King's Ale - Leakage in Shipment

Was there leakage in the package? If not, it could just be the normal ullage that any liquid experiences stored in a corked bottle. Assuming this is the version from 1910 or so 1.5" seems reasonable.

If it did leak in the package, I would drink it sooner rather than later. Given the age of the beer, any acetobacter present will surely use that extra oxygen to make acetic acid. And considering the brewing methods when this beer was created, its probably pretty likely there is acetobacter in there.

After a vertical tasting I had while back, I corked a bottle of 98 JW Lees harvest that was half empty, just to see the results. It turned quite vinegary after a couple weeks.

 

Here is a guide regarding ullage in wine. Your bottle will depend on how full it was when corked, which I have no idea about.

Ullage level (in/cm)​

Appearance​

Assessment​

0.12 in (0.3 cm) High up to the cork Normal level for young wines
0.2 in (0.5 cm) High in neck Good condition for any age
0.6 in (1.5 cm) Top of the shoulders Normal for older wines. Good condition for wines over 15 years
1 in (2.5 cm) Upper part of shoulders Generally okay in older wines, especially those over 20 years
1.18-1.38 in (3-3.5 cm) Mid to mid-low shoulders Possible oxidation. Price should reflect the risk.
2.36-2.75 in (6–7 cm) Low shoulders to below shoulders Extremely risky. Possibly undrinkable

 

Yeah a lot of oxidative processes are temperature dependent so it's probably a good idea.

Let us know how it ends up. i have heard very good things about these beers.

 

Bass Kings Ale is from 1902, not 1910.

 

King's Ale is a tricky one, because while it was brewed in 1902, the "old" bottlings available are from 1905 (rare) and the large release in 1911 (up until the point of bottling, it was stored in cask and ullage is not a factor).

Lots more details here: http://www.mpeterson.co.uk/kings.htm

I don't know the effects of waxing on ullage... but I would imagine it to be significant. Rate of ullage is also highly dependent on storage conditions (basically, ullage as measure of possible quality is only effective if you also know the age of the bottle).

 

Not to mention the 1977 re-issue. I've had versions of all three without any issue though. At this point the beer inside has pretty much gone through much of what will happen. So unless it's just totally exposed, I think you're OK.

 

Well, you had better luck than I did with the King's. Mine arrived broken despite the sender's great packaging.