Transient Artisan Ales Bottle Release Party

by abvchicago · September 9, 2014

Finally.

After 3 months of waiting and countless informative (or uninformative in terms of the beers being released) emails about it, Transient Artisan Ales released their first six bottled beers to reserve members. And what a release it was.

View of the release party from the extra bottle line.

We interviewed Chris about Transient Artisan Ales and tried 4 of his beers (2 of which were released in bottles). Give it a listen!

Having been to countless bottle releases, there always seem to be three types of people that attend – the chill, the mules, and the hoarders. The chill set up camp in line, open and share beer (if allowed) and are pleasant. The mules appear disinterested and don’t really care about what’s going on, while the hoarders are trying to get as many bottles as they can, usually pissing people off in the process by cutting in line or other uncouth activities.

This bottle release was all chill. People were helpful, there was no rush, and EVERYBODY was there for the beer. The last bottle release I attended like this was the Very Sour Blackberry at New Glarus in 2013. I initially got in the first line I saw, was told it was for extra bottles, and was then quickly directed to the check-in/glasses and shirt station and the member bottle allotment station. Seeing the line being long, not moving fast, and needing a beer, I entered the main area I ran into BeerMeFitz (of course!) who directed me to the taps.

The tap list near the beginning of the release.

Eight beers were on tap, and all were the same price, but the pour sizes were adjusted depending on the style. “Simple” styles were 16 ounces, ones with fruit and/or Brett and their porter were 12 ounces, and the barreled offerings were 8 ounces, each being $4. Bottles could be brought to share, but with this tap list and the price point it became unnecessary. So many quality choices.

The people who were (unfortunately) watching the Bears game. At least Transient was on tap!

Next to the taps towards the back of the brewery a semi-circle had formed and I quickly found out everyone was watching the Bears game (a big sorry to the people that watched that entire disaster). After trying their Henry porter (great roasty character; Chris said he planned on aging it in bourbon barrels!) the Biere du Ruche (a refreshing and crisp honey saison), and talking with some buddies I jumped back in the extra bottle line.

Had some time in the bottle line. Biere du Ruche in the glass.

After a small wait, I was able to purchase any two of the reserve beers (limit 1 per) and unlimited Peur (a “Brett beer” according to the label; not on tap) and Biere du Ruche. Bringing them back to my car, I returned to thoroughly enjoy myself for the remained of the event, talking to some friends new and old (mainly Nick from Middle Brow) and enjoying the tacos available for purchase (3 for $5!)

The tacos from Lupe’s Taquizas were delicious and affordable.

Of particular note was a cherry soda Chris made for the event. It wasn’t on the tap board, and someone gave me a sip of a pour. It was sweet with immense cherry flavor, so much so that we decided to mix it with the Henry porter. That blend was great, and we immediately thought the Maigre (no fruits) would be a great candidate for a blend. My patience paid off as Chris tapped a keg of Maigre and we blended it with his cherry soda; the result was one of my favorite drinks of the day and probably a close approximation of a Cherry Maigre should there be one.

Cheers to Transient on a successful bottle release! Raspberry Maigre pictured.

With a maximum of 300 people in attendance (member plus a guest; I know there weren’t 300 people there at any one time), it was packed but never a detriment to movement. Everyone was friendly and willing to talk beer, upcoming releases, or the problems with the Bears. I am anxiously anticipating the next members bottle release (in November or December according to Chris) and hoping for the same environment as the first. Congrats Chris (and team) on a release well done!

The Transient family!

PROS

Ridiculous tap list

All pours same price

Great deal on great tacos

Sufficient amount of bottles

Friendly and beer-centric atmosphere

Extremely quick reserve membership check-in and pick up (less than 5 minutes)

Totes are well-crafted, sturdy and elegant

CONS

Extra bottle line moved really slow

Really annoying bees near the back of the brewery (they seemed everywhere but eventually went away)

BEER NERD COMPLAINTS

Glass Image – The new script (the T extended to make the stick and the bag dotting the i) is an improvement over the original script, but I would really like the circular logo on a glass with no text. Hopefully a future glass release will have that.