BEER REVIEW: 397

BREWER: Northern Monk, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 7%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 16th May 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Transient.

Transient.

Transient?

Transient???

Is this possibly the worst name for a beer ever?

Doesn’t transient mean… short stay, moving through, …

Oh FFS I’m gonna have to flippin #Google it.

 

Adjective: lasting only for a short time. Impermanent.

Noun: a person who is staying in a place for only a short time.

Ok, ok, ok, let’s calm down a little. I was getting a bit frothy there and I’ve not even pulled the pin on this 7% grenade yet.

If Northern Monk have named this brew so because it’s a small batch, never to return again beer then fine. That’s cool, really cool in fact. But is does not tell us if this is the case on the tin. So, I’m back to why the flip would you call a beer transient??? I’m getting frothy again. I think it is time to pull that pin…

Some may say I need to get over this Transient name thing but sorry I’m back again going right on about it! And the reason why is, this is a really good beer!

Is it lasting for only a short time?

Well, no. The very first thing I noted was its length. No dip after sip and the aftertaste goes on and on like… (the 80s kids can finish that sentence for ya boi Jymi).

Is it staying in a place for only a short time?

Well, no. The slight mango sweetness starts proceedings. This then saunters to a satsuma middle bitterness. Before easing into the long and very pleasant bittersweet aforementioned aftertaste.

F me, I can’t let this go, haha… other than transient being a lovely word to say I literally have no idea why NM, or anyone for that matter would name a beer like this, like this. It lets down what is a genuinely good brew.

If, it’s a short stay limited beer then fair, it renders 99% of this review void. But tell us on the tin if that is the case, surely?

But look, all in all this is a very good and enjoyable IPA.

I’m going for a lay down.

Jymi’s Rating: 76%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Transient makes a strong first impression with its thoughtfully designed packaging. The interplay of purple and blue against a beige background creates a visually appealing, well-themed aesthetic that sets the tone before the first sip.

True to its hazy moniker, it pours with a beautifully opaque glow, radiating a light, golden hue that invites exploration. On the nose, a distinct bitter lychee aroma wafts forward—fragrant and intriguing.

The mouthfeel is superb, offering a smooth, pleasant mouthfeel that makes each drink effortless. The initial taste carries those lychee notes forward, accompanied by a gentle touch of pineapple. As you work down the glass, an unexpected tea-like character begins to emerge, adding depth and nuance. The medium-bitter finish ties everything together with precision, lending balance to the experience.

If there’s one area for refinement, it would be an extra push in flavour intensity—just a little more oomph to elevate its profile further. Still, Transient delivers a rewarding, well-crafted hazy brew that holds attention with its complexity and smooth execution.

A balanced, flavourful hazy that could shine even brighter with a touch more impact.

Sammy’s Rating: 81%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 78.5%

MOB review next weekend: DISCO KING by TURNING POINT

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025