Shadow Of The Beast – Elusive Brewing

Dark. Hoppy. Legendary.

Beer Overview

Shadow Of The Beast is one of Elusive Brewing’s defining beers and a true modern classic of the often-overlooked Black IPA style. One of the brewery’s very first creations, this multi-award-winning beer returns to remind drinkers why dark, hop-forward ales deserve a place alongside the world’s best IPAs.

Jet black in appearance but bursting with vibrant American hop character, Shadow Of The Beast perfectly balances roasted malt with bright citrus and pine. It’s a beer that surprises from the very first sip—looking like a stout but drinking like a beautifully hopped IPA.

Whether you call it a Black IPA or a Cascadian Dark Ale, one thing is certain: this is a masterclass in balance.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Orange zest, grapefruit and pine layered over smooth chocolate, gentle roast and subtle coffee notes.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, smooth and highly drinkable.
Finish: Crisp, citrus-forward and gently bitter with lingering roasted malt complexity.

Aroma

Bright aromas of citrus peel, pine resin and tropical hops rise above delicate chocolate and lightly roasted malt.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

Shadow Of The Beast is brewed using roasted wheat malt, providing its striking black appearance while contributing a restrained roast profile that avoids the heavy bitterness often associated with darker beers.

Rather than allowing the malt to dominate, Elusive layers hop flavour through six separate hop additions, creating exceptional depth and complexity. Citra, Mosaic and Cascade work together to deliver vibrant notes of orange, grapefruit, pine and citrus that shine through the dark malt base.

The result is a beautifully balanced beer where the roast complements the hops rather than competing with them—a hallmark of the finest examples of the Black IPA style.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 8–10°C in a tulip or nonic pint.

Perfect with:

• BBQ brisket
• Burgers
• Smoked ribs
• Mature cheddar
• Chargrilled vegetables

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.