Has anyone opened an older corked and caged La Folie recently? If so, which year and how was it drinking?
No, the C&C bottles (2009 and earlier) were unpasteurized. That's why they're more desirable for cellaring.
Here's some more information if you're interested: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/la-folie.76120/#post-1748770 http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/c-c-la-folie-04-07.87879/#post-1323125 http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/04-la-folie.134048/#post-1975487
That last link made me sad seeing my homie Curtis' post =( To the OP: Back in January we opened up 2003 to 2009 Caged Corked. They were great, but damn sour. If you want to know more on why the changes took place read this interview http://embracethefunk.com/2012/06/26/lauren-salazar-of-new-belgium-qa/
I just had a pour of the 2008 vintage yesterday. It's still pretty tasty, but I definitely wouldn't have been able to identify it as La Folie compared to a fresh bottle.
Sure. It was definitely sour, but the aromas and flavors were more earthy and dirty than the sour fruit notes I get from a fresh bottle.
I was at New Belgium yesterday and they told me the new bottles are not pasteurized...I also had thought otherwise.
That's not at all in line with what was said in this article, which all seems to make sense. Does anyone have a reputable contact at NB?
Yeah, it's strange. I asked the guy three times too...as I've read the same article, same quote. And he kept saying no...as we were talking specifically about corked and caged bottles versus new bottles. Maybe he didn't know what he was talking about; then again, the employees at NB are about as good as it gets at being knowledgeable about their product. But I'm guessing he was mistaken. But he wouldn't budge.
Crazy! Well, you get an "A" for effort. I actually emailed NB after reading your comment, so we'll see what they say.
I've got a 2007 C&C bottle coming my way in a couple weeks. I'm excited to try it, and I'll report back!
I have read in many articles that all the sour beers at NB are pasteurized and NB seems quite happy with the results they get with their pasteurized beers so I'd be shocked if this year's La Folie wasn't also pasteurized. Not saying it isn't a possibility, but I just don't see it. Would love to be proven wrong.
I've done more research, and every post/story I've read says it's 'flash pasteurized,' I'm thinking that dude at the taproom didn't know what the hell he was talking about...
