Yes. We did a vertical in January & the 2012 was the only one clearly worse that the others; if I recall correctly it had an off, musty taste to it. I had never experienced that before in any BCS; I figured I had a bad bottle, but wondered if there was something about the year that isn't going well in the bottle. I'm interested to find out if others have had a similar experience.
I have one bottle left that Im planning to drink when 2015 released. Ill let you know then but I hope not..
I just did a 2011-2014 vertical a month ago and I think the main reason for 2012 variation is the lack of oxygen capturing liners in the 2012. When I opened them all, 2011 and 2012 just had crowns with very little liner. The 2013 and 2014 batches had the more robust liners. That being said, the 2012 was the star of our vertical for sure. 2014 was good and a little on the hot side, 2013 was all barrel and aggressive, 2012 was smooth, mellow, and just everything you would imagine BCBS to be, while the 2011 was good, but had definitely rounded third and started heading for home. 2011 was essentially 2012 but with less carbonation and the very slight beginnings of oxidation.
What's everyone's sweet spot for BCBS? I've had it at about a year (that was the '12); I had a fresh '14 and it needed time, definitely. Usually I wait about a year for BA stuff, but I thought even the year old version could have been a little mellowed. I only have one bottle (I drank the other fresh). I'm kind of in no rush to drink it. Thoughts?
My thoughts were three years before we did our vertical, which we did blind, but the results were all over the place. My personal top three were 11, 07, 09...so take that for what it's worth (nothing).
Depends on the batch, but sweetspot is 1-3.5 years in my opinion. 2013 could use maybe 2 years, but still drinks fine at 1.
Alright. The date on my bottle is 9.18.14. Looks like maybe we drink this on Patriots opening day 2016.
For sure. 2014 has been the most ready-to-drink batch when fresh that I have had, but it will definitely mellow a little and be awesome at the 1 year mark.
I just cracked one up earlier this week and it was mighty good. glad i still have a few left. hoping the others taste the same way.
I agree. 3 years and my personal disclaimer on the "3 year rule" is 2009 vintage. 2009 was awesome fresh and every single bottle has been amazing of 2009. 2009 batch spanks the crowd favorite 2008 batch by a huge margin too.
I agree with you it doesnt NEED time to be good....i like to cellar these types of beers just to see what happens, not in any way expecting they will definitively get better.
There were a few '13 kegs that popped up here in the city a few months ago (April/May) that were magically delicious.
