Cigar City Marshal Zhukov

Both beers will be fine with age. Some of the distinct qualities in Hunahpu's tend to fade which is probably why people say that but both beers are still terrific stouts that will hold their own with some cellar time. I'm aging both.

 

The last time I had b1 Hunaphu's (maybe 6mo ago?) it tasted like liquid garbage. Genuinely awful, nobody could finish their 2oz pour. I can't speak for the other vintages, but it's fair to say that the chile heat will fade out.

 

Agreed on Hunahpu's. Much better fresh.

EDIT: Zhukov, on the other hand, ages very nicely, from my experience.

 

Well "liquid garbage" is a new one to me but I haven't had a batch one. I did have a Hunahpu's with a year on it and it was great, so like I said I'm going to wait it out. Most people I've talked to said batch one just didn't have those chile characteristics.

 

I'm wondering if it's related to QC rather than the chile/spice degredation. Quality was not quite as good back then, so I don't want to pass judgement on the other vintages, especially since MZ is such a stellar base beer.

 

I've had Zhukov with a year and change on it and it's fantastic, I wouldn't hesitate to throw one in the cellar.

 

Aged Zhukov is pretty good in my experience, but the age doesn't do much to change the flavors for the better. Hunapu is probably best fresher, since imo beers with chili added can take on a metallic/strange flavor after about a year or two, although I've never had aged Huna.

 

Agreed; aged Huna is a waste. Aged Zhukov is pretty righteous; I've had some batch 1 and it's very nice. I put a few in the cellar this year and recommend anyone who has the means do the same.

 

That could also be it. I've only had Hunahpu's once, and like I said it had a year on it. I'm not saying it's going to get better I just want to see what happens. I agree with you, couldn't pick a better base beer. Zhukov's is by far my favorite non-BA RIS.