Shadows Settle (Ghost 792)
Adroit Theory Brewing Company

Bottled on 11/06/19.

Perhaps I sat on this one a little too long. Nose is dark fruits and a little vinuous. This brew has mellowed tremendously. Soft and mildly smoked caramel pervades with dark and slightly tart fruit. Incredibly smooth drinking in both mouthfeel and flavor. This is something that I should've cracked earlier, but it still is quite tasty. This does not stand up to any pairing at this age however. Drink this by itself if yours is also nearly three years old.

 

Copper colored with excellent lacing. Banana, plum and cinnamon forward smell, leading to a smooth blend of malt, yeast, spiced blend. Even feel through-out with a cinnamon marshmallow presence. Overall, superior to other common Barleywine. Adroit Theory supremacy once again, shines through.

 

2019 bomber poured chilled, hard to a tulip glass. Color is a dirty copper. Some subdued carbonation. Finger high frothy head that dribbles down to a vanilla-bean ice cream sort of ring. Nose is interesting...sort of caramel, fig/dates as labeled, and an unexpected smokiness. First sips follow the nose, with a minimal acidic bitterness up front, but turns quickly to sweet caramel maltiness with a distinct flavor from the fig/date mix. There is a peat/smokiness on the back end, almost like a Scotch ale vibe. Full mouthfeel. Alcohol hides pretty well. Very pleasant and easy to drink.