THE FIRST OF FOUR BEERS OVER FOURS WEEKS FROM ELUSIVE – ALL ARE VERSIONS OF OREGON TRAIL…

BEER REVIEW: 352

BREWER: Elusive Brewing, Berkshire, England

STYLE: West Coast IPA

ABV: 5.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 5th July 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well well well, here we are at stop one of our trek along Elusive’s Oregon Trail. Four beers from the same stable over the next four weeks. It’s gonna be some journey let me tell thee!

And stop one is the OG, Oregon Trail. The flagship beer from Elusive that has made quite the name for itself over the years, for basically being, BANGING!

Now, I’ll level with you, I already know it’s banging as have sampled many. It’s gonna score well, I know it will. But the question I suppose is why? I’ve sampled. I’ve loved. But never put it under the all seeing nose of a review situation.

So here we go…

Yep, the aroma as soon as the ring pull was pulled is POWERFUL! All pine, all hops and I have to say it kinda filled the room! The taste upfront is certainly from the West Coast. All the hops again with a lovely level of bitterness that totally smacks you in the chops. However, it’s not too much. It’s right on that line between lovely and fuuuuuuuu**k me that’s bitter (which I personally love but totally understand why others would not). Once swallowed Oregon Trail takes a tiny little break where the almost buttery mouthfeel (not taste) shines, only to be instantly replaced by doze dare hop rockets once again making for an incredible aftertaste. All the while there is the faintest of citrus notes knocking around in the background. Very easy to miss but defo add a layer that if wasn’t there would be to the detriment of the brew.

Seriously good beer this. Like, seriously good.

Let’s see what the DIPA version brings next week!

EX. CI. TED.

Jymi’s Rating: 92%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Over the next four weeks, we will be testing four beers from Elusive Brewery, all based on this beer – Oregon Trail.

Our epic beer tasting journey begins on the Oregon Trail (as a note it will also end on the Oregon Trail), a path fraught with unknowns, but rich with promise. This is no ordinary adventure; this is the first of four epic quests, each beer a chapter in a saga that could either lead us to glory or despair. Let’s hope this first instalment sets the stage for triumph.

True to both Elusive Brewing unique graphic design and the Oregon Trail itself, the packaging captures the essence of the journey we are undertaking. It’s visually satisfying, setting the tone for the contents held within each can.

I’m going to cut straight to the chase: the golden amber liquid of Oregon Trail flows like a river of sunshine, bitterly refreshing from the first drop to the last. The hoppiness is a constant companion, but it’s the bitterness that takes centre stage, dominating in a way that’s both bold and beautiful. It’s not overly complex, but the balance is exquisite, each element in harmony with the others. This is a taste journey worth embarking on.

This beer isn’t just drinkable; it’s a delight. The carbonation is perfect, like a trusty steed that carries you smoothly over the roughest of terrain. You could sip on this all day, letting its refreshing bitterness keep you alert and engaged.

As a side note, the name “Oregon Trail” is a stroke of genius. It evokes the spirit of exploration, of venturing into the unknown with courage and determination. It’s a name that resonates, adding quite nicely to our epic beer testing regime.

Let’s be honest, our first foray into the world of Oregon Trail has been nothing short of spectacular. The Oregon Trail West Coast IPA is a banger, a true world-class beer that has rightly earned its accolades, including the UK category win at the 2021 World Beer Awards. It’s a harmonious blend, beautifully balanced and refreshingly bold. 

As we prepare for the next leg of our adventure, we do so with high spirits and eager anticipation. If this beer is any indication, we’re in for an epic saga. Onward, to the next chapter!

Sammy’s Rating: 92%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 92%

MOB review next weekend: DOUBLE OREGON TRAIL by ELUSIVE BREWING

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024