2013 Narwhal

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by AdmiralOzone, Aug 14, 2014.

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  1. AdmiralOzone

    AdmiralOzone Grand Pooh-Bah (4,352) Jun 26, 2014 Minnesota
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Pretty new to this whole craft beer thing. Really like stouts and porters, and have found that I don't care much for the stouts that have been "hopped". Was at the local Total Wine, and saw Narwhal in the seasonal/special release section and bought a 4 pack. Tried one the other day and really liked it, could taste the hops in the back and then saw the 2013 date, and started to think that Sierra Nevada had aged the beer before releasing it for sale. Then I saw a picture of a Narwhal on WBAYDN the other day and it had 2014 on it. Now confused. Any thoughts on what's up? I did go back and buy a couple more 4 packs (2013).
     
    #1 AdmiralOzone, Aug 14, 2014
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  2. SanFranJake

    SanFranJake Initiate (0) Nov 2, 2012 California

    The store aged the for you. Grab a four pack, have another and age the other three. This beer ages gracefully.
     
    #2 SanFranJake, Aug 14, 2014
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  3. mohawk5

    mohawk5 Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2014 New Jersey

    You should be happy last years is still around, fantastic beer.
     
    #3 mohawk5, Aug 14, 2014
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  4. AdmiralOzone

    AdmiralOzone Grand Pooh-Bah (4,352) Jun 26, 2014 Minnesota
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I did get 2 more 4 packs, thinking about going back for more. Is this the time of year that this beer normally is released?
     
    #4 AdmiralOzone, Aug 14, 2014
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  5. mohawk5

    mohawk5 Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2014 New Jersey

    If I remember right I first starting seeing it in stores around November.
     
    #5 mohawk5, Aug 14, 2014
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  6. pjvie

    pjvie Initiate (0) May 30, 2014 Oregon

    I'm surprised you saw a 2014 in the forums somewhere... that shouldn't be out yet.
     
    #6 pjvie, Aug 14, 2014
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  7. breadwinner

    breadwinner Initiate (0) Mar 6, 2014 California

    Already starting to hit stores in CA:slight_smile:
     
    #7 breadwinner, Aug 14, 2014
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  8. pjvie

    pjvie Initiate (0) May 30, 2014 Oregon

    Wow! I'll start looking for it!
     
    #8 pjvie, Aug 14, 2014
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  9. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    Hit in Georgia yesterday, so it should be out.
     
    #9 elektrikjester, Aug 14, 2014
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  10. guinness77

    guinness77 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,554) Jan 6, 2014 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    I just saw the thread title and figured the only text would be...

    Is awesome!!
     
    #10 guinness77, Aug 14, 2014
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  11. prock180

    prock180 Initiate (0) Mar 9, 2013 Arizona

    I saw some in AZ, didn't check to see if it was 13 or 14 because I really don't care for narwhal that much. This has got me curious though, I might have to just go back and pick some up. If it's 13 I might like it due to age and if it's 14 I should try again because hey palates do change. Cheers!
     
    #11 prock180, Aug 14, 2014
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  12. EnthusedAboutBeer

    EnthusedAboutBeer Pooh-Bah (1,889) May 13, 2013 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    Held onto a 2013 from last year and had it last weekend...the year of age did wonders. I found Narwhal to be a bit hot when it was fresh so I'll definitely be aging more it this upcoming year.
     
    #12 EnthusedAboutBeer, Aug 14, 2014
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  13. AdmiralOzone

    AdmiralOzone Grand Pooh-Bah (4,352) Jun 26, 2014 Minnesota
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Not sure why this got moved, I was curious to see what people thought about finding this beer on the shelves of a store. Not interested in aging it. Doubt I'll get anymore feedback now.
     
    #13 AdmiralOzone, Aug 15, 2014
  14. mactrail

    mactrail Grand High Pooh-Bah (8,999) Mar 24, 2009 Washington
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    You mean the 2013 version, still on shelves? I confess that I haven't noticed they dated Narwhal, but I'll look now. I don't shop at Total Wine for just that reason-- beer turns out to be far from fresh.
     
    #14 mactrail, Aug 15, 2014
  15. mohawk5

    mohawk5 Initiate (0) Jul 24, 2014 New Jersey

    I wasn't complaining when a couple months ago I found 2 four packs of 3Beans with a 7/13 exp date on them. :slight_smile: I think if you're a member here and have several hundred posts under your belt you should know what it is you have.
     
    #15 mohawk5, Aug 15, 2014
  16. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    Check the top label, the one that goes around the neck of the bottle. It lists the vintage, but it's so well integrated that you could miss it.

    Funny. I had that same exact issue with 3Beans this past holiday season. It was about a month out of date, but it still drank well.

    Not the first time. A few months ago, I stumbled on some 21st Amendment Marooned on Hog Island, and I needn't tell you how old that beer. Turned out to be generally great.
     
    #16 elektrikjester, Aug 16, 2014
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  17. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    By the way, I just want to confirm that Narwhal 2014 is fantastic this year. The flavor profile is consistent with the past two vintages, if not a bit better.
     
    #17 elektrikjester, Aug 16, 2014
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  18. creepinjeeper

    creepinjeeper Initiate (0) Nov 8, 2012 Missouri

    You really should try to age at least a bottle or two. IMHO, this beer is impressive fresh and just gets better with time. Sippin 2012 right now.
     
    #18 creepinjeeper, Aug 16, 2014
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  19. AdmiralOzone

    AdmiralOzone Grand Pooh-Bah (4,352) Jun 26, 2014 Minnesota
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks, I did go back and now have more to age as well.
     
    #19 AdmiralOzone, Aug 16, 2014
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  20. creepinjeeper

    creepinjeeper Initiate (0) Nov 8, 2012 Missouri

    And you, my friend, have inspired me to see if anyone has some 2013 on the shelves.
     
    #20 creepinjeeper, Aug 16, 2014
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