Do Large Format Bottles Age Better?

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by wesbray, Nov 16, 2014.

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  1. wesbray

    wesbray Initiate (0) Feb 29, 2012 Canada (AB)

    Sorry if this is a repeat post, did a search and couldn't find much information.

    A store near me that usually has a dire selection somehow has a magnum of Chimay Blue from 2010. It has been kept in the refrigerator (or so I am assured), and it's priced at $35. Thinking of getting a bottle for Christmas and one to age further. Will it age better than 750ml bottles? Storage may be something of an issue.
     
    #1 wesbray, Nov 16, 2014
  2. AndrewK

    AndrewK Savant (1,123) Oct 20, 2006 California

    Because of the higher volume to surface area ratio, larger format bottles tend to age slower, which can be viewed as better because your window for getting it in its sweet spot is longer.
     
    #2 AndrewK, Nov 16, 2014
  3. wesbray

    wesbray Initiate (0) Feb 29, 2012 Canada (AB)

    I had read a Michael Jackson article saying that the larger bottles were actually somewhat worse for aging (not sure if that is specific to the Chimay though).
     
    #3 wesbray, Nov 16, 2014
  4. youradhere

    youradhere Initiate (0) Feb 29, 2008 Washington

    I think that would be a subjective opinion on MJ's part- larger formats are worse if you want the brew to mature quickly. If you are like me and want the brew to last many years/decades, then large format better suits my intents.
     
    #4 youradhere, Nov 16, 2014
  5. AugustusRex

    AugustusRex Initiate (0) Apr 12, 2013 Canada (ON)

    I read on a bunch of BA forums that stubby bottles are more likely to develop in a more balanced way, since cork allows for more oxygen exposure.
     
    #5 AugustusRex, Nov 18, 2014
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