, almost explosive. Lemony, pithy with twangs of fragrant grapefruit. Not much malt to speak of to give any balance. It's all about the aroma hops, and it sure is citric.

Taste is similar, with a real brightness from those experimental hops. Sharp, crisp flavours arise, while the malt really takes a back seat. Slightly sweet lemon characters fill the void, while a touch of organic funkiness provides some interest. Not bad at all.

Feel is a bit sharp, and slightly gassy; perhaps a touch to much carbonation in this keg.

Not bad at all. In some ways, it's a standard (if big) APA, but the punch of citrus really makes it stand out.

Serving type: on-tap

07-07-2012 03:17:19 | More by lacqueredmouse