Cellaring without a cellar

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by meter_, Oct 18, 2015.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. meter_

    meter_ Initiate (0) Oct 14, 2015 New York

    I picked up three bottles of Grimm Double Negative and I plan on drinking one this weekend, and aging the others for one and three years. The problem is I live in a small NYC apartment and obviously I don't have a cellar. From what I have read online, consistent temperature is most important. I'm thinking that during the coming months, keeping the bottles in a closet will be fine. But what do I do in the summer months, when the temperature in my apartment gets really hot?

    Any advice/tips on how to age/cellar beer in a small apartment without any resources to maintain consistent temperature?
     
    #1 meter_, Oct 18, 2015
  2. ChicagoNick

    ChicagoNick Savant (1,012) Nov 16, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    Just keep them someplace dark. I live in a small Chicago apartment. No cellar, either. Have had no problems keeping bottles for 1-2 years in a closet. (temps sit in the 70-75 degree range since I run an A/C unit during the summer months) The only difference is that the warmer temps will change them faster. So, pay close attention on how it has changed at the one year mark. If it has become considerably more muted or "off" tasting, I wouldn't continue aging the third bottle.

    And don't bother aging adjunct stouts. Vanillla, Coffee, etc. Keep those refrigerated or drink them within 6 months to a year. Those flavors tend to drop off much faster in warmer environments.

    I only keep big stouts, barleywines, and lambics/wild ales long term.
     
    #2 ChicagoNick, Oct 18, 2015
  3. meter_

    meter_ Initiate (0) Oct 14, 2015 New York

    Awesome, thanks.

    This is an imprerial stout, so I think it is suitable for aging, right?
     
    #3 meter_, Oct 18, 2015
  4. ChicagoNick

    ChicagoNick Savant (1,012) Nov 16, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    Should be fine. But, like I said, take note of what changes you see from fresh to one year old
     
    #4 ChicagoNick, Oct 18, 2015
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.