Vlad the Imp Aler

if you have never had it before i would say just drink it, it is amazing young. but that beer does hold up extremely well over time and develops nicely.

 

I drank an 08 not too long ago. Compared to fresh it is a little sharper on the acidity levels but overall a softer alcohol presence. Delicious both young and old, I'd say there's a happy medium before the bourbon fades too much and the sharpness of the lacto settles in. Either way, definitely give it some good swirls and the beer gets softer and delicious.

 

Had a pour off one of the 2011 bottles last night, and it had some bright sourness up front, very little barrel flavor, and an almost SweetTart-like sugary quality. I probably would drink future bottles fresh (I'm generally not to into aging Cascade's stuff overall, though).

 

Along a similar note, was thinking of picking up a couple bottles of their Sang Noir to cellar, one for a year, the other for 2. Any thoughts? This beer is delicious fresh, but thinking some time would highlight more of the oak.

 

Had a somewhat aged Sang Noir that picked up some acetone and more vinegar than I care for. I'd recommend fresh.