This is one of my favorite beers of all time to Cellar. There's just so much difference from one 3 months old, to 6 months, to a year, etc. Not to mention it's so affordable! My only question was, does anyone have experience in cellaring a bottle past the best by date? I have one that "expires" in early 2013 & was wondering if this was merely a suggestion from the brewery, or if it really does start going south. Thanks!
It does not "go south" for people who like that beer. De Heeren van Liedekercke in Belgium has a ridiculous number of vintages of this beer for sale. I had one that was bottled in 2003 and remember it being very different, but I don't recall it blowing my mind. Then again, I'm not the biggest fan of that beer in the first place. Wu-Tang forever.
Love Orval. Love it. But IMHO it peaks after a year and should be sunk within a maximum of five years of bottling.
I recently had one about 3 years old and I would agree with Zimbo that a year or so is probably the sweet spot. For me, at three years it was just too thin and being a pale ale the bitterness without the body to back it up became harsh and aspirin-y, just too out of balance for me. With that said, if you are really into Brett then I say it is worth a shot.
I did a vertical tasting of a 2012, 2008, and a 2002. The 2008 had an amazing Bret character and, IMHO was the best. The 2002 was cloudy and nearly flat with more leather notes and diminished Bret characteristics. Every beer ages different, but I think Orval peaks at some point. Possibly around 4 years.
Funkydelic, beeruser and I cracked and shared a 1954 bottle of Orval from my cellar and it was NOT good at all. The brett had taken the body sooo thin that it was almost sickening- it has also oxidized like crazy (they used to line the inside of their caps with cork and it had broken down over time). The nose was absolutely incredible though (reminded me of an apple orchard blended with freshly cut cedar and tart fruit) 58 years is past its prime.
Well Done! This takes the cake for the oldest bottle of Orval I have heard of being opened. I love such things.
I found some which I think was about 4-5 years old and it was awesome. I find it boring if you drink it too close to bottling.
Every time pretty much, the best you can do is open it right after you take it out of the fridge and let it warm up.
I've bought them over the past few years whenever I find a collection for sale. I think sincerenc has some pics. I opened a 1954 Robinson's Barleywine that night too.
