N00B here! Starting a "Cellar"

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by Jackstraw42, Jun 13, 2012.

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  1. Jackstraw42

    Jackstraw42 Initiate (0) Jun 13, 2012

    Hey everyone!
    So, I'm a brand spankin new member, but I've been lurking for a few years now. I recently decided to start aging a few brews. I would love everyone's opinion on my first little haul (and a couple I had, which I managed to keep my hands off of :slight_smile: )

    I acquired most of the beer from Flair Beverages in the Bronx. (Anyone who lives in the NY metro area owes it to themselves to pay this place a visit. Best prices anywhere and a selection that rivals many "craft beer stores" I've visited. Cash only.)

    (6) DFH 120 min - 12oz - June 2012 (2-4 are slated for a friend, in celebration of his 30th bday)
    (4) Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout - 12oz - 2012
    (1) Stone Russian Imperial Stout - 22oz - 2012
    (1) Stone Old Guardian Ale - 22oz - 2012
    (1) Goose Island Lolita - 22oz - 2011

    (1) Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout - 22 oz - Late 2011 (Previously acquired...to age or not to age?)
    (1) Weyerbacher Verboten - 12oz - 2010 (Not for aging, per se...Saved for sentimental value and because it's strictly verboten!)
    (1) DFH Pearl Jam Faithfull Ale - 750mL - Late 2011 (Previously acquired and not for aging. Saved solely because I love Pearl Jam. Actually, I was disappointed that the beer kinda sucks, IMHO...I think that's because it was inspired by what Eddie drinks on stage - Northwestern Pinot & Corona)

    I also picked up a some DFH 90 min and Saranac Imperial IPA, for drankin' :-)

    So, How's my zygote of a small vintage beer collection? Any other constructive comments/advice on aging beer is absolutely welcome!
     
    #1 Jackstraw42, Jun 13, 2012
  2. hopsputin

    hopsputin Grand Pooh-Bah (4,403) Apr 1, 2012 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    If you haven't had the Stone IRS fresh, I would definitely recommend picking one up and drinking it. After some age on this it really mellows out quite nice imo. Definitely worth trying both to experience the different flavor profiles

    ....that could go for any beer you age though :wink:
     
    #2 hopsputin, Jun 13, 2012
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  3. Jackstraw42

    Jackstraw42 Initiate (0) Jun 13, 2012

    I had it once or twice before. I agree, it's pretty awesome.
     
    #3 Jackstraw42, Jun 13, 2012
  4. FosterJM

    FosterJM Initiate (0) Nov 16, 2009 California

    Here what I posted and what Stupac2 was gracious enought to say to the OP

    Question 1) Have you drank them before?
    Question 2) Why do you want to cellar them
    Question 3) What are you hoping to accomplish by cellaring them?

    His respons to the OP
    Second, very few beers actually improve with age, and which ones do is largely subjective. There's not much point in aging something you haven't tried, as you have no baseline to compare to.

    Cheers?
     
    #4 FosterJM, Jun 13, 2012
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  5. InebriatedJoker

    InebriatedJoker Initiate (0) Sep 16, 2010 Ohio

    The Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout probably isn't a good aging candidate ..
     
    #5 InebriatedJoker, Jun 13, 2012
  6. Plenum

    Plenum Initiate (0) Apr 29, 2009 New Jersey

    DFH 120 will hold for at least 6 years...that's the oldest bottle I've had

    Broolyn BCS has a 5 year time limit on it, unless you like oxidized stouts

    Stone IRS goes beyond 5 years

    Stone Old Guardian - see Stone IRS

    Lolita - no idea..have only ever had it fresh
     
    #6 Plenum, Jun 13, 2012
  7. Jackstraw42

    Jackstraw42 Initiate (0) Jun 13, 2012

    Yeah, the Lagunitas I just happened to have sitting in the back of my fridge...thanks for clearing that one up.

    Foster - as for your questions...
    1) Yes I have had them, except for Lolita (that one was kind of an impulse buy, I may just drink it some time soon). I have had the Bk BCS many times and the others I have had at least once, most of them a couple times. I agree that it makes much more sense to experience a beer prior to aging. But I also think that if one's objective of aging is specifically for a comparison, than the only truly reliable way is to do a vertical tasting. Regardless of how keen someone's palate is, the phenomenon of flashbulb memory isn't so reliable.
    2) Primarily for future enjoyment. It's kind of exciting to engage in a hobby that is relatively new and not as well established...something that is still being pieced together by those with even the most expertise. Libation is fun and good beer is accessible. Did I mention I love beer? that's why we're all here, right?
    3) Good question. To experience something different, I guess? I'm starting to hear a great deal about the changes that occur in (some) artfully crafted beers over time. I kind of like that there is a little guess work involved. I also love love love the taste of dead yeast.

    Thank you for the responses so far, everyone!
     
    #7 Jackstraw42, Jun 14, 2012
  8. PGHbeer77

    PGHbeer77 Initiate (0) Jan 16, 2012 Pennsylvania

    The best thing I did to start building up my cellar was find a bottle shop that was overly concerned with "shelf life." They tend to discount beers if they are still on the shelves after whatever season they are released. And in the case of cellarable beers, that means I'm picking up bottles for my cellar at discount prices that have already aged a bit. I'm not sure if any such places exist in the Bronx, but keep on trying as many different shops as possible and look for those dusty bottles.
     
    #8 PGHbeer77, Jun 15, 2012
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  9. GRG1313

    GRG1313 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,974) Jan 15, 2009 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    FosterJM is right on. No more need be said; I agree 100% and don't listen to anyone else! Drink what you can and form your own opinions. All of this being said, almost every brewer I know will tell you that they release their beer to drink "now." Barrel aged beers are already aged for you and released when intended by the brewer/owner/brewery to drink. This is almost a universal comment when you get a brewer/brewery owner aside and get the truth!
     
    #9 GRG1313, Jun 20, 2012
  10. beerking

    beerking Initiate (0) Mar 17, 2012 Illinois

    It depends how you like your Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout ?
     
    #10 beerking, Jul 27, 2012
  11. otispdriftwood

    otispdriftwood Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2011 Colorado

    It all depends on how they were treated at the shop, i.e. exposed to direct sunlight, moved around alot, etc.
     
    #11 otispdriftwood, Jul 30, 2012
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