'68 Thomas Hardy

I recently purchased a bottle of '68 Thomas Hardy Ale (one of the pint sized ones). The bottle was in great condition for its age (ribbon present, label intact), with only some wear on the wax covering the cork. However, upon transport of the beer, some more of the wax crumbled and I noticed that there was some slight moisture around the packaging and on the bottle itself, clearly indicating leakage. My assumption is that the cork was/is quite dried out and that this allowed some of the beer to leak out due to the movement during transport.

While the purchase was mainly because its collectability - as it is the first vintage - it would still be nice to think the beer inside may have a chance of being good (or even great, according to Patrick Dawson's review from a few years ago of a few vintages). Given what I just explained though, I have my reservations.

So, fellow BAs, my question is twofold: What are your thoughts on the beer itself, and should I re-wax the bottle?

Thank you and Prost!

Matthew

 

I was kind of thinking along that line as well. Thanks for the response!

 

Will do. I have a few other vintages in the cellar too, so at least something to compare it with.

 

I thought about drinking it after the Cubs win the World Series. That might not be as soon as I had hoped.

 

I wanted to, but unfortunately I was sick during the final few games (flu, not drunk sick :-)).

 

No corkscrew? How should I open it?

Go Cubs!

 

Thanks for the heads up! I've had that problem with older wines, ones about half the age of this bottle. I'll do some research on openers.