Bell’s “best by” dates

Hill Farmstead is funny. They'll give you a best by date, but it's like 17 days after canning lol

 

In terms of Imperial IPAs (9-10 + ABV), I don’t buy often, and prefer them with a few months refrigerated to smooth / balance it out. For standard IPA, fresh is typically better, though they last a good length of time refrigerated.

I believe NB used to post both the packaged and best by dates on their IPA cans, not sure if that is still the case.

Bells also has extended there recommended shelf life dates on other beers since the jump to Kirin / NB. Exterminate! I’d still buy Expedition Stout if I could find it.

 

Pliny the Younger and a local Vegas offering (Hop Nuts' Anniversary Beers) are head and shoulders my favorite two Imperial IPAs. I've had a few Imperial IPA four packs from other breweries who will remain nameless which I didn't like very much. They were a bit more acceptable after a few months, but not ones I would return to fresh or "aged". I understand others may feel differently, and I do agree you should try the first can fresh and go from there.

I refrigerate all beers I can fit regardless of style, with the exception of bottled lambic, saisons and BA stouts kept in a dark closet in unheated underground basement (50s F). All cans of any style should be refrigerated if possible vs. cellared or kept at room temps.

 

Oh well..
I still like beer....

 

I remember back when Firestone Walker beers were never fresh in stores and 2-3 months old or more. Now I rarely can find any beers I want to buy from stores that aren’t at least 2-3 months old. Too much beer/ not enough consumers I suppose.