Elvis Juice By BrewDog

Do you remember when a beer was either “domestic” or “import”. It wasn’t too long ago but those classifications are outdated as craft beer has changed the game. Many of the great import beers are still around but they brew more than just classics in other countries. For example, BrewDog Elvis Juice was originally brewed in Scotland but it’s very similar to the type of craft beer found in the USA.

BrewDog has done such a great job that they opened a brewery in Columbus, Ohio to help support the demand for their beer in the US.

So when a brewery is expanding in the way they are, I’ve got to check out their beer to learn why.

Review Of BrewDog Elvis Juice

This isn’t my first Craft Beer Spotlight of a beer from BrewDog. If you recall, I wrote about Hazy Jane just a few weeks ago.

As you can see, I’m quite intrigued by this brand. And a few friends recommended I check this one out. I love getting recommendations so I don’t have to think too hard about which beer to try next.

And I have to disclose that I love grapefruit IPAs which means that I rarely pass up the chance to try a new one.

And can we address the name? I’m not sure what it means but it’s very compelling.

BrewDog Elvis Juice is 6.5% ABV and  40 IBUs.  It’s sold in six packs of 12oz cans for around $10.

Here is how BrewDog describes Elvis Juice:

An American IPA with a bitter edge that will push your citrus tolerance to the brink and back; Elvis Juice is loaded with tart pithy grapefruit peel. This IPA has a caramel malt base, supporting a full frontal citrus overload – grapefruit peel piled on top of intense us aroma hops. Waves of crashing pine, orange and grapefruit round out this citrus infused IPA.

Initial Thoughts

As I stated earlier, I love grapefruit IPAs. There’s something about the harsh, tart citrus flavors that are appealing to me.

This bias towards grapefruit provided high expectations for what this beer should be.

Some beers have aroma and others have AROMA. This one is in the latter category as you get grapefruit as soon as the can is opened.

It pours a nice orange/gold color with a bright white head. And as with most standard IPAs, it has nice clarity.

Tasting Notes

Based on the aroma, I was prepared for a ton of flavor and that’s exactly what it gives you.

While their description refers to other citrus and pine flavors, I tasted ripe grapefruit throughout. That isn’t a bad thing either – at least for me.

The hop bitterness was subtle and easily overpowered by the tart characteristic of the grapefruit. In addition, I got a fair amount of sweetness to it as well.

All in all, it provided more flavor than I expected and my glass was empty much faster than with most IPAs.

Final Thoughts

BrewDog is making some great beer. There’s no denying why they’ve expanded into the USA. They make great beer and are making styles that resonate with American craft beer drinkers.

If I have a critique for Elvis Juice, it is not complex. It has a ton of grapefruit and that is about it. So for many, this won’t give them the depth of flavor they want.

But if you like grapefruit then you’ve got to pick this up.

Need Craft Beer Glassware? 

Conculsion

I’m going to keep this really simple – if you like grapefruit then buy this beer.

If you don’t like grapefruit, think twice before buying this beer.

And do yourself a favor and keep an eye out for BrewDog beer. While their brewery is new to the USA, their beer isn’t. And their facility is quite unique as it is also a hotel. They’ve built a massive facility that I hope to visit some day.

I’m planning on writing a Brewery Spotlight on BrewDog later this year so subscribe so you don’t miss it.

Until then, let me know which BrewDog beers you’ve had and which ones I should put on my craft beer wish list.

Have You Tried BrewDog Elvis Juice?