BCBS, KBS, and Backwoods Question

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by Billy1856, May 2, 2013.

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  1. Billy1856

    Billy1856 Initiate (0) Aug 20, 2012 Texas

    On a trade in progress I'll be receiving one KBS, BCBS, and Backwoods Bastard. I know the general rule of thumb is to only age a beer if you have more than one so that you can compare it to being fresh and how it develops over time. These are all beers that I don't have easy access to. So with that being said, should I drink them now? Or sit on them for a little bit, as I want the best experience with each one.
     
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  2. Infinite1

    Infinite1 Initiate (0) Jul 2, 2010 Illinois

    Drink now.. But that would just be my opnion
     
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  3. CLaBarre

    CLaBarre Initiate (0) Feb 22, 2013 Iowa

    Trade for 2 of each!
     
  4. JMagee

    JMagee Initiate (0) Jan 2, 2013 New York


    Depends what you consider aging. Assuming the KBS is 2013, it's fresh (probably a month old). Drink now

    Most likely it's a 2012 BWB, which got put into barrels about a year ago, and bottled in November-ish, (I think they are drinking fantastic right now, even better then fresh) so drink ASAP.

    And Similarly for the BCBS, it's probably a 2012, which was bottled in October/November. I thought this year's BCBS was delicious fresh and expect it to get better. So that one is a toss up.
     
  5. beercanman

    beercanman Initiate (0) Dec 17, 2012 Ohio

    Drink em. If ya like em, hunt more down.
     
  6. TheBeerDad

    TheBeerDad Initiate (0) Sep 6, 2012 Michigan

    Drink the backwoods now, bcbs i enjoy with at least a year and the kbs is a craps shoot i like it with age and fresh.
     
  7. rgilbert

    rgilbert Initiate (0) Jul 4, 2010 New Jersey

    This is your beer so you can do whatever you want with it. There are no "rules". Everyone's palate is different.

    However, what's the point in aging something if you've never had it before? I thought each of those beers were fantastic when I had them fresh. But to each their own.
     
  8. OddNotion

    OddNotion Pooh-Bah (1,915) Nov 1, 2009 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    Drink the Backwoods Bastard as soon as you possibly can. I have drinken them anywhere from 1 month old to 3 years and I feel the longer its in the bottle the more it depreciates in taste. I feel it loses barrel character extremely quickly when compared to the others.
     
  9. dazedandconfused

    dazedandconfused Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2008 New Jersey

    Backwoods is excellent with year on it. BCBS I think is too hot unless there's 2-3 years on it. And KBS I've found is best fresh. Had a year old bottle I forgot about and just wasn't the same.
     
  10. jaIsPoAn

    jaIsPoAn Initiate (0) Aug 1, 2012 New York

    Drink those puppies on special occasions
     
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  11. Ahappyhiker2

    Ahappyhiker2 Initiate (0) Mar 27, 2013 New Jersey

    Definitely wait a year on the KBS, drink BCBS fresh.
     
  12. jasinviso

    jasinviso Initiate (0) Nov 11, 2006 New Jersey

    If it is your first time trying them I would say no brainer drink now
     
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  13. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,157) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    In Memoriam Pooh-Bah Trader

    Yes, you can see that benefits of aging beer, like beauty, largely are in the eye of the beholder. Some folks prefer fresh, some folks think proper cellaring can improve some beers, and no consensus on which.

    Your original thought that what is the point of aging if never had fresh is right on the money. Pick a night, and crack those babies with a good friend. If you like, Texas beers can certainly get you multiples of any of these in trade.
     
  14. Gotti311

    Gotti311 Initiate (0) Mar 22, 2009 Wisconsin
    Trader

    I think Backwoods Bastard and KBS are a matter of personal preference. Both are absolutely mind blowing so I would just drink both and see if you like them. Then you can trade for more.

    I just tried a 2012 BCBS and it is finally starting to chill out. Please give this beer 12-18 months. I promise it will be a more enjoyable experience.
     
  15. Treyliff

    Treyliff Grand Pooh-Bah (5,025) Aug 10, 2010 West Virginia
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Backwoods mellows out nicely with some age on it, but you can't go wrong fresh or aged with that beer, it's amazing either way.
     
  16. eatabagofbooger

    eatabagofbooger Initiate (0) Mar 27, 2009 Oregon

    All are great fresh. I like bcbs equally fresh and aged up to around 3-4 years. It changes a lot, but it's neither better but worse with some age. I prefer BB with 1-2 years, but think it's amazing fresh and won't hesitate to drink a fresh one. KBS is the only one I have a strong preference with-definitely drink this one fresh. The coffee flavors go south pretty quickly.
     
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