Oxidized beer????

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by HIGHPA, Dec 21, 2016.

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  1. HIGHPA

    HIGHPA Zealot (624) Aug 21, 2008 Illinois
    Trader

    I was just looking at a bottle in my cellar that is about 6 years old. Anyway, I noticed some condensation inside the bottle near the top. Does that mean that the beer is getting air inside the bottle? That is the only reason I can think of that would leave condensation inside the bottle. The other beers sweat a little when I have the door open and let the warm air in. But just a few drops. And never on the inside. Just the outside. Any thoughts? Is this beer skunked? Is it garbage now? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
     
    #1 HIGHPA, Dec 21, 2016
  2. Raj

    Raj Maven (1,272) Jun 25, 2014 Illinois
    Trader

    Oxidation occurs in all beer as it ages. Oxidation doesn't have to be a bad thing, it can bring out desirable flavors such as smoothness, caramel, dark fruits or bad flavors like cardboard. Some beers get better with age/oxidation, others do not.

    So yes, your 6 year old beer is oxidized just by virtue of aging it for 6 years. Condensation in the cap probably means the seal is not air tight. Oxidation will not hurt you. The only want to know if the beer tastes good is to drink it.

    In case you want to read more about oxidation:
    https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/zymurgy/oxidation-good-beer-gone-bad/
    https://beerandbrewing.com/VgV-yB0AAOAAUuRh/article/barrel-aged-beer-to-cellar-or-not-to-cellar

    I'm sure there is a thread on this forum which can help you as well. Good luck!
     
    #2 Raj, Dec 22, 2016
  3. RDMII

    RDMII Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Georgia

    What kind of beer? Barleywine? You're better off now that it's oxidized. IPA? Pour it out. As said, all beer will oxidize, how much, to what degree, and what it does depends on the beer.
     
    #3 RDMII, Dec 30, 2016
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