Age on Belgian ales?

Do you find it thin?

 

Actually more alive an effervescent than I expected, perhaps less chewy than its peak but I wouldn't go all the way to saying thin. I should do a fuller report -- next bottle...

 

I have a Chimay Premiere Dubbel (brown label) that was bottled in Apr 2000. I'm tempted to crack it and give it a shot. Is it any good?

 

I had one at some younger age than that but still several years, and it smelled AMAZING, but tasted of NOTHING, as if all the flavor had evaporated into the neck of the bottle. Pour gently, gently. Or honestly, maybe don't decant into a glass. *OMG* there's a knock at my door, probably the Trappist police, must hide...

 

Thanks for the advice!

Cheers!

 

A little late here, but I wouldn't bother with their Abbey Ale. It's a stunning beer while fresh, and I had one with a year on it and I noticed very little change. Mind you I didn't have them side by side, but I'm confident saying it's better fresh. Three Philosophers on the other hand, ages very well by most accounts.

 

BSDAs/Quads do really well with aging, so cellaring 3 Philosophers is totally viable if you wanted to. Abbey would probably do well; I keep a few bottles in stock just to open up every month or two when I'm in the mood. Hennepin is awesome fresh, but sometimes saisons really come together at about 6 months from the bottling date; that might give you a sense of how medium-strength pale Belgians develop.

 

I disagree. A few weeks ago we opened an Abbey that was at least 4 years old (possibly much more) and it was amazing.
(note: it was a jeroboam; 3 liters, the volume may have something to do with it. ) but it had aged beautifully.

 

I like to buy my Scaldis Noel a year ahead of time and let it cellar until the next Christmas season.

 

Love the stuff from Ommegang!

The Belgian or Belgian-esque stuff I have aged recently am aging now include:

-Chimay Red (aged around 2yr .. will open at 3)
-Chimay Blue (aged around 2yr .. will open at 3)
-Trappist Rochefort 10 (aged around 2.5yr .. will open at 3)
-Matilda (aged for 6 months... will open at 2 yr.)
-Sophie (opened at 2 yrs. with fantastic Brett notes!)
-Pepe Nero (aged for 3 and 4 years... will open soon) --- fun little experiment
-Duvel (1 yr... not much change; enjoy fresh)
-Orval (at 6 month ... open at 1 year)
-Three Philosophers (aged around 2yr .. will open at 3)
-Westamalle dubbel (aged around 2yr .. will open at 3)

Typically wont go past 5 years. The classic rich and big Belgian beers I like about 3 years on (personal preference). Goose Island stuff is fun because a lot of it contains Brett, which ages beautifully with their beers. Duvel didn't change much so not worth the space and time IMHO.The only classic Ommegang brew to age would be three philosophers, but they have tons of special release stuff (i.e. Game of Thrones), which could work! Play around with beers and find your own preference. Beer taste is subjective and everyone has their own preference. Good luck!