aging Rodenbach Grand Cru.

I had a bottle that was about three-and-a-half years old a month or two ago-- bottle date from September 2013. The taste was sweeter than usual with strong cherry and some vanilla. The oak was still in there, and while it definitely had a strongly tart finish, it didn't have the sharp edge I enjoy in a fresher bottle. Super smooth mouthfeel. Not bad, just different.

I recommend trying one the day you get them. You'll know if you want to try it smoother and less biting, or whether you want to start sessioning them right away.

 

The book "Vintage Beer" says 1-2 years is best for what they call "sweetness" and 4-6 years for toffee and dried fruit. They don't see a benefit to aging beyond six years, but say it doesn't drop off very quickly after that either.

 

wait...cases, not packs, for $13? and you left with nothing?

BUY! BUY! BUY!

 

Woah, I missed the "cases" part. That's a reasonable price for a bottle around here. Getting my bus ticket to Vermont now.

 

nice graph! I was honestly just today looking for cellar notes. the past few months i've gone through a couple packs and halfway through the second finally noticed the exp. date, Sep 2017. So my only grand cru experience is at least 14 mo.s. I did have an Alexander that, while still very tasty, didn't have as much pronounced tartness and slight vinegary-ness. sweetness dropping off precipitously would certainly reflect that. I can only surmise that 'fruitiness' is analogous to 'tartness'?

 

The book uses those same categories in a bunch of aging profiles, so I'm not sure exactly where tartness fits in their graph here. In my experience, the beer was decidedly less tart with a few years on it than I remember it fresh. That allowed the cherry and vanilla to pop a lot more, making it actually seem somewhat Alexander-like (although not that extreme).

 

i have had it at the 6 year mark and it is really really good. thinking of letting all the ones in my cellar go to that mark. i would totally buy all the cases they had if they are 13 a piece. sounds way to good to be true. you sure you dont mean 4-packs?

 

750s usually go for $10-12 EACH!! Buy buy buy!

 

Good call. I'll look for your annual review here for the next decade or so.

 

Unless it's an IPA, lager, or something super light, $13 a case for a beer that sells for $13 a bottle shouldn't even be questioned. Buy it. Twice. While there's plenty of suggestions on aging, you're getting a great deal on a beer that is still going to taste great.

 

There is also beer trading you could get into- trade $4$ for out of state locals that in styles you like.

 

Worth it, my father opened a 10 year old bottle last weekend and was very impressed, I was unfortunately away that weekend....Anyway he has about 20 bottles all over 6 years old and he knows his stuff

 

had a 2009 2 months ago, since the beer is pasteurized (been told on a brewery visit by the people themselves) i understanded that the basetaste didnt change a lot like non pasteurized beers. was better than fresh by miles tho but have to drink it slow and for the taste.

 

Personally, if its Belgian you can ignore the date. If you find 5-20 year old Orval or Abt 12 buy it and don't think twice about it. $13 a case is just insane.

 

Anyone know how long prior to the Best By date this beer was bottled? I bought one a couple months ago and best by is December 2017 already.