When I first got into sours years ago, Cascade was my go to beer. Despite living in Florida, it seemed like their beers were everywhere. Over time though, it seemed that the majority of bottles at most places just didn’t sell, and I believe they eventually stopped distributing here. I was still able to purchase their beers when I would see them on Tavour but it’s been some time since they have been on there either. I recently began tracking down old bottles (2014-2015 project) at the few places that still have them collecting dust…..to my surprise the majority that I’ve found are still tasting excellent. I’m curious if anyone on here has had similar experiences, and at what point these bottles would start becoming undrinkable. Also, if anyone knows what current distribution is for Cascade. I know they were sold several years ago and have gone through various rebranding with their labels, but I would really love to see them in FL again.
I'd guess that these beers can be fairly stable. The long aging needed for sours is a plus. If the beer is naturally conditioned in the bottle, that is additional protection from deterioration (yeast sequesters oxygen fairly efficiently). You might inquire to the brewery about bottling method. A crown cap is better than a cork stopper. The crown will last indefinitely while the cork is subject to deterioration over time. Crown capped bottles should be stored upright I'm not sure of the best method for corked bottles. I have sampled my crown-capped malt extract homebrew almost 40 years old, and it was certainly still good.
This should help you with distribution a little. Looks like Crafty Connoisseurs is the Florida distributor.
