Weihenstephaner 1516 Kellerbier

I've got a six-pack left from the last case I bought... still really enjoying this beer.

 

I think this was bottled in January, if that's the case, I'm surprised it's holding up so well. Assuming it was unpasteurized (I think it was?). Otherwise, Weihenstephan's beers tend to hold up better than most.

 

My case of Weihenstephaner 1516 was bottled on Jan. 27, 2016 and the last 6-pack that I have remaining is still drinking quite nicely.

I have no idea how much residual yeast remains in the bottles (since it is an unfiltered beer) but if there is still live yeast in the beer this would aid in extending beer stability.

Below is a quote from Steven Dresler (head brewer of Sierra Nevada brewing) concerning SNPA and shelf life:

"Andrew: Your pale ale still has yeast at the bottom of the bottle.

Steven: That’s right. It’s a wonderful anti-oxidant that helps a lot with the shelf life of the beer."

Cheers!

 

Tried it over the weekend and didn't like it at all.

 

I really haven't noticed any drop-off.

 

I agree with you here.

FWIW my homebrewed Lagers (Bohemian Pilsner, Classic American Pilsner, Kellerbier, etc.) typically last for about 8-9 months before I notice much in terms of staling. Live yeast is indeed a powerful anti-oxidant.

Cheers!

 

My bottled lagers are sitting in my basement (room temperature). I periodically pull some out and place them in my refrigerator for consumption. I have had high gravity ales (Saison, Quad, Robust Porter, etc) last 1-2 years while storing at room temperature. The aspects of higher ABV & dark malts increase shelf life even more.

Cheers!

 

Well, looks like it was either pasteurized or there was residual yeast in the bottles helping to extend the shelf life. Maybe I'll give a few more bottles a go, it was odd how the first draft/bottle I had were quite good, and then I enjoyed the others (the one's in which I didn't swirl/pour and the second draft) much less. Granted the first draft was on a fresh palate, and the second draft was at the end of a night of drinking for what it's worth.

I'm still seeing six packs in the Boston area as well (they always catch my eye because I had that January bottling date stuck in my head, and I'm fairly certain only one batch was either brewed or distributed).

This may be more a function of imports simply not selling well in general, as opposed to 1516 specifically not selling well. That's not the only Weihenstephan offering sitting on our shelves.

 

Just commenting with all of the hype of a "limited release."

 

Ah, yes. The kids these days don't buy cases of a limited release Kellerbier...but it's good to know if a random newbie takes a flyer on an older 1516 it may still taste good. I would hate for someone to pick up a bottle past its prime and think that's what a Weihenstephan beer tastes like (not that there aren't a litany of imports on shelves today that are well past their prime collecting dust).

 

No comment.