The Lost Abbey - Infinite Silence

Lost Abbey’s Infinite Silence is a generously built barleywine aged in oak barrels, and it’s one of our favorite beers from the brewery as of late. No bells and whistles (at least in terms of special additions)—just incredibly decadent barleywine with a kiss of vanilla-tinged oak.

This pours a dark amber brown capped by light tan foam; modest head retention due to the potent ABV. Incredible layers of dried dark fruit, vinous alcohol warmth, and lightly charred oak in the aroma. Beautifully developed core barleywine with extra structure from the barrel.

Full-bodied mouthfeel, leading with tons of red and dark fruits, toasty warmth, and rounded contributions from the oak at the forefront. As with Libri Divini, the presence of vanilla/oak provides a warming, super-mellowing impact that brings everything together here. A brilliant combination of a huge core barleywine—packed with bright fruits, deep caramels, and some nice vinous warmth (alongside a touch of subtle hops)—plus that welcoming impact of oak.

Ready to pop but suitable for some cellaring. For food pairings: the high ABV, deep fruits, and vinous warmth have us looking to options like crispy grilled pork or duck confit.