Sierra Nevada BIGFOOT Ale

I started with '09 so this year's will complete a 5 year vertical. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to stop there or keep it going. I'm just ready for the 2013 batch to show up in Oklahoma already!

 

Did 2000 thru 2009 a few years ago. They were all still tasty, though '00 thru '05 were not optimal (a bit oxidized).

 

In March 2011 I did a vertical of '07-'11. I thought the 2007 was the best, followed by the 2008, and then the 2011. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the oldest the most. I believe the ’08 and ’09 were too sweet, while the 2011 tasted lighter and much hoppier. The ’06 and ’07 were well balanced and still had an amazing amount of bitterness and lovely aroma. I was really encouraged by how well these are aging.

This Friday I'm actually doing it again with '07 through '13 and will report back!

 

Its too bad we can't drink 5 vintages of the same beer, all fresh, and then drink the aged vintages. Or any combination thereof. Time to go invent a time travel machine!

 

Bigfoot would be a great beer to vertical! It's delicious when it's fresh I can't imagine how awesome it would be 5 years mellowed! We've already the 13' batch here in MD hopefully you'll get it soon!

 

Not exactly the same but you could store some of a vintage in a very cold, dark fridge while the rest goes in the cellar, won't be the same as fresh but you would get a closer approximation than any other option, Delorean not withstanding...

 

I sampled a 2006 vintage bottle on Sunday. It was a bit oxidized but still pretty tasty.

 

Did this vertical tasting over the weekend. Aside from the Barrel Aged Bigfoot, which stole the show, the 2008 and 2010 were everyone's favorites. The oldest, 2007, was the only one showing signs of oxidation, yet it was still tasty. But something about '08 and '10 were unique and especially enjoyable.

 

In 2011 local bar had 2002 to 2010 on tap our group all agreed the 2002 was the best while 2009 and 10 legume very good where not as good.