Aging Moloko Milk Stout

I've never tried aging a milk stout before, but my gut tells me they probably wouldn't make good candidates. The ABV is a bit on the low side and they're not extremely roasty. Of course, low ABV doesn't make a beer un-ageable. Lambics are low ABV and they are widely considered to be the best beers for aging. Nevertheless, when I buy Moloko, I keep it in the fridge and pull it out about 30-40 minutes before I drink it.

 

I traded for last years earlier this summer and at a year old it still holds up with the best milk stouts I've had. Note that I have never had Moloko fresh.

 

I had one last weekend that was a year old. I thought it was pretty tasty.

 

Same story. Excellent beer even at a yearish old.

 

As previously mentioned, I consider Moloko to be one of the best milk stouts out there. As far as "aging" I've never had Moloko with more than a little more than a year on it. It will holds up fine when properly cellared. I never buy extra Moloko with intent of cellaring them for long periods of time. I'm only concerned with having enough until the new batch is released the following year.

 

I've had a lot of Moloko. It's one of only three beers that I like from FFF. The flavor changes after two months or so from bottling. The change is a flatter mouthfeel and a more muted roastiness. I still enjoy it after that point, but since I realized that the flavor changes for the worse, I don't drink it that old anymore. Some people will surely disagree that the flavor gets worse, but it definitely changes. The old cellaring advice applies here. If you can, drink one fresh and then try one aged and see for yourself what you like best.

 

I've only had Moloko at around a year old (no idea how it was stored, though -- I assume well), and I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I can't imagine it being better fresh, actually.