Arbor Ales Shangri-La Beer Review
Massive Attack, the suspension bridge, Skins and hot air balloons are all closely associated with a certain city in the South West of England. That city is of course Bristol. Strangely though, despite being home to some of the best breweries in the UK and beyond, the city doesn’t command the same association with beer. For sixteen years and counting, Arbor Ales has been one such brewery, and today we’re taking a look at their Session India Pale Ale, Shangri-La.
By definition, Shangri-La refers to a mythical paradise on earth, where life approaches perfection. This should explain the motivation for using the term in a commercial capacity then. Shangri-La has been borrowed by a Parisian hotel, Glastonbury festival’s so-called “naughty corner” and of course the beer we’re enjoying today. Arbor Ales describe their 4.2% ABV Shangri-La as “A liberally-hopped Session India Pale Ale brewed with Citra, Columbus, Ekuanot & Mosaic hops.”
The first and arguably most important thing to note when you take the can by the hand, is that Arbor Ales do not do things in part-measures. I’m pleased to say that the good people of Arbor proudly offer all but one of their 15-strong beer lineup in full size pint cans. This minor but appreciated detail allows you to get that little bit closer to a pub experience from the comfort of your own home.
Despite boasting their own distinct designs, each of Arbor’s cans are instantly recognisable thanks to their strong branding and aforementioned 568ml format. In Shangri-La’s case, the can instantly draws your eye from the fridge, owing to the contrast between its deep black textured background, brilliant white text and subdued violet detail.
When poured, you’ll quickly notice the beer’s bold tropical fragrance, but more on that shortly. Visually, Shangri-La presents itself in a deep golden haze with a moist head that quickly disperses, allowing you to get every last drop out of the can, and into your pint glass where it belongs.
The citra hops used in Shangri-La can be credited for the immediate citrus notes experienced when enjoying the beer’s aroma. More specifically, grapefruit, pineapple and orange are all present. The latter, owing to the use of ekuanot hops, which are known for their pithy-orange characteristics.
Upon tasting Shangri-La, you’ll notice there’s a relatively high level of carbonation and a medium body. On top of the fruitiness observed in Shangri-La’s aroma, there’s a subtle but distinct cereal taste along with a herbal and slightly bitter finish. The columbus hops used in the beer’s brewing process are likely responsible for the herbal and almost grassy flavour, while the mosaic hops provide the bitter finish. The slightly creamy mouth feel lingers on the palette, and invites you back to rinse it down another sip, giving you that immediate burst of citrus once again.
Arbor Ales’ Shangri-La is an extremely balanced and highly drinkable beer, as it should be, given its session IPA title. The refreshing citrus flavour allows it to serve fantastically in a beer garden on a hot summer's day, while its bitter finish and notes of orange would make it a suitable choice after a rainy dog walk in the peak of winter too.
Shangri-La is available from all good wine and beer stockists in Bristol, and you’ll even spot it on tap in pubs around the city. Arbor Ales also offer nationwide UK delivery on all their cans, via their very satisfying shop and can selector, which I’d recommend checking out for yourself.
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Written by Jake Gill, find him on highpasscreative.com or by clicking here.
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