I'VE discussed Weird Beard's imaginative and delicious range of ales before in this column, however this is the first time anything from the fledgling Elusive Brewing has appeared in the Trembling Madness.
Started by Andy Parker, an award-winning home brewer, and soon to begin brewing independently, this release is a collaboration with Weird Beard. Think of it as a tease of what's to come from this embryonic brewery – a Nelson Sauvin hopped saison.
Pouring an intensely hazy copper beneath a thick, billowing, white head, the aroma is a bouquet of coconuts, white wine, and cracked pepper.
A nod towards the saison's characteristic clove note is present, albeit subdued, and a touch of juicy green apple adds further freshness to Lord Nelson's fruit-laden nose.
Dry and prickly, with pears and marzipan rushing through this well-carbonated and crisp ale, kiwi and grapefruit juice rise to the fore.
Soon a lemon pith bitterness creeps across the back of the palate, accompanied by an assertive, almost salty, bitter finish.
An expansive, hop-forward saison that makes a bold statement of intent for Elusive – I can't wait to see what comes out of their tanks once they're fully operational.
Recommended by Michael Bates, Trembling Madness, Stonegate, York
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