Arch IPA is a 6% English IPA from Arch Brewery, based in Iwakuni, in Yamaguchi, Japan. It’s part of their regular lineup and can be found in both bottles and on tap at select places. It supposedly has an IBU of 49 units – much less than it’s bolder sibling, the Arch W-IPA.
Arch IPA Aroma and Taste
After a few iffy beers from Arch Brewery, I wasn’t looking forward to Arch IPA by any means. However, after pouring it into the glass, it actually looked something like an English IPA – a dark golden amber colour with a plump white head on top that clung to the side of the glass. The aroma was of malts – a slight nutty and caramel like one came through the strongest – along with a citrusy, lemony butteriness too. Yes, a diacetyl flavour came though just to make sure it was a fully English IPA. Was this deliberate or not considering the other beers I’ve had from Arch Brewery? I guess we’ll never know.
The body was more of the same with it – a light citrus dusting but very much a malt forward beer in the case of Arch IPA. The butteriness couldn’t be ignored in the body though and eventually became much stronger once Arch IPA had warmed up. The bitterness of the beer was quite low, but this was mainly due to the diacetyl taking away from the flavours.
Arch IPA The Bottom Line
Arch IPA started off well but became a bit too much of a buttery mess to be really enjoyed when warm.
Where to Buy Arch IPA
Arch IPA can be bought online at the following places: