Great Divide Old Ruffian

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by VTR, Jan 16, 2015.

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  1. VTR

    VTR Initiate (0) Jul 20, 2014 Florida

    I have an old Ruffian that was bottled 12/19/12. I have never had it fresh but have read it is really hoppy. I am not huge on hops. If I want to let the hops die down a little how long should I wait? How long is too long with this one.
     
    #1 VTR, Jan 16, 2015
  2. RDMII

    RDMII Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Georgia

    I don't mind it fresh and I'm not a hop guy, but I enjoy it a lot more at two years or more.
     
    #2 RDMII, Jan 16, 2015
  3. OddNotion

    OddNotion Pooh-Bah (1,915) Nov 1, 2009 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    1-2 years has been a sweetspot for me. I love this beer fresh or with age!
     
    #3 OddNotion, Jan 16, 2015
  4. jmdrpi

    jmdrpi Grand High Pooh-Bah (8,989) Dec 11, 2008 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    I've had at 4 years will good results
     
    #4 jmdrpi, Jan 16, 2015
  5. polloenfuego

    polloenfuego Pooh-Bah (2,346) Jan 26, 2013 Canada (NB)
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Oddly, I just had one last week with a bottle date about the same.

    The hops were still there, and there were some very interesting flavors. I was a little disappointed in it in all honesty. I didn't think it came together very well at all.

    But hey, your mileage may vary.
     
    #5 polloenfuego, Jan 16, 2015
  6. mattosgood

    mattosgood Initiate (0) Jan 13, 2014 Massachusetts

    Reviving this a bit. I picked up a four-pack, dated January 2015. Shared it last night and the crowd was pleased. Mostly hopheads who were happy with the hop presence. To me, it was beginning to get a little bit of that sweetness coming forward. I have three bottles remaining. Being that I enjoy a BW more on the sweeter, maltier side, any recs?
     
    #6 mattosgood, Aug 9, 2015
  7. VTR

    VTR Initiate (0) Jul 20, 2014 Florida

    I have been sitting on this debating when I should give it a go. I have decided since it is now summer I will wait until I have some family/friends over around the holidays to share with. I am hoping it has not fallen off, but hey its part of the fun.
     
    #7 VTR, Aug 11, 2015
  8. mattosgood

    mattosgood Initiate (0) Jan 13, 2014 Massachusetts

    Ahhh ... a person after my own philosophies. I'll say this: totally depends on how many bottles you have. I had one (of four) the other night. It was hoppy and sweet at the finish and perfect for a summer night. I generally associate those cold winter nights with dark and malty beers. Old Ruffian doesn't totally qualify on that front. I'd say drink one now and put some aside. It's currently excellent.
     
    #8 mattosgood, Aug 11, 2015
  9. jmdrpi

    jmdrpi Grand High Pooh-Bah (8,989) Dec 11, 2008 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    a. I did not know that they switched to 12 oz bottles - cool.

    b. I would drink one each year. At one year, the hops are still fairly pronounced. I thought it was still nice at 4 years, and the malt had mostly taken over.

    If you truly like all malt flavor in your barleywines, pick more English-style versions as opposed to the hop heavy American ones.
     
    #9 jmdrpi, Aug 11, 2015
  10. mattosgood

    mattosgood Initiate (0) Jan 13, 2014 Massachusetts

    Totally. My cellar slants this way. Hops aren't what I'm looking for in my BW's, but there are some American versions I really like.
     
    #10 mattosgood, Aug 11, 2015
    jmdrpi likes this.
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