Just got an Imperial Stout from 2008!

Had old Imperial Stout on tap at Victory a couple years ago. I want to say it was 8 or 10 years old but not sure now. Smooth as silk and very good. The hops fade but it's a uniquely pleasant experience. Lots of mellow dark chocolate.

 

That's nothing. This person got a beer from the future.

 

Nope. It's right here on the internet.

 

I had a 2004 WWS last summer (2012) and it was amazing. More recently, I got a small sample of 1995 Bigfoot, and I was floored! No oxidation, subtle hops, and big sweet caramel malts....just awesome.

More to the point...I've had good experience with aged Storm King as well. Cheers!

 

Depends on the beer.

Storm King will age beautifully.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout will not.

Expedition Stout will.

Founders Breakfast and KBS will not.

Goose Island BCBS will.

Southern Tier Choklat will not.

Hoppin' Frog DORIS will.

I could do this all day...

Back to original point, it depends on the beer.

 

Why do you say Brooklyn will not? I have a 7 or 8 year run that still holds it own extremely well.

 

Opinions, opinions. Personally, I think Storm King is horrible for aging. KBS, on the other hand, is delicious with a couple of years on it.

 

Agree on the Brooklyn - excellent with age. BS/KBS "don't age well" mostly because the coffee flavor fades. The coffee is part of the appeal.

 

I'm not saying it turns into a bad beer, I just prefer it fresh to every vintage I've ever had.

 

Uhhhh, yes. Opinions. Isn't that what we're in this thread to provide? Our opinions?

 

Another one I prefer fresh.

 

I have a few cases of IRS with bottles dating back to 07 and have had older vs fresh side by side several times. Personally I prefer the older bottles. As it ages you lose a lot of the roasty, chocolate and coffee type of flavors and you start to pick up a lot more dark fruits. It also rounds out and the flavors seem more balanced with each other.