I'm thinking about picking up some Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shutdown Ale, but it's kind of old. It was bottled on 4/3/13, and it has spent a lot of the time sitting in the case in the cooler. What do you guys think: how much will it have changed and what will those changes have been?
Well, that is the best place for a beer that sits for a long time after bottling - cold and in the dark.
I have never drunk this beer but it appears to be a hoppy beer; below is an extract from a review for this beer: “T: Hop character comes straight through. This might be listed as a strong ale, but it's definitely quite close to a DIPA. A little bit of caramel and candied sugars. Mild spice.” My concern in purchasing a case of this beer that is over 5 months old is that the hop flavor/aroma will be diminished. Maybe you would prefer a Strong Ale that is more malty then hoppy? If so, then buy this beer. Cheers!
I had this beer back in April or May and it was delicious. Since it's a high ABV, it might still be OK but it was also very hoppy so it's probably not going to taste like it should. Can you get a single of it if you just want to try it? Also, Brown Shugga will probably be out next month, so you could wait for that.
I love this beer, but it is pretty damn hot fresh. I would think with a few months on it, it would be excellent. it's still getting solid reviews as recently as a few days ago. i would pick up especially if it's discounted.
I have 4 bottles in the fridge right now purchased 4/20/13, bottled 3/22/13. Every time I reach for one, I see a few IPAs that need my attention a little more so they've sat in there since April. I do recall saving one or two last year but of course, being last year and being that I don't take notes, I don't recall how it tasted. With strong ales, I don't look for hoppiness to be the main aroma/taste and being 9.8%, it should be ok.
just had some with a buddy a couple weeks ago same batch its still drinking like a champ if it has been cold the whole time i would pull the trigger
IMO, hop forward beers, be it a 10% stout or a 9% American strong ale, need to be consumed fresh. the hops turn pretty quick and anybody can taste the difference. I had the undercover investigation shutdown ale back in April a few weeks old and it was very pleasing. had it again in July and it wasn't nearly as good compared to the one in April. Kane brewing has a very good hoppy American strong ale.
