Expedition

Probably not the proper forum to discuss trading aspects but Expo is indeed a shelf beer for wherever Bell's distros. Sixers go for about $16 here. And to keep back on topic, tons of nice threads in this forum detailing great experiences with cellaring Expo. Check 'em out. You've prompted me to bring a bottle up from the cellar so thank you!

 

Yeah, it's almost always readily available when in season. Bell's website even suggests that it ages indefinitely, so it's 100% cellar-able. 2 years ago I started putting 12 away every year and haven't touched them since, so I'm hoping to get to ~10 years out before touching those.

 

It's not year-round, but I can still find 6 packs here in a few suburban stores. It's an unbelievable beer and haven't found a peak on aging it yet, going back to 2010.

 

Expedition Vertical anyone?

 

Expedition has been available pretty much year round from Leukens Liquor (although they don't always list the year). It's been on the site continuously for at least 2 yrs now. Got my 2014 six pack going for a little bit still, open one every 4 months.

 

Not only can you get it fairly easily, you can often get pre-aged sixers depending on parts of the country. In stores that keep a large inventory, I've absolutely gotten sixers that were already almost a year and a half old on shelves. All the inventory here is from early September, so it's a decent 5 month head start of room temp aging.

 

Since you're putting 12 away per yr., maybe you should start doing some verticals around yr. 6 or 7. That way you could catch it if it starts to fall off. I've done a fair bit of poking around and it seems most people don't keep it around that long but I have seen a few reviews suggesting it peeks around 5 yrs. or so. That being said I've only had it up to about 2.5 yrs. Good luck, sounds like fun.

 

id say peak at 5 years. ive had it as old as 13 years old and it was still pretty good. very interesting at that age but i probably wont let anymore go for that long. i think the oldest i currently have is 2008 right now and will likely drink that soon.

 

I had a vertical of 2006 - 2014 (this was last year). I enjoy expedition fresh, I thought it was the best with 4 years on it, and it started to fall off after that. It was cool to try like the 10 year old beer but it was so oxidized that it was barely drinkable.

 

This is most definitely one of my favorite imperial stouts!!! To me, and my taste preferences, it's pretty much flawless when fresh. I only decided to age it with last year's batch. But since I like the bitter balancing aspects, I probably won't hang on to many for too long.

 

Good to know, I might have to start drinking it before it hits that peak. I figure it's not that bad if I end up losing a few bottles down the road due to over-oxidation (because some oxidation is good, right?) since it's not like this is a $10/12 oz. bottle.

 

I had it at 2.5-3 years, and it's the best RIS I've had. At 5 years, oxidation was very much becoming an issue.

 

The only way to know is to try it yourself. Let em go for 20 years and see what happens!!!!

 

Did a vert last year not much of a difference to me plan on another this year
8300
9400
10100
11200
12400
13400
And what ever batch is available right now

 

Had a 2010 earlier this year, I felt it was fantastic. Sitting on 1 more, and some 2013 and 2014.. The bottle shop I frequent had a 2014 six pack sitting out. Someone walked in and asked if they had some, and wanted a sale price. Needless to say the 6 pack was not bought by that individual..