BEER REVIEW: 354

BREWER: Elusive Brewing, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Double West Coast Red IPA

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 19th July 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well well well, here we are at stop three of our trek along Elusive’s Oregon Trail. Last week was the DIPA version. This week it’s the turn of the Double Red West Coast IPA version.

Noooooooooooow, the original and DIPA clearly stood side by side in style. Very different beers yes, but you could tell they both came from the same beginnings. This Red version however is a step away from this, fairly predicably I suppose. The similarities to the other two are the creamy mouthfeel and bitterness level. However, the flavour is altogether different, again, probably fairly predicably.

Double Sunset for me has what seemed like a grape undertone. Sounds odd I know but trust me here, it’s delightful. This all starts with the wonderful nose and moves straight into the sip along with the standard, wanted and necessary bitter hop hit that immediately intensifies. It’s almost like two bitter hits back to back. Pretty amazing. As you settle into the brew the grape theme continues but is joined by a medicinal vibe (again, trust me, amazing) and a malty backbone. All held together by the ever present bitterness. Nearer the end it’s a little cloying (again, this is totally fine) and a touch sweet which helps balance everything out very nicely.

Probably more suited to be drunk in the autumn or winter but nevertheless, it’s cracker of a brew!!

Next week the sun comes down on our trek of Elusive’s Oregon Trail with the Double Midnight Black IPA take.

EX. CIIII. TED.

Jymi’s Rating: 88%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

First up, this is categorised as a west coast double red Indian pale ale – put that in your campfire pipe and smoke it for a beer type.  

Ok, Double Sunset Oregon Trail pours a rich, deep amber with a slight haze, crowned with a creamy, off-white head that looks pretty immaculate. All in all, the colour does actually beautifully complement the beer’s name, evoking the hues of a double sunset.

Double Sunset Oregon Trail offers a very delicately balanced taste profile. The initial tangy tamarind flavour gives way to a long, bitter grapefruit finish that stretches your tastebuds. It’s intense and satisfying, delivering a true bang for your buck.

The mouthfeel is robust yet smooth, with a lingering depth of feel that leaves you wanting more. It’s fair to say it’s quite a substantial beer, perfect, perhaps, for savouring slowly.

As the third instalment in this series, Double Sunset Oregon Trail is pretty immense. Third parts of trilogies can be shaky and fall off the cliff into oblivion, but this beer holds its own. It’s a standout in the series, which has already set the bar high, and with part four on the horizon, expectations are sky high.

This beer is a must-try for fans of West Coast IPAs. It’s well-crafted with a memorable name and most importantly a flavour profile that doesn’t disappoint. 

Looking forward to the next release in this exciting series!

Sammy’s Rating: 92%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 90%

MOB review next weekend: DOUBLE MIDNIGHT OREGON TRAIL by ELUSIVE BREWING

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 353

BREWER: Elusive Brewing, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Double West Coast IPA

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 12th July 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well well well, here we are at stop two of our trek along Elusive’s Oregon Trail. Last week was the original brew. This week it’s the turn of the Double IPA version (just in case you didn’t absorb that bit at the top of the page).

Now it wasn’t my intention to compare this DIPA version to the original that we reviewed last week. However, now I’ve tested this weeks beer and coming to write this review it feels like it kinda makes sense to.

Is this brew as good or potentially better than it’s weaker older brother?

In a word, no.

However, it is still very tasty indeed!!!

The lovely creamy mouthfeel is what clearly links these two beers. It’s basically as you might expect, identical. The large hop presence is also very very similar but this time is balanced by an early sweetness. And because of the sweetness, the bitterness of Double OT is definitely less of a smack in the chops than the original OT. However, once swallowed and after a second or so all the bitterness and hoppy hits come flooding in.

Though not a patch on last week’s worldy, this is still a great brew.

Let’s see what the Double Red version brings next week!

EX. CI. TED.

Jymi’s Rating: 81%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Our epic saga continues, taking us deeper along the fabled Oregon Trail. This time, we encounter a formidable new brew: the Double Oregon Trail. Like a seasoned adventurer with stories to tell, it brings more complexity and intrigue.

Let us begin with the aroma, which is more complex than Oregon Trail: a rich tapestry of scents. There’s a delightful mix of mango and burnt caramel, as if the very essence of an (exotic) campfire feast in the wilderness has been captured in the glass. It’s familiar yet intriguingly different, hinting at the depth of experience to come.

The first sip is best described, as is often the case, as a tale of two halves. The initial sweetness greets you warmly, like an old friend traveling part of the trail with you, only to be swiftly followed by a robust bitterness that asserts itself with confidence, the kind you need on a long journey.  This double IPA is more complex than the original, a layered narrative where sugary notes quickly give way to a pronounced bitterness. It’s a well-balanced act, one that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Despite its complexity, Double Oregon Trail maintains excellent mouthfeel. It’s smooth and inviting, enticing you to take another sip and unravel more of its story. 

The packaging continues the thematic journey from the original, linking it visually to the Oregon Trail. While slightly lesser in detail, it still holds true to the adventure, keeping the story consistent.

The Double Oregon Trail is a worthy continuation of our epic adventure. It’s a different beer from the original, with a more complex flavour profile that adds depth to the journey. While it doesn’t quite reach the standout of its base predecessor,  Oregon Trail, it sets a high benchmark and keeps the adventure alive. The sweetness followed by a whopping bitterness is a thrilling ride, and the familiar ties to the original make it feel like a natural progression. 

The trail beckons us onwards, to new horizons and new brews.  Who knows what might lay ahead…

Sammy’s Rating: 87%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 84%

MOB review next weekend: DOUBLE SUNSET OREGON TRAIL by ELUSIVE BREWING

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M O B 2024

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

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 351

BREWER: Strands Brewery, Cumbria, England

STYLE: Bitter

ABV: 3.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 28th June 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Ready for takeoff? Let’s strap in and soar through the skies with Double Rotor, an IPA from Stands Brewery that’s got the hop power of a Chinook helicopter. This beer is built to lift you up, but does it keep you flying high? 

Double Rotor greets you with a grassy citrus aroma that’s quite refreshing. Imagine lying in a summer meadow, the scent of fresh-cut grass and citrus blossoms wafting up. Pretty decent scene, until a Chinook flies over!

The taste journey starts with a bitter cut grass note that quickly transitions to a summer meadow before vanishing into thin air. It’s like taking off with a powerful thrust, only to hover briefly and then descend without much of a show. Not a bad brew, but the flavours are a flash in the pan—a quick takeoff with a gentle landing.

The packaging holds its own, especially on a can (as opposed to a bottle, which the label is intended for). The label, while a bit ropey in detail, still manages to convey the strong helicopter theme. Moving to a can as the storage vessel has worked quite well, giving it a modern, rugged feel.

In summary, Double Rotor by Stands Brewery is a strong concept with a decent execution. It takes off with a promising grassy citrus nose and a striking appearance, but the flavours, while pleasant, don’t stick around long enough to make a lasting impression. It’s a beer you’d have again, but not one you’d rave about. Think of it as the workhorse of your beer fridge—reliable and ready for action, but not the star of the show. So, next time you’re looking for a beer to ever so slightly lift your spirits, hop on board the Double Rotor and enjoy the ride.

Sammy’s Rating: 58%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

The day was Monday.

The time was 06:30.

The location was the base of Scafell Pike.

The destination was the peak of Scafell Pike.

Now, it didn’t take long to work out that this was gonna be hard graft. The mountain we had scaled a year prior, Snowdon, was a little higher yes, but the route up was double the distance. So, with a bit of #quickmaths and a small debate on how to spell Pythagorean, we concluded that this hike was just gonna be up and up with potentially no respite or plateau. And we were correct. And yes, it was HARD GRAFT.

Throughout, the views were breath taking and once at the summit we took a break, had a spot of lunch, then zoomed down as guess what? Yep, we fancied a well deserved cold beer after our efforts.

Now, the closest pub on the way back to our digs believe it or not had its own microbrewery onsite! Absolute jackpot! Fresh local beer that was brewed under that very roof. Just dreamy.

I had a pint from cask of Double Rotor, the brew up for review today. I then took a little wander around the lovely traditional pub only to find in a corner that they were also selling their beer by the can. DOUBLE JACKPOT!! And in case you hadn’t realised, of course I grabbed two tins of Double Rotor to take back home for me and Sammy boi to test.

And here we are today, the canned version ready to be cracked.

Now before I report on the contents I have to comment on the name. It could not be better. A beer brewed with Chinook hops, on a site that see’s many of the large chopper of the same name go overhead every week, called Double Rotor. Hand claps all round, so so good.

Beer wise, this is a cracker too. From start to finish this is without doubt a celebration of old meets new. The nose is so traditional but with an added element of citrus coming through. The mouthfeel is sublime due to the purest of pure local water I’d imagine. And the taste is bright and crisp with plenty of bitterness and again an element of citrus clearly coming from the Chinook hops used. All coming in at a tiny 3.5% ABV.

Fantastic work Strands, keep up the good work, as one day… I will return!

Jymi’s Rating: 80%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 69%

MOB review next weekend: OREGON TRAIL by ELUSIVE BREWING

(the first of four in a row from Elusive, and all versions of Oregon Trail!)

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 350

BREWER: Tractor Shed Brewery, Cumbria, England

STYLE: Helles

ABV: 4.1%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 21st June 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Imagine this: a picturesque barn, a lone brewer, and the hum of a tractor in the background. That’s potentially the charming setting from where Tractor Shed Brewery brings us Jinny Howelt Helles, a lager with rustic roots and professional polish. 

Pouring this brew into a glass is a joy. It looks like a proper crisp lager, clear and inviting with a nice golden hue. It’s the kind of beer that makes you want to dive right in, especially after a long day of, say, tractor driving.

Jinny Howelt Helles smells like… well, a helles lager. Nothing here to write home about, but it’s exactly what you’d expect. It’s straightforward, no frills, just a familiar, pleasant aroma that says, “Hey, I’m a lager. Drink me.”

On the palate, however, a solid performance is delivered. It’s got that sweet maltiness typical of a helles, balanced beautifully with hops that do a graceful two-step. The finish is a tad thin, but it’s a decent lager overall. Think of it as the hardworking farmhand of beers: reliable, consistent, and always ready for a good time.

This is a beer you can easily enjoy pint after pint. It goes down smooth, making it perfect for those long evenings sitting out on the porch, watching the stars.

The packaging deserves a nod. The owl theme is quirky and fun, and the green night-time colour scheme gives it a cool, serene vibe. It stands out on the shelf, inviting you to pick it up and give it a try. This owl knows how to party.

The name Jinny Howelt also deserves a mention.  It’s a bit of a winner. It’s unique, memorable, and it fits right in with the barnyard charm of Tractor Shed Brewery. You’ll remember it, and that’s half the battle won in the beer world.

Overall, Jinny Howelt Helles by Tractor Shed is a beer with personality and charm. It may come from (claimed) humble beginnings—a tractor shed in a barn—but it’s got the polish of a professionally brewed lager. With its solid taste, great mouthfeel, and eye-catching packaging, it’s a brew that’s sure to please. So next time you’re in the mood for a lager, why not give Jinny Howelt a whirl? Raise a glass to the simple joys of good beer, and enjoy every drop. Cheers!

Sammy’s Rating: 73%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

The day was Sunday. The weather was set fair. The destination was Gosforth in Cumbria, 303 miles away.

The driver was my mighty brother-in-law.

The front passenger and DJ was myself.

The rear passenger, navigator, random number generator (would take too long to explain this) and head of watching Greys Anatomy on her phone was my sister.

So why was this crew assembled? Well for a second year we decided to climb a mountain to raise some money for a charity that helped our Mum so much in her final weeks.

Scarfell Pike, the highest peak in England, was our hike.

The drive went well, of course. The plan was to check into the Air BnB, get settled and sorted for the next day’s endeavours, then go to the local pub for a couple pints.

Obviously that went to shit, because after a 5 hour drive the last thing you want to do is get settled and sorted. And the first thing you want to do is grab a cold beer, and that we did.

However, the local shop was about to shut and we needed a couple of essentials for the morning so a very quick beeline was made.

Now, I love being somewhere new as you get the chance to find beers that may not be at all available to you normally. And sure enough, on a dark shelf in the corner of the dark shop were a few beers from Tractor Shed Brewing Co.. So of course I grabbed a couple for me and Sammy boi to test once I returned.

Fast forward to now and it is time for us to put Jinny Howelt under the MOB nose…

Well,what a lovely lager we have here. For a lager JH has a great nose. It’s crisp, fresh and clean. This trio of positive adjectives transfers to the taste too without a doubt. The flavour profile is certainly one of citrus and for me seems lime led. This is an easy drinking, though slightly under carbonated Helles. This is a cracking little beer.

Good work indeed from Tractor Shed.

A report on the climb will come next week as guess what? After Scafell was scaled I picked up another beer for us to test, and yeah next week we are a testin’ it!

Jymi’s Rating: 76%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 74.5%

MOB review next weekend: DOUBLE ROTOR by STRANDS BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 349

BREWER: Vault City, Lothian, Scotland

STYLE: Fruit Sour

ABV: 6.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 14th June 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Triple Fruited Mango is a fruited sour beer. Triple Fruited Mango is a fruited sour beer brewed by the Scottish wizards, Vault City.

So, the chances of this being a bad beer are virtually zero. And the chances of this being a very good beer are incredibly high.

TFM once released from it’s housing gives off an incredible aroma of, you guessed it, MANGO! Obvious, yes, but these things are not always delivered.

Then straight away from the first LARGE sip you know you’re dealing with a wee cracker. The flavour is ALL the mango with the tiniest hint of vanilla. It’s sweet upfront then rapidly moves to tart and then a lovely dry aftertaste, instantly teeing you up for your next hit. Delightful.

Thick yet refreshing. And though not necessarily sessionable, TFM is most certainly moreish and as predicted… a very good beer indeed.

Jymi’s Rating: 82%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

In the realm of craft beer, few breweries can match the innovation and artistry of Vault City when it comes to a sour. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, this brewery has garnered a reputation for pushing boundaries and delighting palates with their bold and inventive brews. Today, we embark on a journey into one of their most tantalising creations: Triple Fruited Mango Sour.

As the golden elixir cascades into the glass, it conjures visions of liquid gold, shimmering in the sunlight. Its hue, reminiscent of ripe mangoes, hints at the luscious flavours waiting to be discovered within.

With each gentle swirl, the air is filled with the irresistible scent of soured mango. It’s a fragrance that transports the mind to sun-drenched orchards, where tropical fruits hang heavy on the boughs, waiting to be plucked and savoured. The aroma alone is enough to set the taste buds tingling in anticipation.

Ah, the taste! Here, Vault City’s Triple Fruited Mango truly shines. It’s evident that this brew is a masterpiece of flavour. Upon the first sip, a wave of tartness washes over the palate, awakening the senses with its zesty intensity. But what truly sets this beer apart is its remarkable balance. Despite the natural sweetness of mango, Vault City has managed to craft a beer that is refreshingly sour, with just the right hint of sweetness lingering on the tongue.

As the beer caresses the palate, it reveals a mouthfeel that is both luxurious and velvety. The texture is syrupy, yet not cloyingly sweet, leaving behind a pleasant coating that lingers long after the final sip.

In every aspect, Vault City’s Triple Fruited Mango is a triumph. From its enticing aroma to its well balanced flavour profile, this beer is a true delight for the senses. It’s a testament to the creativity and skill of the brewers at Vault City, who have unlocked the treasure trove of flavour hidden within the humble mango. So, raise your glass and toast to the mastery of craft brewing – with Vault City, the journey is always an adventure worth journeying on. Cheers!

Sammy’s Rating: 92%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 87%

MOB review next weekend: JINNY HOWELT by TRACTOR SHED BREWING

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 348

BREWER: Four Pure, South East London, England

STYLE: Fruited Wheat Beer

ABV: 2.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 8th June 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Here we go again. A low ABV brew that I’m slightly panicked about, purely because of the weakness. However, we are far enough into this beer journey now to realise this is unjustified. Three low ABV beers that we have tested spring to mind… Table Beer by The Kernel, Yu Lu by Siren and Simcoe Small Pale by our brewer today, Four Pure. Each one of them, incredible.

But even though I know the worries are unjustified, panicked I remain. I just can’t help it. I think what it probably is, is that if a low one goes bad, it goes REALLY bad.

Right, time to see what Juiced is all about…

Meeeeeeeeeeh, after all that it’s unfortunately not very good at all.

It the sip there was early promise. Certainly refreshing and certainly drinkable. And the flavours of Passion Fruit and Lime were no doubt evident. But once swallowed the whole taste experience falls off a cliff. And I don’t mean just fall off a cliff. No. Juiced FALLS. OFF. A. CLIFF. It’s literally like it never happened, until the unfortunate woody aftertaste creeps in.

Look, I know a beer with such a low ABV will always struggle for body and depth at the back end. It’s totally understandable. But what happens with Juiced is so extreme in it’s disappearing act that I just can’t get onboard with this one. Which is a shame because, as mentioned there was certainly early promise for this brew.

Jymi’s Rating: 34%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Exterior Design:

Juiced arrived on the scene with a label that’s as vibrant as a summer sunset, promising a refreshing journey ahead. However, its packaging, while eye-catching, lacks the sleekness and sophistication of many of its counterparts.  It’s a little bit of an after thought.

Interior Performance:

Under the hood, Juiced delivers on its promise of fruity flavour; it’s like taking a sip of sunshine, with each gulp bursting with tropical goodness. The problem with its performance, is that it tails off all too quickly.  This can be attributed to its lack of power – it’s only packing 2.8% abv.  

Handling:

While Juiced does deliver on underpowered flavour, its handling leaves something to be desired. This beer comes up short in terms of smoothness and mouthfeel. It’s like driving a car with a shaky suspension – you feel every bump along the way.

Innovative Features:

Where Juiced begins to show some promise is in its innovative approach to brewing. This beer is beginning to push the boundaries of what a fairly low alcohol fruited wheat beer can be. It’s a bold experiment that pays off in terms of being incredibly refreshing.

Additional Info:

Juiced may not win any awards for its name, or for anything else for that matter, but it does what it says on the tin. It’s a fruited wheat beer through and through, delivering on its promise of refreshment with every sip. Perfect for summer gatherings and lazy afternoons alike, Juiced is a versatile brew that’s sure to please.

Overall Verdict:

Juiced stands out as a quirky ride with fruity flair. While its handling and lack of power may leave something to be desired, its notable flavour and innovative approach make it a worthy addition to the world of flavoured wheat beers.  So buckle up and take a sip – Juiced is ready to take you on a refreshingly underpowered journey!

Sammy’s Rating: 61%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 47.5%

MOB review next weekend: TRIPLE FRUITED MANGO by VAULT CITY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 347

BREWER: Northern Monk, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: Fruit IPA

ABV: 4.7%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 1st June 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

This is a dreadful beer.

Going into this I was kinda hoping that Northern Monk were going to actually miss the brief of making a beer inline with a Twister ice cream. I do like a Twister ice cream once in a while. But I do not want my beer to taste like one. Don’t get me wrong, if they had totally missed the brief and produced a tasty brew then harsh words would have been dealt because of not delivering what the can suggests… but at least it would have been a good beer.

But, sadly, they NAILED the brief, so the beer tastes nothing short of disgusting.

I honestly don’t know how any drinkers of Fruit Twist would ever return to purchase another. And surely only intrigue would make someone buy one in the first place? As was the case with us two.

And I’ll be honest, halfway through testing I decided that enough was enough and threw the rest down the drain.

Avoid, no matter what.

Jymi’s Rating: 13%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Having previously chewed down a can of Fruit Twist, I had to psyche myself up for the daunting task of reviewing this beer.  I truly had to steel myself for what lay ahead. This unnatural concoction, inspired by a well known ice lolly, promised a taste of nostalgia but left me pondering the wisdom of its creation.

Fruit Twist dances on the palate with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. Its flavours, reminiscent of the cherished ice lolly, evoke memories of carefree summer days. However, the sweetness overwhelms, leaving a lingering sensation that borders on cloying.  It is just not something that should have ever happened.

Despite its best efforts to deliver a refreshing experience, the beer’s syrupy texture and overwhelming sweetness make each sip a truly laborious task.

In conclusion, Fruit Twist stands as a testament to the perils of experimentation in the world of brewing. While the brewers at Northern Monk may have succeeded in replicating the flavours of the well-liked ice lolly, they have overlooked the inherent clash between sweetness and drinkability, and ultimately the whole concept of this beer.  Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean it should be done. In reality, this brew falls short of its potential, teetering on the brink of undrinkability and leaving a bittersweet taste in the mouth of even the most adventurous beer enthusiast.

Sammy’s Rating: 26%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 19.5%

MOB review next weekend: JUICED by FOUR PURE

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 346

BREWER: Jubel Beer, South London, England

STYLE: Fruit Lager

ABV: 4%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 27th May 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I’m sorry, this is just a poor beer.

There was promise knocking around in places that gave it a chance, but no, none of said promise materialised.

Way before even taking this brew out of the MOB test fridge to test, I knew from a previous encounter with this brewery in 2020 that we could have an issue here.

However, I set that negativity aside and focused on the fact that fairly recently I had had a lager cut with peach from an all together different brewery that I just assumed was going to be rubbish. It actually turned out to be really good. Soooooooo, maybe just maybe, this brew could do the same.

Now, as this brew hit the lips during the first sip an eyebrow was raised. Not in a bad way. But in a, ‘oh, maybe this beer might deliver after all’ way. However, once swallowed and left to linger it all just turned into a big fat no.

Does it taste like a lager?  Yes

Is there orange flavour?  Yes, for sure.

Is there blood orange flavour?  Nope.

Does it taste any good? Nope.

Jubel must be doing something right business wise as I see them about a lot. But beer wise, I’m afraid that they are yet to impress.

Jymi’s Rating: 28%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

In the vast sea of craft beers, we all know that there are treasures to be found and disappointments to be tasted. Here, we navigate these murky waters to uncover the truth behind a brew that promises a possible twist: Blood Orange Lager. Will this beer be a refreshing revelation or a regrettable detour? 

Before diving into the drinking, it’s hard to ignore the initial impressions left by the packaging and name. Unfortunately, both aspects fall short of expectations, with lacklustre packaging and a forgettable name that fails to inspire curiosity or excitement.

As the first whiff wafts from the glass, there’s a faint hint of blood orange, but it’s overshadowed by the familiar scent of a traditional lager, which, let’s be honest, ain’t that great. It’s not unpleasant, but it lacks the vibrant aroma that one might expect from a beer infused with blood orange.

The taste of this brew fails to impress. The combination of blood orange with the usual lager notes results in a flavour that is, at best, mildly intriguing. It’s akin to a lager and lime, but with the lime replaced by blood orange. Unfortunately, the result is a concoction that falls flat, leaving a gacky sensation on the palate that is far from satisfying.

While some may find merit in the novelty of a blood orange-infused lager, for many, this beer misses the mark. Its underwhelming taste and uninspired packaging suggest that it may appeal more to those who don’t actually enjoy beer than to seasoned beer enthusiasts. In the realm of craft brewing, innovation is key, but it must be paired with quality and authenticity to truly leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately, Blood Orange Session Lager fails to deliver on all fronts, making it a disappointing dive into the world of flavoured lagers.

Sammy’s Rating: 30%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 29%

MOB review next weekend: FRUIT TWIST by NORTHERN MONK

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 345

BREWER: Buxton Brewery, Derbyshire, England

STYLE: NEIPA

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 17th May 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well, there are a few talking points for this one…

NAME: Now, I’m glad Buxton have made reference to the 90s rock track by the then 3 piece Northern Irish rock ensemble, Ash. If they hadn’t I think this would have annoyed me slightly and marks would certainly have been docked. But they have, so they haven’t, and because of this I actually don’t mind the name we have for our beer here at all.

STYLE: So, our tin has informed us the drinker, that the vessel is housing a New England East Coast IPA. I’m not sure I agree with them. Yes, it’s hazy enough in the pour. Yes there are tropical vibes and a sweetness upfront. But it moves to a way more bitter finish than it should have if it’s supposed to be a NEIPA. For me this is more of a Mountain IPA (East Coast / West Coast hybrid). Style wise aside all good, as this brew is fairly tasty, moving from sweet to bitter as you go but as far as this being a New England IPA, I think they’ve missed the brief here.

STRENGTH: So, again, we’re told this is a session beer. And to be fair, it would work well as one, as GFM is light and easy drinking. My issue comes with the ABV. Though 4.8% isn’t strong, it’s by no means weak either. To label a brew as a sessioner, I do think 4.8% is a little on the strong side. In saying that it’s too week just to call it a straight IPA so yet again we’ve landed in-between two worlds.

All in all Girl From Mars, isn’t an East Coast beer, isn’t a West Coast beer, isn’t really a session beer but is too weak to call an IPA.

But when the dust has settled, it is fairly nice.

Jymi’s Rating: 64%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Strap in, folks! Today, we’re blasting off on a cosmic adventure with Girl From Mars – a brew that promises to take your taste buds on a journey to the outer reaches of the beer-verse. With its quirky name, which is based on the song by Ash, and stellar packaging, this beer has us reaching for the stars. But will it leave us soaring high or cause us to come crashing back down to Earth?

First off, let’s give an acknowledgment to the thinking behind the name Girl From Mars: this beer is part of Buxton’s BritHop series (yes – this series of brews is inspired by the British music scene of the 90s). Another way to view the whole theme of this brew, that it’s like a sci-fi movie meets a beer festival, and we’re here for it! Plus, the packaging is out of this world – it’s got us feeling like we’re about to embark on an intergalactic quest with our trusty six-pack in tow. Beam us up, Scotty!

As I crack open a can of Girl From Mars, our olfactory senses are greeted by the all too familiar grapefruit aroma that’s as refreshing as a blast of cool space air. It’s like a cosmic kiss from a celestial citrus fruit, beckoning us to take that first sip and launch into drinking hyperspace.

Girl From Mars is like the quirky indie band at a music festival – not quite headliner material, but still worth a listen. Pouring into the glass, it’s hazy like a nebula, setting the stage for a taste experience that’s out of this world. As a session NEIPA, it’s not the superstar of the galaxy, but at 4.8%, it’s got enough kick to send your taste buds into orbit, albeit a lowly one. 

The flavour? Well, let’s just say it’s as predictable as a space opera – all the usual suspects with no surprises. But hey, sometimes you just want a beer that gets the job done, and Girl From Mars does just that.

Despite its shortcomings, Girl From Mars is a beer that knows how to keep you coming back for more.  It’s as easy to drink as a glass of tangy space juice. Sure, it may not be the most complex NEIPA in the galaxy, but sometimes you don’t need complexity – you just need a beer that’s as reliable as your trusty rocket ship. So, here’s to Girl From Mars – may your adventures in beerland be as endless as the universe itself!

Sammy’s Rating: 64%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 64%

MOB review next weekend: BLOOD ORANGE LAGER by JUBEL BEER

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024