So I found some beer...

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by Chefmilo, May 17, 2013.

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  1. Chefmilo

    Chefmilo Initiate (0) May 17, 2013 New York

    Quick background, I'm a Facilities Manager for a magazine and while cleaning up after someone who left, I came across a box with a bunch of beer in it. Most likely it has been in that exact spot for about 2 years. While I know you can age beer, I'm not sure what I found are candidates for such treatment. Before I toss any of it though, I figured this would be a good place to check in with to see if anything may be salvageable. Everything was stored out of direct sun, under a desk in bags in a box.

    Capt Lawrence - Xtra Gold American Tripel Ale
    Brewery Ommegang - Witte
    Brewery OmmeGang - Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend
    Brooklyn - Local 1
    He'Brew - Jewbelation Eleven
    Southern Tier - Unearthly IPA
    Southhampton - Biere de Garde
    Southhampton - Abbot 12

    While I don't have high hopes, as a beer lover, I cringe at throwing all this out before figuring out what I have.

    I appreciate any help you folks might be able to provide.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Chefmilo, May 17, 2013
  2. Cenosillicaphobe

    Cenosillicaphobe Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2011 Maine

    I say open them all and drainpour the fallen.
     
    #2 Cenosillicaphobe, May 17, 2013
    Eriktheipaman, RStang13, Tacoboomerang and 2 others like this.
  3. Chefmilo

    Chefmilo Initiate (0) May 17, 2013 New York

    That is so sad. I was figuring at least the Southamptons might be salvageable.
     
    #3 Chefmilo, May 17, 2013
  4. grantcty

    grantcty Savant (1,016) Feb 17, 2008 Minnesota
    Trader

    I wouldn't see why the Abbott 12 wouldn't be salvageable. It's 10% and there's a good chance it's held up. I think what the other poster was saying is open them (I would say some of them sooner rather than later) and see if they're still good. If not, just dump 'em.
     
    #4 grantcty, May 17, 2013
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  5. paulys55

    paulys55 Initiate (0) Aug 2, 2010 Pennsylvania

    If this happened to me, the beers would be in my fridge and I would open them one by one and just drainpour the bad ones....they were free so no harm, no loss.
     
    #5 paulys55, May 17, 2013
  6. Infinite1

    Infinite1 Initiate (0) Jul 2, 2010 Illinois

    I say taste them all
     
    #6 Infinite1, May 17, 2013
  7. Cenosillicaphobe

    Cenosillicaphobe Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2011 Maine

    Exactly...only feed the bad ones to your sink...but they're all worth at least a sip.
     
    #7 Cenosillicaphobe, May 17, 2013
  8. Chefmilo

    Chefmilo Initiate (0) May 17, 2013 New York

    Sounds like a plan, thanks folks!
     
    #8 Chefmilo, May 17, 2013
  9. templar316

    templar316 Initiate (0) Apr 6, 2007 Pennsylvania

    I'm sure the 3 Philosophers is awesome!
     
    #9 templar316, May 17, 2013
    Gosox8787, Eriktheipaman, LOCAL and 3 others like this.
  10. Cenosillicaphobe

    Cenosillicaphobe Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2011 Maine

    Yup...and the Jewbelation 11 could be interesting.
     
    #10 Cenosillicaphobe, May 17, 2013
  11. bramsdell

    bramsdell Initiate (0) May 27, 2011 North Carolina

    Time has certainly hurt the Unearthly and the Witte. The others are a mixed bag. I'll bet the 3 Philosophers is pretty amazing.

    Remember: there's nothing in old beer that can harm you. Don't throw anything else. Pop it, have a taste. If it's garbage, at least you know. You never know until you try.
     
    #11 bramsdell, May 18, 2013
  12. RDMII

    RDMII Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Georgia

    Agreed. Open and try them all to at least know for sure. Betting a few of them will be great.
     
    #12 RDMII, May 19, 2013
  13. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,157) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    In Memoriam Pooh-Bah Trader

    And check back in with the results, that is what this forum is for, not just to share advice, but to share results.
     
    #13 cavedave, May 20, 2013
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  14. aty11b

    aty11b Initiate (0) Mar 25, 2013 Texas

    It doesnt hurt to atleast try them...
     
    #14 aty11b, May 20, 2013
  15. Chefmilo

    Chefmilo Initiate (0) May 17, 2013 New York

    I'm going to try and get them home in the next week or so and I will absolutely post results as I taste.

    Thanks again all for the input!
     
    #15 Chefmilo, May 22, 2013
    Tacoboomerang likes this.
  16. Poorpatz

    Poorpatz Zealot (522) Apr 27, 2010 Massachusetts
    Trader

    The three philosophers should have a date on the bottle. I have had good luck aging the three philosophers currently have a vertical going back to 2010 last tasting 12and 10 were the best. Let us know what has held up and ages of bottles if you can.
     
    #16 Poorpatz, May 23, 2013
  17. Ahappyhiker2

    Ahappyhiker2 Initiate (0) Mar 27, 2013 New Jersey

    Try them all.
     
    #17 Ahappyhiker2, May 25, 2013
  18. HighWine

    HighWine Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2010 Illinois

    Let them rest in the glass for a few minutes after your first sip. The flavors can sometimes change once the beer breathes after a long rest.
     
    #18 HighWine, May 25, 2013
  19. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    The Unearthly actually holds up pretty well with some age. The hops dissipate and it takes on a more barleywine quality. The witte is probably the fallen soldier, but give it a shot. Everything else should be good to go. Nice find.
     
    #19 Jwale73, May 27, 2013
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