Goose Bourbon County Stout Coffee and Cherry Rye aging

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by Bradystraps, Jan 27, 2013.

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  1. Bradystraps

    Bradystraps Devotee (385) Jan 24, 2013 Connecticut

    I am picking up both this week here in SE Ct. I have read a lot about them and look forward to both. Wondering, are these suitable to store/age? I am a rookie and really do not know a lot about this sort of thing but I am interested.

    I am in SE Connecticut and have started seeing both pop up. :slight_smile:
     
  2. redblacks75

    redblacks75 Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2010 Iowa

    I wouldn't store the Coffee at all. In my mind coffee tends to fade allot quicker than most flavors in beer. With that in mind, drink your Bourbon County Coffee as fresh as possible, and experience it at true glory.

    Cherry I can't speak on. I have two still, and have been waiting for the right moment, or group of people to open mine with. Allot of people will tell you to drink every beer fresh, unless you have a second to age, and see what does happen with that aging.
     
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  3. Dontcounttoday

    Dontcounttoday Initiate (0) Apr 23, 2010 Illinois

    Despite what some say, my group just did a big Goose Island tasting. We had all 3 years of Coffee, and the general consensus was that '12 was the "worst" of the bunch, which is kind of splitting hairs as they are all fantastic. My personal favorite was the '11 followed by the '10, but several people enjoyed '10 the most. It still had strong coffee flavor, though not quite as crazy strong as the '12.

    As for the Cherry, I find the cherry to be strong to the point of almost medicinal. I think that will blend a little better with age, and am really looking forward to trying this in a year or two.
     
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  4. owen49

    owen49 Devotee (338) Jun 13, 2009 Ohio
    Trader

    I guess it varies by person, but I'm very much on the side of "drink Coffee now". My only experience is with the '10, but when fresh it was the best beer I've ever had. Since then (including a bottle two nights ago), it's just been "Oh, this is good but not mindblowing."

    Similar experience with CBS. In each case:
    - Would I drink an aged version? Absolutely - they're still very good.
    - Would I prefer a fresh version? Absolutely
     
  5. beerinmaine

    beerinmaine Initiate (0) Jun 20, 2009 Maine

    Suitable? Yes. GI labels their beers with cellar life expectancy; these say 5 years. In proper cellar conditions, of course.

    Whether cellaring is a good idea or not, is largely a question of personal preference. The cherry or coffee flavors will fade over time (as will hops or fruit or anything similar in any beer you might age); you may or may not like that result.
     
  6. kscaldef

    kscaldef Initiate (0) Jun 11, 2010 Oregon

    IMO 2011 coffee was pretty bad on release, and 2010 has taken a nose dive in the last year. I vote drink fresh

    On the other hand, I'm hoping time will mellow Cherry Rye, as I found it a mess fresh
     
  7. UCLABrewN84

    UCLABrewN84 Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2010 California

    Don't do it.
     
  8. jarrgal

    jarrgal Initiate (0) Mar 12, 2012 North Dakota

    After reading numerous comments I decided to crack open my first BCBCS. I wish I would have cellared it for at least a year. The coffee flavor was abundant, strong, and not desirable. Looking back, I should have waited longer instead of giving in to those who say drink it fresh since the coffee flavor will fade with time.
     
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  9. Lambocalrisien

    Lambocalrisien Initiate (0) Jan 30, 2013 New York

    I always buy multiples that way I can drink one fresh and cellar the other(s). If you were only able to get your hands on one, I recommend waiting about 6-9 months. The coffee will still hold strong and it will (IMO) be a little smoother.
     
  10. vthippie

    vthippie Initiate (0) Dec 18, 2012 Vermont

    But now you have a frame of reference, had you aged it without drinking it fresh you would have always wondered if it was better fresh. If you get the chance to drink one with age on it (even if you don't have one now it's entirely possible thru trades or bottle shares) you will know for certain which was better.
     
  11. Fluteswell

    Fluteswell Zealot (609) Feb 15, 2011 Maryland
    Trader

    I drank a 2011 coffee last week and though it was stellar. Still lots of coffee flavor.
     
  12. beerborn

    beerborn Initiate (0) Jan 22, 2012 Louisiana

    I'll send you some money to get me some and I'll store them in my cellar, then in a year or so I'll tell you how they taste..how's that for a deal?
     
  13. marshmeli

    marshmeli Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2012 New York

    I had a 2011 Coffee back in September (so 9 months after it was bottled), it was still fantastic, coffee was still there and still great. The coffee in the 2012 is a little bitter for my taste, so I am hoping it mellows about with some aging.

    Cherry Rye was perfect fresh, I do have another I am sitting on to see how it develops though. I would try at least one fresh if i were you, just to see how it tastes.
     
  14. tronto

    tronto Initiate (0) Dec 22, 2010 Kentucky

    I have to ask, why buy a coffee beer if you dont like the way coffee taste?
     
  15. Stevedore

    Stevedore Grand Pooh-Bah (5,072) Nov 16, 2012 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    walez bro, didn't you get the memo. :wink:
     
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  16. jarrgal

    jarrgal Initiate (0) Mar 12, 2012 North Dakota

    I never said or hinted at not enjoying coffee. As stated before, I've never had BCBCS and with all the allure, praise, and desire people have for it I thought I'd give it a try after finding a bottle. I didn't think it was bad by any means; I believe it could use a little rest though unless you thoroughly enjoy the taste of coffee.
     
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