Aging Scotch Ale

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by anglagard1, Dec 17, 2014.

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  1. anglagard1

    anglagard1 Initiate (0) Nov 17, 2010 Wisconsin

    I'm suddenly realizing the really good Scotch ale that's out there and am considering buying what's there before it disappears from the shelves. Does anyone know how well this stuff ages? Does it stay on the shelves for a while without losing anything? How about cellaring or in the fridge?
     
    #1 anglagard1, Dec 17, 2014
  2. offthelevel_bytheplumb

    offthelevel_bytheplumb Maven (1,277) Aug 19, 2013 Illinois

    What scotch ale are you talking about?
     
    #2 offthelevel_bytheplumb, Dec 17, 2014
  3. bluehende

    bluehende Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2010 Delaware

    It probably very much depends on the individual beer. A big heavy scotch ale would probably age well. Even a lighter version should not deteriorate. With such a low hop presence beer I would think there is no harm in trying. If you do not like the way they are aging as they will most certainly change some, have a big party.
     
    #3 bluehende, Dec 17, 2014
  4. anglagard1

    anglagard1 Initiate (0) Nov 17, 2010 Wisconsin

    Most of the ones I'm thinking about are at the 7.5% range. Tyranena's Sheep Shagger and Slainte from Central Waters.
     
    #4 anglagard1, Dec 17, 2014
  5. bluehende

    bluehende Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2010 Delaware

    I would think these should age well. Aging beer always involves a bit of risk that the beer changes in some way that you don't like as well, but I would think very little risk here.
     
    #5 bluehende, Dec 17, 2014
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  6. Mark_Eck

    Mark_Eck Initiate (0) Jan 19, 2014 Michigan

    Anyone tried aging Backwoods Bastard? I've got some coming to me in Feb, but the rest won't be touched until at least July. Wondering if I should keep some for another year.
     
    #6 Mark_Eck, Dec 17, 2014
  7. RDMII

    RDMII Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Georgia

    No. No one has ever aged that beer. Ever.
     
    #7 RDMII, Dec 17, 2014
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  8. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    Your mileage may vary, but I'm of the camp that Backwoods Bastard is better fresh. (Which it isn't--it's already been aged in barrels.)

    That's not to say it can't be cellared. Of course it can, but it's extremely drinkable as soon as it hits. The Founders way.

    Something more intense like Wulver? That's a different story.
     
    #8 elektrikjester, Dec 17, 2014
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  9. Mark_Eck

    Mark_Eck Initiate (0) Jan 19, 2014 Michigan

    Touché
     
    #9 Mark_Eck, Dec 19, 2014
  10. Traquairlover

    Traquairlover Initiate (0) Nov 10, 2007 Virginia

    I cannot speak to those particular beers, but the style is certainly one that often ages well. Traquair House Ale ages well. Orkney Skull Splitter ages well. I've had the former at all different ages up to a few vintages from the mid-70s that were slightly over 30 years old at the time (admittedly past their prime) and the latter up to 8 years. I personally think they taste better after 3 to 5 years, but then they don't continue to improve so much as hold their own for several more years.
     
    #10 Traquairlover, Dec 19, 2014
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  11. grumpy

    grumpy Pundit (920) May 24, 2005 Missouri

    Founders Dirty Bastard ages well. Very few will agree, but I also think Old Chub is good with a couple of years on it.
     
    #11 grumpy, Dec 21, 2014
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