Into The Mist
Transient Artisan Ales

Thanks to Whyteboar for this gem. rec's in the chaos of NBS BIF #14.
Pours profoundly dark for a barleywine. Dman near looks like an imperial stout. Milky mocha colored head is downright elegant.
Nose is pure bliss. Caramel and toffee notes leave a room for some nutty and woody notes. But there's this overall creamy texture to the nose. A somewhat assertive rye note comes in late yet still makes way for one more round of toffee that has a gentle apple turnover pop to it.
The flavor goes much lighter on the toffee and caramel. here the rye shines, along with a slightly dry nutty, woody bitterness. A very nuanced roast shows up and kind of makes way for a slightly dry bitter finish. Not completely different from the nose but definitely a surprising twist.
Mouthfeel is medium plus, some velvety mouthfeel, and a hint of alcohol warmth. Might be a tad chewy for barleywine purists, but still pleasant.
Overall, a very interesting take on a barleywine. Love the twists and turns of the rye and the nuttiness.

 

 

Pours a dark mahogany brown with a tan head and looks great in the glass. The nose has fruity hop aromas, significant caramel and toffee notes, and a subtle nutty barrel note.

The taste has loads of the fruity hop flavors and even greater loads of the carmel and toffee flavors, and there’s a smidge of chestnut flavor, but there’s no - zero - evidence of the barrel.

The mouthfeel is full and substantial, fitting for the style. I want to love this beer, and I like it, but it falls a bit short of the high standard Transient sets for itself.