BEER REVIEW: 355

BREWER: Elusive Brewing, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Double West Coast Black IPA

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 28th July 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well well well, here we are at the final stop of our trek along Elusive’s Oregon Trail and I’m sorry, but this is a masterclass in the art of brewing a West Coast Black IPA. This beauty delivers an experience that left me with a big fat grin on my face I have to say.

From the moment it pours, the beer presents itself with an inviting, black tone and creamy off white top that hints at the luxurious mouthfeel to come. The nose is a captivating blend of roasted malt and a subtle hint of caramel.

As we have become so used to over the last few weeks, it’s the creamy mouthfeel of Double Midnight that links this brew to it’s Oregon Trail family. This beer glides over the palate with a smoothness that’s almost decadent. The flavour journey it offers is dynamic and engaging. It starts with a pronounced bitterness that quickly mellows into a softer, more nuanced middle, only to crescendo back into a long, satisfying bitter finish. DELIGHTFUL.

Now flavour wise a Black IPA always always throws me off course. I found myself picking up hints of chocolate, which might have been a trick of the mind given the beer’s dark colour, but they added a delightful layer to the overall profile. Are these chocolate tones even there?? I really don’t know, but somehow, I was picking them up and they brought a lovely depth to the brew.

The aftertaste is long and pleasantly bitter, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next sip. Double Midnight Oregon Trail is an excellent beer that showcases the best of what a West Coast Black IPA can be. It’s bold, flavourful, and exceptionally well-balanced.

In one word…

Flippin’ wonderful!

And here endeth our 4 week trek along the Oregon Trail. And my my Elusive, did you deliver!!!

Jymi’s Rating: 91%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

So, here we are, the final of 4 beers.  It’s been quite the journey and as we head off into the night, will we be left uplifted or slightly deflated?

The aroma is distinctly West Coast IPA, with a harmonious blend of pine, citrus, and resinous hops. There’s an added depth from subtle roasted malt notes, hinting at the complex drinking experience to come.

Double Midnight Oregon Trail pours a deep, inky black with a slight purple hue under the light, creating an inviting allure. The thick, tan head lingers, adding to its visual appeal. This beer’s appearance is as bold as its name suggests.

From the first sip, Double Midnight Oregon Trail makes a strong impression.  Let’s make no bones about it.  It’s a banger of a beer. The initial West Coast IPA bitterness is balanced by a surprising and delightful caramel finish, creating an incredibly satisfying experience.

Double Midnight Oregon Trail is intriguing and memorable, rounding out the series with a strong identity.  As the final instalment in this series, Double Midnight Oregon Trail is a triumph. It successfully combines the expected bitterness of a West Coast IPA with the unexpected sweetness of caramel, creating a unique and memorable beer. The continuation of the theme and the development of the story through the can designs enhance the experience, making this series a standout.

Sammy’s Rating: 92%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 91.5%

MOB review next weekend: THAT’S THE WAY SHE GOSE BUDDY by DELPHIC BREWING CO.

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024