Bells Expedition Stout bottle freshness

Id imagine the sweet spot for most american stouts is 3-5 years depending on how cold it was stored and so on.

 

I've had 10 yr. old Expedition stout that was amazing!!!

 

Any idea if it was cold stored? I've had a 20 year old IRS and it was good but I'd be willing to bet it was better with far less time on it.

 

It was Cellared, not cold stored. I wouldn't think twice about drinking a properly cellared 20 yr. old Expedition Stout.

 

It was a 1993 Courage not Bells Expedition.

Just driving home the point that, in my opinion, most imperial stouts don't really gain anything after 5 years.

 

It just hit the shelves here. Might need some bottle conditioning b4 release?

But like I said, easiest freakin date code to read. Love bells fir that

 

I prefer it fresh

 

Me too, most beers are better fresh.

 

Not to go off topic but I saw a 6'er of Third Coast Old Ale with a 7/16 or 26/13 bottle date the other day and was wondering the exact same thing.

But fresh or aged, Expedition is one of my favorite stouts.

 

It's Expedition Stout, freshness is irrelevant. Please lock this thread!

 

It ages very well. It isn't so clear, but that says 3-2-94, batch 1331, 12.16% ABV. In pen. And the label was affixed by hand. We drank it 2 years ago on Eccentric Day with Larry. It held up quite nicely.

 

Third Coast Old Ale is great with a little age. I've never notice a drop off, but I also haven't had one that was 3+ years old or anything.