Experiences with GI Sofie

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by Hoppy_Time, Jul 17, 2016.

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  1. Hoppy_Time

    Hoppy_Time Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2016 Maine

    Saw a 2016 Goose Island Sofie today and impulse bought it (not something you find in Maine every day). Seem to remember something about it being great with a couple years on it, was wondering what you guys think, break into soon or throw it in the cellar and forget about it until 2018? Any good or bad experiences with previous batches?
     
    #1 Hoppy_Time, Jul 17, 2016
  2. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    First question, have you had it fresh? If not I'd say enjoy it that way, the find another for aging.

    The longest I've personally aged one is a year, but I've got a couple of 12 oz bottles in the basement waiting to have again since I enjoy noticing the changes with the year old last time. Also I've got two more 12 overs in the basement to save for two years out from bottling because I know people who think it is also great with 2 years.
     
    #2 drtth, Jul 17, 2016
  3. Hoppy_Time

    Hoppy_Time Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2016 Maine

    Bottle shop got two 750ml, and that was it. Haven't had it before.
     
    #3 Hoppy_Time, Jul 17, 2016
  4. redmagik99

    redmagik99 Initiate (0) May 15, 2007 California

    Just had a June 2015 bottle last night - much prefer it fresh. Developed a strong phenolic note that was not pleasant.
     
    #4 redmagik99, Jul 18, 2016
  5. Hoppy_Time

    Hoppy_Time Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2016 Maine

    Guess I'll have to see if they have that other bottle still tomorrow. Then I can drink one and cellar one.
     
    #5 Hoppy_Time, Jul 18, 2016
  6. lookrider

    lookrider Savant (1,208) Apr 22, 2007 Pennsylvania
    Trader

    I would definitely try to get that other bottle. I love Sofie fresh but with 2 years on it, for me, it turns into something special
     
    #6 lookrider, Jul 19, 2016
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  7. Robtobfest

    Robtobfest Initiate (0) Oct 21, 2009 Connecticut

    This beer is much better with 2 plus years on it IF you like Brett. Almost zero Brett present when fresh. The 2012 batches are unreal right now!
     
    #7 Robtobfest, Jul 20, 2016
  8. Dupage25

    Dupage25 Savant (1,044) Jul 4, 2013 Antarctica

    If you like brett yeast, this is it---this is your new go-to cheap brett beer. Basically no brett presence when fresh but funk starts to show up around 12 months, and very present at 2 years. I've never had a bad experience with aged Sofie between 6 months and 3 years, which is currently the oldest bottle I have ever had.

    I miss the days when Goose Island used to have no fewer than three easily-available cheap(ish) brett beers: Sofie, Matilda, and Fleur. Fleur in particular was really an outstanding "half sour," if you will; it actually had some subtle lactic tones from the kombucha culture they fermented the beer with.
     
    #8 Dupage25, Aug 10, 2016
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