Best after dates on beer labels

I disagree. The preference and tastes of each individual consumer aren't something to be demanded. Some people might like a beer like The Beast fresh, while others might like it with 2-3 years on it. It is not up to the brewer to push an expectation on a consumer because no two people are alike.

It is hard to put a BEST AFTER date on beers because some beers are better fresh but change and are altered with age, leading to a whole different beer (see Stone Old Guardian), one which may not only not resemble the intended style but one that some people might find much more appealing.

Like yourself, I found The Beast with around 4 months on it to be absolutely awful. I had it once back in 2009, when it might have had around 11-12 months on it (not too sure, wasn't really into checking things like that back in college) and I found it be to phenomenal.

 

Absolutely.

I've had OG a ton of times, usually always within 6 months, and it is always a very hoppy, delicious barleywine. I drank a bottle a month ago that I had been saving since early 2012 and it was like a completely different beer. If you had done a blind taste test with fresh and 2+ year OG side by side, you would literally not be able to tell it was the same beer. Honestly, 2 year OG was absolutely amazing. Slight hop aroma and flavor, but nothing compared to fresh. Tasted more like an English BW.

 

I know I'm dreaming but I wish breweries would just age the beers for me. I got some Black Butte and some Abyss that I'm saving for later this year when they reach the best after date. They pretty much forced me to start cellaring.

 

Yah think I am going to leave my Beast in the box for a long time to come, and my Mephistopheles too. If I find a Samael to throw in will it open a gateway to hell in the cellar box?

 

Oh yeah for sure I would age that too. I was just hoping for some kinda Ghostbusters like gateway opening up. Maybe I could pull beer out of it, or have it demon delivered, maybe some Heady or Pliny or something.
Seriously though, I kinda Like best after dates on things that are best aged. On the other hand huge beers like Averys demons can sit for years before they may or may not be palatable. Generally you don't see best after dates with years to go. But what do I know.