Freshness of stouts.

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by SerialTicker, Apr 29, 2013.

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  1. SerialTicker

    SerialTicker Pooh-Bah (2,851) Jun 18, 2012 Missouri
    Pooh-Bah

    Does it matter much?

    I ask because it seems like any time I pick up a stout at the store and get home, the date it was bottled was several months ago, while any IPAs I get are more recent. I know IPAs have a much shorter shelf life and all of that, but does the flavor of a stout change much?

    For instance, one of the stouts I picked up was Kalamazoo Stout (still haven't had it), and it was brewed late last year. I know it won't taste BAD, I'm just wondering if it would have changed at all.

    (Additionally, a "born on" or "drink by" date should be required. Half of these beers have no date.)
     
    #1 SerialTicker, Apr 29, 2013
  2. camil1mj

    camil1mj Initiate (0) Oct 4, 2010 Michigan

    Very simplified no BS answer: for 99% of them it won't make much difference. There are a few where the hops are very present (Victory Storm King), but even that one doesn't NEEd to be drank fresh. Kalamazoo definitely is just a good with age on it. Expedition is better with age on it.
     
    #2 camil1mj, Apr 29, 2013
  3. leedorham

    leedorham Initiate (0) Apr 27, 2006 Washington

    It matters. Oxidation harms stouts just as much as IPA's, maybe more for some examples, especially if they're stored at room temp. Good favors fade and carboardy stale flavors creep in.

    If they're higher abv AND stored cold, you have less to worry about.
     
    #3 leedorham, Apr 29, 2013
    TongoRad and jesskidden like this.
  4. SerialTicker

    SerialTicker Pooh-Bah (2,851) Jun 18, 2012 Missouri
    Pooh-Bah

    This is what I figured, but I just wanted to be sure. /)

    ...that's supposed to be a thumbs up.
     
    #4 SerialTicker, Apr 29, 2013
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