Old Guardian 2015 Extra Hoppy

Up to 25 years, I would guess? Maybe more? It should have a significant cellar life either way.

 

As long as any other barleywine. The hops will be dull and might not leave a great flavor in the future. You're better off just aging the regular (which I understand is pretty hoppy itself).

 

yes, seems goofy to buy the version that is dry-hopped, and then age it to eliminate the taste/aroma profile of the dry-hopping.

 

I agree with this sentiment. Part of the idea of buying the odd year release is that it's different. This year, being hoppier, seems silly to age it. Why eliminate the one thing they're trying to showcase?

 

If you have had a fresh one, previously, you could see what it is like in 9 months, or even 3 years! I only bought one Extra Hoppy and decided to have it fresh. It was quite buttery, reminding me of a wheatwine.

Personally, I would consume all of mine while fresh. I enjoyed the experience, even as a person with preference to aged barleywines. I like being reminded of fresh barleywines to appreciate what they bring. Still, this is the special version and this is a situation where you should just have at it.

 

Had it on tap this weekend and it was good better than the original imo but not worth aging but then again I drank deal with the devil the previous night so no barelywine will come close to tasting par.