2010 3 Phil.

Three Philosophers may very well be my favorite beer and, in my opinion, it's magnificent fresh or with nearly any amount of age. The beer really does evolve - the quad gains complexity and that bit of kriek gains some tartness. That said, you might not experience these kinds of changes as it has been stored in the fridge where aging is slowed considerably. Since you haven't ever had it, I say pop that open. You will love it.

 

In 2010 I drank a bottle of 2003 Three Philosophers that I'd been cellering, and it was by far the best beer I've ever had! It was incredible! Wish I had saved a few more as that was the debut year. The oldest one I have now is a 2009.

 

I'll second what yamar said. The tart edge the beer gains in time really helps balance the beer. Consumed a 3 year old bottle last summer & it was excellent.

So do what you will! Keep it going, drink it now. You won't be disappointed either way.

 

When you open it, post your review.

 

It's fantastic fresh as well... but it transforms into something glorious with some years on it! The heat dies a bit, the cherry gets deeper and everything seems to blend together seemlessly. To me, it was damn close to perfection. That and a bottle of 2004 Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock that I had about a week later. So glad I still have a bottle of the '04 and '08 Chocolate Bock to open in a few years.

 

I was able to try a 2004 3Phil this weekend. The carbonation was pretty much gone, but compared to a barrel-aged '07, and a fresh, the '04 was so smooth and mellow. It;ll hold up about as long as you can hold out.