How is 2008 Surly Darkness drinking right now?

My friend and I had one two summer's ago and it was just terrible. From my understanding, it was properly cellared too. We each had a sip or two and drain poured the rest. IMO, don't waste your time or beer.

 

Anything past 2010 has not held up that well. I have had each of those in the past 6 months and all seemed oxidized. I personally won't let a Darkness sit more than 3 years.

 

As someone who has drunk a shit-ton of Darkness, old, new, & in-between, I'd heartily disagree with both posts above.

The 2008 is & always will be a sweet sugary mess of a stout. It has been since the day is rolled out of the tank, but there's no oxidation or off-tastes to speak of in any bottle I've ever had, & I've had plenty. Is it good? It's never been a favorite of mine, but to my palate it's change very little over the years.

And "don't let Darkness sit for more than 3 years" is a ridiculous statement. The '09 is divine right now. At the five year mark '07 Darkness was still one of the best beers I've ever tasted. The '08 isn't very good to my tastes, but it never was out of the bottle. The '10 is still good, but not great. Looking for a poor Darkness? The '11. Was thin & porter-like fresh & age isn't doing that vintage any favors.

YMMV. But properly cellared Darkness up to five years old, both my own & those friends who've cracked bottles, show no signs of weakness.

 

Wow didn't realize they had that much batch variation.

 

Not a direct answer but my 2012 after two years of proper cellaring was phenomenal. The best non-BA RIS I have ever had.

 

Drank an 09 in May and it was delicious. '10 is tasting the best to me right now.

 

Had a 09 on December 25th, 2013. It was superb.