Fruet in Chicago

If I'm not mistaken, historically there were strong versions of old ales and barleywines that were brewed in England that were intended to be aged, sometimes for as long as decades.

 

Here's some info on one variation: a Scottish Majority Ale. Seems to walk the line between an old ale and barleywine. It actually was brewed at the time of the birth of a child, then aged, and finally opened on the child's 21st birthday:

Check the "Variations" section:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_ale

Here's a recipe for all of you home brewers. Note the final paragraph that says to age at least 5 years with a goal of 21 years:

http://www.brewmasterswarehouse.com/recipe/40327186/paranoid-brewing-catherine-wheel-majority-ale

 

Correct. A properly made one can last decades. On my birthday this year (30), i'll be popping some bottles of Gales Prize Old Ale and Thomas Hardy's of the same vintage, the year of my birth, 1982.

 

That's really cool. I really wonder what a 30 year-old Old Ale will taste like. Really love the history behind brewing in various countries and cultures.

 

Well there's some 2001 Conquest on my shelves, although i'm not going to lie, it oxidized WAY more than i expected it too. Kinda hard to recommend to people because of that.

Anyway, English ales are my favorites, and i'm a giant fan of the Harvey's/Gales/Hardy's/JW Lees/etc...i have multiple Hardy's stashed away from both breweries it came from. It's kinda cool, each bottle tastes a bit different. The last 2006 Hardy's (i think it was the last year it was brewed at Eldridge Pope) tasted like honey and crackers dipped in a sherry cask, with a chewy toffee body. Pretty cool.

 

Thanks for the south loop tip. Picked up a fruet. About 15 bottles on shelf. I missed naked evil. I guess it sold out. If anyone sees it in the city. Would appreciate a holler.

 

Have not had Fruet yet, but 100% Cuir was sublime when i had it in early December. I'm gonna give this baby 6 mo, but thats also because i have too many coffee-laiden beer to drink right now

 

No problem...Castle Vav (Binny's--Lincoln Park) had quite a bit of BA Naked Evil on the shelf today. Limit one. I'm not sure if there is any left.

 

Awesome. shooting for an early day of work. will check out Binny's on grand to avoid the extra trip to LP. thanks!

 

Anyone seen this at Binnys in Arlington Heights?? What about White Oak?

 

Was at Binny's Naperville just before closing, still had Fruet and White Oak.

 

picked up a fruet and white oak at binny's LP this afternoon -- neither were on the shelf, not sure how much they had left

 

Waiting to hear something from Arlington Heights!

 

Saw lots left at Binny'S on grand

 

Cracked a bottle with some folks on Tuesday night. It was a couple hours into a tasting, but it wasn't as mind blowingly good as BA Cuir. Seemed like it was blended in a way that its great right now, and will probably be great for another couple of years, but isn't as hot and boozy as BA Cuir / BA Coton were when they were fresh. Seems like the 4 year solera (and I would personally love to know what kind of percentages are being used) is the perfect sweet spot for great drinking out of the gate. While I don't think age will harm it for at least 18 months, I offer my typical suggestion to try and get at least 2 so you can drink one and age one.

Or hold on to your bottle and wait till Darien / myself / someone else you know gets their Bruery Reserve shipments in to crack one with you.

Cheers!

 

Looks like they still have a full shelf. They also have lots of Lolita and Juliet, mmmmm