Final Boss (Stage 1): Simcoe – Elusive Brewing

Piney. Precise. Level Up.

Beer Overview

Final Boss (Stage 1): Simcoe is the opening level in Elusive Brewing’s new Final Boss series—a collection of single-hop American Pale Ales designed to explore the full potential of some of the world’s greatest hop varieties.

For Stage 1, the spotlight falls on the legendary Simcoe. Rather than relying on a single hop format, Elusive showcases Simcoe in four different forms throughout the brewing process, revealing how each expression contributes its own unique flavour, aroma and character.

The result is a beautifully balanced 5.5% American Pale Ale that celebrates everything brewers love about Simcoe—bold pine resin, bright citrus, subtle stone fruit and a depth of hop character that unfolds with every sip.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Pine resin, grapefruit and orange peel layered with subtle apricot and gentle tropical fruit.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, crisp and smooth.
Finish: Clean, resinous and satisfyingly bitter with lingering citrus freshness.

Aroma

Fresh pine needles, grapefruit zest and citrus peel dominate, supported by hints of stone fruit and classic West Coast hop character.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

Final Boss is more than a single-hop beer—it’s a technical showcase of modern hop products.

To demonstrate the versatility of Simcoe, Elusive uses the hop in four distinct forms throughout the brewing process:

• Whole Cone Simcoe provides the foundation during the kettle boil.
• Simcoe DynaBoost® enhances saturated hop flavour in the whirlpool.
• Simcoe Cryo® Hops deliver concentrated aroma during dry hopping.
• Simcoe HyperBoost® is added during cold conditioning to maximise fresh hop intensity and preserve delicate aromatics.

Each hop product extracts different compounds from the same variety, creating layers of pine, citrus and fruit that simply aren’t possible using traditional pellets alone. The result is an educational as well as delicious beer—an outstanding showcase of both Simcoe and modern hop technology.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 6–8°C in a nonic pint or IPA glass.

Perfect with:

• Smash burgers
• BBQ chicken
• Buffalo wings
• Mature cheddar
• Pizza

About Elusive Brewing

Elusive Brewing is an independent craft brewery based in Finchampstead, Berkshire, founded by celebrated brewer Andy Parker. Elusive’s story is rooted in Andy’s beginnings as a passionate home brewer—experimenting, refining and pushing recipes long before the brewery existed. His dedication paid off when he won the UK National Homebrew Competition, a moment that set the foundation for turning his hobby into one of the UK’s most respected small breweries.

If you’re home brewer then you’ll know just how much support Andy gives back to the home brew community with his excellent book published by CAMRA and the amount of his own time he gives up to talk to home brewing groups and from the way he will happily share his recipes for home brewers to brew at home.

From day one, Elusive Brewing has focused on producing beers that combine technical excellence with genuine creativity. Andy’s homebrewing origins shape the brewery’s approach to recipe development: careful, precise and endlessly curious. Their beers often blend traditional styles with modern hop profiles, creating a unique identity that appeals to both seasoned craft drinkers and newcomers alike.

What Defines Elusive Brewing?

• Small-Batch Craftsmanship
The brewery operates at a size that allows close control over every stage of brewing. This ensures consistency, freshness and the freedom to experiment through seasonal releases and collaborative beers.

• Modern Expression with Classic Roots
While Elusive is known for hop-forward pale ales and IPAs, they also celebrate traditional British styles—milds, brown ales, porters—often with a contemporary twist. This duality is at the heart of what makes their beers distinctive.

• A Respected Name in UK Craft Beer
Elusive beers regularly feature at festivals, tap lists and bottle shops across the UK. Their balanced, flavour-led approach has earned them a loyal following and strong standing within the craft beer community.

Friendly, passionate and uncompromising about quality, Elusive Brewing remains firmly connected to its origins: beers brewed with the spirit, curiosity and heart of a home brewer—elevated to professional excellence.