Cellaring Spicy Beers

The spices fall off, so - don't do it.

Next thread!

 

Unless you hate spices. I've had New Holland's Smaug's Breath twice so far, once in early September and again just last week, I liked it a LOT more the second time. First time it was just too spicy hot. Time has mellowed, or more like tempered the heat. It's still spicy but it's no longer overpoweringly so. I think anyone who enjoys the style but doesn't want to call the fire department after a drink could appreciate laying them down for a bit. I know I would.

 

I never had Vertical Epic 11-11-11 when it came out so I don't know how it tasted fresh, but when the magical date of 12-12-12 came I thought it was quite spicy from the peppers. I also enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than I thought I would, so take that for whatever it's worth.

Some people here have stated chili peppers fade slower than other spices.

 

You'll get as many opinions as you want on this one.

Depends on your palate. I like spicy food, but don't really enjoy spicy beers - because they tend to cover up the base beer if they are too spicy. Example: Cigar City Hunahpu's. Now, the vast majority of people will say "drink it fresh!" when in reality, I like it with about one to one-and-a-half years on it. At that point the spicing is beautiful, but has died back enough so you can really taste the base stout, too. Of course, Huna also has year to year variation (the first batch was very light on the heat) so there's that, too.

If you're really curious, try to put away a spicy beer you can get fairly easily, try one every three months or so, & judge for yourself.

 

I just picked up all three and was thinking the same thing. About laying them down for a bit that is. Maybe I will try Crime and see how that is. If thats insane then I will lay the big brother Punishment down.