Aging Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Barleywine

This is hands-down my favorite beer to age. I try to buy a case, at least, every year.

I've had them up to 4 years old with not only no drop-off, but they improve dramatically. This year's version, IMHO, is by far the best fresh since the '08 version. We had a four year vertical in February & bloody hell, all fantastic. The bourbon, however, doesn't fall off very much, but maybe that slight drift would be enough to make your palate happy.

I don't know what else to say other than to gush more. Ages like a champion.

 

Price is around $11/4 pack.

Availability is changing. Last year it was really tough to get; the border town closest to the Twin Cities sold out in about 3 hours, so older vintages are much harder to get. Central Waters expanded their barrel aging program significantly last year, so there was a lot more of it this year, & a bunch even made it out of Wisconsin. That said, it's long gone in Minnesota & I'd wager it's mostly gone in Wisconsin other than random out-of-the-way places.

That said, if that's Nick Punto in your avatar, I'm so happy I never have to watch him try to swing a bat in a Twins uniform again. Though he might be able to pitch for them this year.

 

I think it's Chase Utley

 

That would make a lot more sense & be much more palatable.

 

I think it is best fresh. I had a '10 not too long ago and it was not nearly as good.

 

You can still find four packs of BBB, BB, and Peruvian Morning in Stevens Point. I picked up a couple more 4 packs of BBB Monday. I don't know if it's because of the close proximity to the Brewery but it's still available here.

 

Still a good amount of BBBW in La Crosse aswell.

 

I been told the bbbw is 14.99?

 

In my experience this year's was the best vintage when fresh. It's drinking really well right out of the gate and I haven't been able to say that about past years.

As far as aging, for me two years seems about the sweet spot. In my opinion, it starts to fall apart after that.

 

I picked up a case of Peruvian Morning and BB stout for $90 each. Works out to $15/4 pack. Still not a great price but much better than the $5.50 Philly bottle shops were charging per bottle!

 

I've had them up to 4 years, but I don't think it really improves, just slowly oxidizes and takes on more of an old ale character. I think it's best with about 6 months to a year on it, just so some of the sharper notes mellow out and it integrates better, without losing too much of the barrel flavor. YMMV.

 

Odd, because I hate - HATE - oxidation, & I've never had a whiff of it in any bottle I've every opened. And I've opened a lot of them.

This year's is a bit hotter & harsher than in year's past. I had a couple & the rest are now entombed for drinking sometime late in 2013/early 2014.

 

I know not CWBBW, but here's a review on CWBBS might apply and help you make a decision.

http://mnbeeractivists.com/newsfeed/reviewbicle-central-waters-bourbon-barrel-stout

edit: fixed dyslexia

 

Agreed, I would much rather pay $90 a case than pay per bottle...where in PA did you get a case?

 

Beer Yard in Wayne. Not sure if they had any left tho

 

Vintage? *shrug*. I'll take your word for it, I've only had a handful of >2 year old bottles.