Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks – Orion 1-1 Poppyseed IPA

Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks – Orion 1-1 Poppyseed IPA Review

Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks co-owners Steve Gregorig and Jamie Overgaard started brewing through Craft Collective Beerworks out of Vancouver in 2017 with a goal right from the start to open up their own brewery when they had the perfect location. In 2019,a location was found for a 5400 square foot space and 30 Hectolitre Brewhouse in North Langley. Since their beginning they have had a focus in British style ales and real ales with plans to continue with that format and also have daily cask nights at the new location.

Along with the four core beers that are available in the BC market now, Steve and Jamie have created  a new series of beers to benefit Honour House, a foundation that supports veterans, military and emergency services personnel and their families. The first beer to come out of this series is Orion 1-1, a Poppyseed IPA.The style of beer was chosed by Captain Trevor Green, a former rugby teammate of Steve and Jamie and patron of Honour House.

This clear beer ( yes, not a hazy IPA), pours a rich amber colour with high carbonation and a long lasting moussey head that lasts right to the last sip. The aroma right off is very English style- earthy, herbal and woodsy with a hint of resin, which provides a hint of the West Coast hops. What is unique about this IPA is the addition of poppy seeds- not overly obvious, but subtlety provides a light nuttiness that is unique in an IPA. The finish is crisp and clean with just a hint of resin. A perfect IPA  to start off a fundraiser series…a traditional English style IPA , with a hint of West Coast and some military history.