BEER REVIEW: 364

BREWER: Magic Rock Brewing, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: Wheat IPA 

ABV: 6.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 29th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Solar Gaze is a Wheat IPA that promises a refreshing sip but ultimately falls short for me. Starting at the start, I got very faint cereal aroma on the ol whiff, odd though not unpleasant.

The first sip is smooth, very smooth in fact, with a texture that borders on creamy—almost banana-like. And there is an initial subtle hint of banana notes in the flavour too that meld with a wave of bitter orange. It’s an intriguing start, and the beer seems poised to deliver a vibrant, refreshing hit. However, the flavours quickly thicken, shifting the sip from light and citrusy to something heavier.

As SG settles on the palate, the bitter orange grows more pronounced, lingering into a long aftertaste. Unfortunately, what begins as a promising orange bitterness veers into something almost acrid, leaving a lasting impression that feels off. It’s this final note that throws the balance of the beer, turning what could have been an enjoyable aftertaste into a drawback.
While Solar Gaze shows glimpses of greatness with its smooth texture and initial flavour profile, the finish doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s close to being a refreshing wheat IPA, but for me, it misses the target. Worth trying if you’re curious, but perhaps not a repeat buy.

Jymi’s Rating: 52%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

There once was a brew, Solar Gaze,
Whose label had artful displays,
With a head that was tall,
It poured well overall,
But its modern look stole starry praise.

With mango and pineapple near,
The nose brought a tropical cheer,
But the wheat in the mix,
Didn’t add to the fix,
Though the bitter-sweet sip was quite clear.

Not complex but worthy, I’d say,
A drink for a casual day,
No record to break,
But a decent intake,
A wheat IPA on display.

Solar Gaze in the glass shines bright,

A wheat IPA that’s just about alright,

Not a world-class affair,

But it’s tasty, I swear,

A brew for a calm, easy night.

Sammy’s Rating: 71%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 61.5%

MOB review next weekend: CHERRY CHOUFFE by BRASSERIE d’ACHOUFFE

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 363

BREWER: Cotswold Brew Co., Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 33oml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 20th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

First up, it’s odd… when we reviewed Hawkstone Lager, the packaging struck me as smart, almost debonair, but I think that was because it is very much so for a bottle of lager. However, now we have the IPA form in front of us I’m feeling that it’s a little dull and boring, even though it is exactly the same. Not sure how to explain this. We are where we are I suppose.

Secondly, again because of the success of the lager, I was expecting great things here. But, I’m saddened to say, great things did not come.

That’s not to say there were not any highlights, because there were…

Let’s start at the beginning shall we.

The nose coming off of Hawkstone IPA is FANTASTIC. Sweet and full. Awesome.

The in mouth sip is also pretty nice to be fair.

But it’s then we get the mega low point… this brew really falls away in the swallow. Like, REALLY falls away!

But then at least comes a very high point. The late aftertaste is delightful. So bitter without being overwhelming.

If I’m being honest here, this brew at 4.8% is just too weak. It’s not at IPA level.  It needs more alcohol to boost and carry the flavours through. Because the flavours are good.

It’s a shame, Hawkstone have missed a trick here. If this beer was approaching 6% I really think they would have been onto something.

Jymi’s Rating: 51%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Well, I cracked open this here ‘awkstone IPA after a long day’s work, thinkin’ it’d ‘it the spot, same as that ‘awkstone lager did. But truth be told, this one’s more like a steady old workhorse than a fast pony.

First sniff, I thought, “Where’s all them hops?” It’s ‘ardly got a whiff of any ‘ops.  Mostly it’s that malty, barley business, like the kind of ale you’d get back in the day, mind. Ain’t no fancy craft brew ‘oppiness in this one, that’s for sure.

As for the taste, it’s fine enough. Goes down easy; don’t really feel like no IPA to me, mind. More like a cross between a lager and a golden ale. It’s got that maltiness sittin’ ‘eavy, and not enough of that ‘op magic that makes you sit up and pay attention.

I’ll say this, mind – it’s smooth enough. If you’re just lookin’ for somethin’ to drink after a ‘ot day out in the fields, it’ll do the job just fine. Won’t blow your boots off, mind.

So, if you want somethin’ simple and easy, this ‘awkstone IPA’s like a reliable ol’ tractor. But if you’re ‘opin’ for a wild ride, you might wanna ‘itch your wagon to somethin’ else, mind.

Sammy’s Rating: 59%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 55%

MOB review next weekend: SOLAR GAZE by MAGIC ROCK

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Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 362

BREWER: Kirkstall, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 5.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 14th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well it’s a warm welcome to you all on this most glorious of days.

The weather is set fair and the setting could not be better…

Welcome to Yorkshire. Welcome to Headingly.

New Zealand have opted to bowl first, with their much debated decision of going with a one pace bowler attack to surely be put to the test. Motueka* is their lone paceman. The question will be whether he can hold it together with little to no support.

 

And now, from the Kirkstall Lane End we have the first ball of the game. Motueka to Plumer**…

Oooossh, a fruity ball to start, but no real spice, Plumer seemed to appreciate the effort but the look on his face could well have been one of distain.

Ball two was much the same. Fruity yes, interesting twist to make Plumer think, no.

Balls three and four much the same.

By ball five it all became apparent that there wasn’t much more to Motueka. Plumer enjoyed the efforts but knew he wouldn’t be kept awake at night by this slightly underwhelming display. With a supporting act he could really be something, however. His action is as smooth as it comes and there is a fruity side to his deliveries. But on his own he’s exposed and bringing no bite.

Ball Six passed by, surprisingly with nothing much further to report

 

*Motueka isn’t a New Zealand bowler, it’s the single hop used in this week’s beer.

** Plumer is me, Jymi, the drinker, not the batsman (though I was dubbed the new Boycott in my youth).

 

P.S. Sorry to any none cricket loving folk probably having no clue what I was on about in this review.

Over.

Jymi’s Rating: 62%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Motueka hops are a quintessential part of New Zealand’s brewing landscape, and this single-hop brew showcases them in a way that’s both familiar and distinctly Kiwi. 

The packaging immediately catches the eye—lush green hues with touches of other colours, and a motif that pays homage to kiwi, grape, and hops. It’s visually appealing, a big tick for the beer.

On the nose, you’re greeted with floral and lime notes, a signature of the Motueka hop. 

The pour reveals a slightly hazy golden hue, which is inviting but doesn’t scream complexity. It’s straightforward, just like the hop it’s named after.

As for the taste, you get exactly what’s promised—those bright, citrusy notes come through clearly, but as with many single-hop brews, there’s a definite lack of depth. It’s thin in the mouthfeel, which isn’t surprising given the nature of the brew.

Overall, Motueka does what it says on the tin. It delivers the essence of its namesake hop in a clean, no-nonsense way. While it won’t blow you away, it’s a solid representation of the hop, and for that, it deserves some credit. Just don’t expect it to be a game-changer—this is a beer that’s all about simplicity and staying true to its roots.

Sammy’s Rating: 62%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 62%

MOB review next weekend: HAWKSTONE IPA by COTSWOLD BREW CO.

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 361

BREWER: Brooklyn Brewery, West Midlands, England

STYLE: Session IPA

ABV: 4.3%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 9th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

When this can was first dropped to me, before popping in the MOB test fridge I took a quick glance at the name and the artwork, as I do with all the brews. The name struck me, must be a collab I thought. The tin art also struck me for being zany but in an understated way (not sure I knew that was possible).

Fast forward to test day regarding the name. I really hoped we were told what it was all about. Thankfully, we were.

Also on test day it dawned on me before turning the can to hopefully find out more about the name, that the colours used were that of the rainbow.

It was now all starting to make sense.

The Stonewall Inn is a gay bar in New York and the site of the riots that led to the gay rights movement in the 60s.

Moving to the beer itself we don’t necessarily have a belter here but there are certainly a couple of highs.

The taste in sip is really good and very refreshing. There are definitely tones of lemon and orange with a fleck of pine to settle the citrus backbone. Unfortunately there is then a serious dip in flavour once swallowed. It’s not that it falls off of a cliff, because it doesn’t, it’s just the flavour drops out a lot and what is left doesn’t develop in any way. Where it goes next I was a big fan of actually but will divide the crowd. The late aftertaste is really dry. Which is perfect for then thinking, I quite fancy another sip ya know, to be hit once again with the refreshing early tones.

Decent enough beer but could have been waaaaaaay better.

Jymi’s Rating: 60%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

The Stonewall Inn IPA carries a name steeped in history, rooted in the iconic Stonewall Inn, a bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village that became a landmark in the fight for LGBT rights following the 1969 Stonewall riots. This beer not only offers a nod to a significant moment in history but also pays homage to the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

As for the beer itself, it’s solid—no frills, but dependable. The packaging is spot-on, capturing the essence of the Stonewall legacy while keeping things simple and straightforward. 

The taste is exactly what you’d expect from a standard IPA, with all the familiar notes and none of the surprises. It’s a reliable go-to for those who appreciate a good, no-nonsense beer. The nose is pleasantly hoppy, and the mouthfeel is good, making it an easy drink for any occasion. 

While it might not break new ground in terms of flavour, it doesn’t need to—the story behind it does the heavy lifting. This IPA stands out more for what it represents than for what it delivers in the glass.

In short, The Stonewall Inn IPA is a beer that does its job well, but its real strength lies in its connection to a powerful piece of history. It’s the kind of beer you can enjoy while reflecting on the progress that’s been made and the importance of standing up for what’s right. That alone makes it worth a try.

Sammy’s Rating: 69%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 64.5%

MOB review next weekend: MOTUEKA by KIRKSTALL BREWERY

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 360

BREWER: Tiny Rebel, Gwent, Wales

STYLE: Pale Ale

ABV: 4.6%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 1st September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Cali Pale ya say…

Well, it’s a pretty cool name and I’m liking the colours of the tin art. However, much like the beer itself, there is nothing much to get overly excited about here.

When it comes to Tiny Rebel’s supermarket offerings (with the exception of 505) I’ve come to realise that they’re all pretty nice but also all kinda fall into the average beer bracket. So it was no surprise that my notes from testing Cali Pale went something like this…

Nice look in glass, if a little thin.

Nice enough but kinda is what it is.

To call it thin would be wrong but it is lacking a little in body.

Bright citrus nose but nothing to write home about.

See, average…

However, for the price, these brews are a great little fridge filler, and that’s precisely what Cali Pale is… a fridge filler.

Jymi’s Rating: 50%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Verse 1:
Sippin’ on the Cali Pale, it’s got a vibe that’s kinda pale ale,
Nose hits light, but nothing new, just a breeze that’s blowin’ through,
Taste rides in, all laid back, but it’s missing some attack,
Thin and smooth, it’s tryin’ to be, refreshing like the summer sea.

Chorus:
Cali Pale, you’re just alright,
Not too weak, not much style,
You aim to please, but don’t ignite,
You’re sittin’ in the middle of the pile.

Verse 2:
In the glass, you look so fine,
But your packaging ain’t divine,
Info’s light, name’s just okay,
Not much here that’s gonna stay.

Bridge:
You do your job, you play it safe,
But you never really chase,
Any high, any thrill, just a ride that’s kinda still.

Chorus:
Cali Pale, you’re just alright,
Not too weak, not much style,
You aim to please, but don’t ignite,
You’re sittin’ in the middle of the pile.

Outro:
Average brew in every way,
You’re the beer for an average day,
Cali Pale, you came to play,
But you didn’t make me wanna stay.

Sammy’s Rating: 55%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 52.5%

MOB review next weekend: THE STONEWALL INN IPA by BROOKLYN BREWERY

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Instagram : muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 359

BREWER: Tudor Brewery, Gwent, Wales

STYLE: Golden Ale

ABV: 3.8%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 24th August 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Grab your magnifying glasses, folks! We’re diving into the case of (not a case of) Operation Julie.  It’s a beer that promises intrigue but delivers… well, something else entirely. Imagine a police operation where the mission is to find the most uninspirational ale imaginable. Spoiler alert: we may just have gone and found it.

The nose offers nothing.  Picture a detective, if you will, arriving at a crime scene.  Said detective might just be expecting a whiff of mystery and excitement, only to find… ale. Just ale. Nothing surprising, nothing memorable. You almost feel like calling the sniffer dogs back; there’s just nothing to get a hold of here.

Operation Julie is marketed as a golden ale.  The sad truth is that it’s more of a witness protection program for flavours. It’s thin, with a faint hint of caramel that’s as elusive as a master criminal. The maltiness tries to show up but ends up being more of an innocent bystander than a key player. If this beer were a suspect, it’d be let off without even a warning for being completely unremarkable.

Allow yourself to slip back to a time where you might have been sipping water with a tea bag briefly dunked in it. OJ is the kind of drink that will bring back those reflections and make you want to call for backup. To be clear, you won’t want to take it slow with this one, not because it’s so good, but because you just want to get the whole drinking experience over with and move onto your next case.

The initial pour should be like unveiling a “golden” treasure.  However, all you will find is fool’s gold. It looks like a crime scene in your glass – pale, almost see-through, and completely unappealing. It appears as if the brewers fled with the golden part of this ale.

The packaging of Operation Julie is so awful it should be charged with a fine against marketing. If this beer were part of a lineup, it’d be the one you point at and say, “Yeah, that’s the one. The terrible-looking one.” It’s very unappealing on the eyes.

Operation Julie could possibly be the best thing about this beer.  And it’s not even that good. It’s a bit like naming a goldfish “Shark.” A real let down when you realise it’s just a fish.

Operation Julie by Tudor Brewery might sound like an exciting undercover mission, but it’s more like a routine parking ticket. From its thin taste and horrible packaging to its misleading name, it’s a beer that could well find itself under investigation for crimes against ale lovers everywhere. If you happen to stumble across this beer, consider it part of an unwanted lineup: move on to the next offering. Better luck next time, Tudor Brewery. Over and out!

Sammy’s Rating: 21%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I think Tudor Brewery, almost certainly unintentionally, have pulled off something of a masterstroke here!

Let me explain…

Our beer today, Operation Julie, takes it’s name from a massive police operation and subsequent massive drugs bust in Wales in the mid 70’s. A stage show has since been born telling the story of this and I believe this beer was brewed to be sold at said show.

Now where Tudors unintentional masterstroke comes in is that they seemed to have brewed a fairly crap beer that could easily have come straight from the 70’s! I mean, my tasting notes read… Thin Beer. That’s it! There is literally nothing else to report on the taste of this brew. Haha.

I wouldn’t say OJ is horrible nor undrinkable, but I didn’t really like it very much.

If this whole thing WAS intentional to transport people watching the show back to 1976 then I suppose fair play. But surely, nobody sets out on a brew with the intention of it being a thin, crap and dated beer?? Surely??

Jymi’s Rating: 32%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 26.5%

MOB review next weekend: CALI PALE by TINY REBEL

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 358

BREWER: Lovibonds, Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: Sour

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 750ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 16th August 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

So, there I was at 13:18 on a Saturday arvo chewing the cud with Jason, the ever present and ever knowledgeable beer legend from A Hoppy Place in Windsor town centre, a simply banging wee bottle shop that HAS to be visited whenever the opportunity knocks.

Jason delivered me the sad news that Lovibonds (the brewer of our brew today) were no more. But with this sad news also came a personal positive. They had this 750ml beauty up for sale and, well yeah, I bought it.

And before even popping the bottle (which I have to say took about 11 hours due to the thickness of the wax, insufficient tools and me being cack of hand) I fell in love with the overall aesthetic of this vessel. A 750 will always help with the look and give the sense of grandeur to the drinking occasion but when backed up by an unbeatable name and quite beautiful vineyard watercolour it really is an unstoppable look.

Sour grapes is aged in Pinot Noir barrels. Yes. This is why the 750 bottle, name and watercolour are so relevant here. Just absolutely NAILED IT.

Anyway, to the all important contents…

This is a mighty fine brew. It is. However, from earlier ramblings, I just assumed it would be better. So, was actually kinda disappointed, which is ridiculous, as as I said, this is a mighty fine brew.

An apple nose leads the way, not overly sure how as no apples were harmed in the process, but lead the way they did. Next up is the realisation that Sour Grapes has a great mouthfeel. You then get the really good flavour, again of apples. However, it doesn’t really do anything. It’s kinda one dimensional. Good, great even, but just not kicking off. Then in the deep aftertaste up the back of the nose, it’s like you’ve just drunk a cider… albeit, a very good one.

Good? definitely.

Great? maybe.

But out of this world? na.

Jymi’s Rating: 78%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Sour Grapes is a solid choice if you’re looking for a straightforward sour beer with a cider-like profile. The nose immediately brings to mind the crisp aroma of apples, leaning more towards the cider spectrum than a typical beer.

The flavour follows suit, with a hint of cider that carries through the sourness. It’s not overly complex, offering a one-dimensional taste that is easy to drink but doesn’t offer much in terms of depth or variety.

On the positive side, the packaging is well-executed and the beer is highly drinkable. It’s good, but not exceptional. A decent option if you’re in the mood for something simple and slightly sour.

Sammy’s Rating: 79%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 78.5%

MOB review next weekend: OPERATION JULIE by TUDOR BREWERY

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 357

BREWER: Siren Craft Brew, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Sour IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 9th August 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Pompelmocello has quickly become my go-to beer, and for good reason. It’s readily available for me when I need it, which means I get to enjoy it often—and honestly, I can’t get enough of it. This beer hits the sweet spot for just about any occasion, whether you’re kicking back after a long day or winding down with friends.

The sourness is perfectly balanced; it’s just enough to satisfy those who love a good sour, but not so intense that it scares off those who might be new to the style. It’s a beer that invites everyone to the party, no matter where you stand on the sour spectrum.

One of the things I love most about Pompelmocello is how easy it is to drink. It goes down nice and easy, with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back for more. The flavour profile is well-crafted—tangy and zesty, but never overpowering. It’s the kind of beer that you can sup on for hours without getting tired of it.

For me, Pompelmocello ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re a seasoned sour lover or just curious, this beer delivers every time. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on something special.

Sammy’s Rating: 85%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

People often stop me in the street and ask, ’Jymi, what’s your favourite beer style’?

Before proceeding with my answer I have to lead with, ‘do you have 15 minutes’?

More often than not the answer will be yes, so my response can begin.

I will try my best to summarise…

See, you can’t go wrong with a fairly strong craft IPA from either coast. I’d say as a go to style, if I fancy a beer, then this is the one. Is it my favourite style? No, far from it. But it’s a style that doesn’t require a situation or season. Now, a Sour I love, I truly do. But so many other factors come into play when this style is on the table. The weather has a slight baring though not huge. The food I’ll be eating during or after has to be taken into account. And if I’ll be having a different drink before also needs to be considered. But when the stars align, a sour is certainly in the conversation for my favourite style. Also, an Imperial Stout enters the debate. Done well, there really is nothing quite like an Impy Stout. This style does very much depend on the weather for me. There is literally no way I’d be having one of these big boys on a beach in Barbados. But right place, right time, there is nothing better.

But then comes the mighty Sour IPA! See, for me a Sour IPA ticks all the boxes. I literally don’t care what time of year it is, what the weather is like, what food maybe hanging around nor what I have drunk prior or going to drink after… I just love a Sour IPA.

So in conclusion if I really had to answer the question of what is my favourite beer style, it would be a Sour IPA… maybe.

And it’s with this a quick selfie is usually taken, fist’s are bumped or cheeks are kissed (European style) depending on the sex, sexuality, location and or  situation, and we’re both free to go about the rest of our day.

Anyway, onto our beer today. The insanely good Pompelmocello, a Sour IPA from Siren. Seriously, this is an absolute superstar of a brew. The nose opens up proceedings with a huge waft of grapefruit sourness. The sip is again one of huge grapefruit early on, which then turns sour and then softens completely with a very soft, almost creamy mouthfeel. But, then, back comes the grapefruit and sourness for what seems like an endless aftertaste.

Just an awesome beer.

Jymi’s Rating: 89%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 87%

MOB review next weekend: SOUR GRAPES by LOVIBONDS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 356

BREWER: Delphic Brewing Co, Berkshire, England (with Berkshire Beer Box) 

STYLE: Gose

ABV: 5.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 2nd August 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Alright, boys, listen up! We got ourselves a beer here, and let me tell ya, it’s a fkin’ beauty. It’s called “That’s the Way She Gose, Buddy,” and if that ain’t the most perfect name for a drink, I dunno what is. It’s got the same vibe as our Trailer Park Boys shenanigans—clever, funny, and just the right amount of fkin’ crazy.

So here’s the deal, you take a swig of this stuff, and it’s like slappin’ your taste buds with a big ol’ lemon. I’m talkin’ a proper sour, none of that weak-ass sh*t. But here’s where it gets interesting—it’s got this salty finish that’s like, “Hey bud, let’s keep this party goin’.” It’s like a sour lemonade, but, ya know, without the sugar ‘cause who the f**k needs that anyway?

This ain’t no all-day chuggin’ beer, boys. It’s got a kick to it, so you’re gonna wanna take your time. But, it’s smooth enough that once you start, you might just keep goin’ till it’s gone. And then you’ll probably want another one, ‘cause that’s just how it f**kin’ goes.

The can’s a f**kin’ masterpiece, alright? It’s got this wicked design that just screams, “Pick me up and drink me, you dumbass!” And it fits the name perfectly, like some genius put a lot of thought into it. Not that I’m thinkin’ too hard, but still.

So here’s the bottom line, boys—this beer is a fkin’ banger. It’s got the sour, it’s got the salt, and it’s got the style. It’s the kind of beer you drink when you’re celebratin’ the little victories in life, like when the cops don’t find your stash or when you finally get the car started after a night of boozin’. It just makes sense, from start to finish. So grab one, sit back, and enjoy the fk outta it, ‘cause that’s the way she f**kin’ goes, boys. Cheers!

Sammy’s Rating: 88%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Full disclosure once more. I had a fairly hefty hand in the naming, tin art and design of this brew. I also got my lovely smooth mitts very dirty in the making of the beer. So some may say I would be bias when it comes to reviewing a brew that is so close to my heart. And they would be correct. But I would be more naturally bias in the negative direction if anything. Don’t know why, just the way I am. Really must call that therapist.

However, it is literally impossible to be negative about this beer. IT. IS. AN. ABSOLUTE. BALLER.

The second I tried it and then shortly after received a call from Delphic Dan (his real name is Tom, don’t ask FFS) I knew we were onto a winner. Dan / Tom is also a guy who would not get excited about his creation if it wasn’t worthy of it.

But I’m telling you now, from the most neutral place possible. THIS. IS. AN. ABSOLUTE. BALLER.

Sooooooooooo crushable.

Sooooooooooo smooth.

Sooooooooooo lemony.

Sooooooooooo well balanced with the savoury salt back end.

Just soooooooo good, and something I’m so very proud of.

And hat’s off to Delphic Dan for really making the magic happen, absolute f’ing legend.

And as a side note, Delphic are now brewing and serving in the their awesome new taproom in Newbury town centre. Sammy and I were lucky enough to make the opening day where TTWSGB was our opening beer, obviously. If you can get there, get there. It is incredible. Doze beers. Dat table. #heartemoji

Jymi’s Rating: 90%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 89%

MOB review next weekend: POMPELMOCELLO by SIREN CRAFT BREW

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

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