Late '80s Thomas Hardy

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by TWStandley, May 16, 2012.

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  1. TWStandley

    TWStandley Pooh-Bah (2,166) Jan 15, 2008 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hey there,

    I was recently gifted a 1988 Thomas Hardy Ale for my birthday (I was born in 88). Wondering if anyone has sampled one from around this time period (86-92), and what their experience was. I am planning on holding on to it and drinking it next year on my 25th birthday.
     
    #1 TWStandley, May 16, 2012
  2. Verecund

    Verecund Initiate (0) Aug 31, 2008 Texas

    If you look through recent reviews, you can get a pretty good picture of people's experiences with the Eldridge Pope vintages over the past few years. As with any bottle that age, quality depends in large part on storage conditions.

    I opened a 1986 vintage last year [at the 25-year mark], and it was very good. Unsurprisingly, there was a good dose of sherry oxidation and sugary raisin/prune, but there was also a chalky, bittersweet cocoa note that combined nicely with the sweeter elements of the flavor profile. Even if your experience isn't quite the same, I think your twenty-fifth birthday would be a good time to open your bottle.
     
    #2 Verecund, May 17, 2012
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