BCBS '03 & '05...what would it take, and is it really worth it?

I've never even heard of anything earlier than an '06 trading. Was the '03 even bottled?

 

Beers are definitely over the hill. Save your big guns for some '08 which IMO is peaking right now

 

****All credit belongs to Stoutfest for the below info***​

​

​

The '03 was hand bottled and given out to friends and employees of GI. ​

1992 - 2004 - Limited production at Clybourn Brewpup​

​

2005 - 818 cases packaged for first time. Michael Jackson was guest speaker at release party. 1992-2005 - Jim Beam barrels used for BCS.​

​

2006- 1968 cases released. 12-16 year old Heaven Hill barrels used. BCS first entry into World Beer Cup. Wins Gold.​

​

2007 - 3259 cases released. 12-16 year old Heaven Hill and 21 year old Pappy Van Winkle barrels used. ( two different batches with different bottling dates)​

​

2008 - 10,000 cases released​

​

2009 - switched to black label, first and last time seen in 22oz format as well, 12-16 year Heaven Hill​

​

2010 - smaller release, 2nd best fresh, 12-16 year Heaven Hill.​

​

2011 - best tasting fresh batch, 12-16 year Heaven Hill, 2nd batch delayed​

 

I recently had some of the 2005, and though it's certainly different then the other, later vintages, it's still going strong. '06 is when GI really began hitting their stride, when BCBS began tasting like the BCBS we all know and love. As for the '03, best of luck with that one, man.

 

We did a 03 - 11 blind BCBS vertical in March. The 03 was the only beer that was guessed correctly by all involved, and for a reason. It was way past it's prime. Not worth pursuing IMO. 2005 was decent, for what it was (6 year old stout). In all honestly, 06-11 a nice spread to do in one night and you (or he) won't be feeling like you've missed out on something by not having those missing two years.

Details here:
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/bcbs-03-11-vertical.6252/

 

The only thing I'd add to Stoutfest's AWESOME findings is... 2011 2nd batch is draft only.