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Posted by Brew's Your Daddy on Wed, June 20, 2012

One of the most enjoyable (and challenging) things we get to do in the better beer world is to keep a nicely stocked cellar. It is enjoyable because you not only get to browse through your cabinet or cellar from time to time and see whats hiding in it, but also because eventually you do get to crack those lovingly aged beauties open and enjoy them. The only real challenges are finding enough space as your collection grows, and then having the patience to actually allow some delicious brews to sit for a couple of years without breaking into them.

There has always been an ongoing debate as to what beers you can or can't age, as well as if there are any real detectable differences in a beer that has been aged as opposed to one that is fresh off the line. I have found myself in numerous debates over this very topic, and some have almost ended in someone getting pushed off a bar stool as I screamed at them "Because BrewChief says so!" Now I admit that this probably isn't the best method of settling a well spirited debate, so when someone with a reputation like Dogfish Head chimes in on the topic, I think we all owe them a willing ear.

Recently they posted the following article on their website, and I highly suggest it to all of those out there who are wanting to get into cellaring, as well as anyone who just has a curiosity about what it is, how it works, and if it even works at all.

http://www.dogfish.com/community/news/press-releases/5-things-you-should-know-about-aging-beer.htm

Member Comments (5)

	Posted on 6/21/2012 at 12:41 PM EST by Chops (loved) Thank you for posting this, I have always been curious about the "rules" for aging beer. I had learned a few general guidelines from various conversations, like storing in a cool dark place. Apart from that, this is all new and helpful info. I do have some brews aging at this point like some 120 Minute IPAs, KBS and various Mikkeller brews. Good to know that the higher ABV does matter, which means I was on the right track. It's also good to know that seasonal beers are meant to be enjoyed fresh. I have been pseudo-cellaring a few of my seasonal favorites like Bell's Hopslam. Course, that one might actually do well with aging. Hmm, definitely food (or beer rather) for thought. When in doubt, apply rule #1: a little experimentation goes a long way. I know Manfred has a well stocked aging cellar, will be curious to hear his take too. Oh yes, and here's a little fun fact for our Chief Chat audience: Greg made that beer cellar in the picture out of an old set of rustic porch stairs. He's quite the creative handyman.
	Posted on 6/21/2012 at 10:43 PM EST by mati08 (liked) O yeah, I'm trying to get forward with my beer-cellar... The BIG problem is to keep back the feeling of curiosity about how the beers develops... The eldest bottles are vintage-porter from the swedish CARNEGIE-breweri, just 5,5% ABV; from 2oo7. I stored 8 bottles, 4 are still in my cellar. And yes, this beer is still developing! It's getting smoother and more complex over time.. I got the idea to store this beer when visiting the pub "AKKURAT", in the south of the City of Stockholm. When aged it was ten-double the original price... At that time I "discovered" Barley Wine (my youngest daughters fault) and the consequence: I fall for this kind of craftbeer I didn't knew exist... Nowadays I have a larder/pantry of 4o craftbeer. I'm proud of it, indeed! A third are of ABV lower than 9%, almost 1o have ABV between 9 to 1o% and the others more than 1o% ABV, up to 18,2. Thats "TOKYO" from the scottish BREW DOG brewery. Sometimes I sigh for these beauties. BUT, I bide my time... :))) - - - Cheers for a better beerworld ! MEaN Manfred mati08
	Posted on 6/23/2012 at 11:52 AM EST by Brew's Your Daddy (loved) Well if it helps any (or makes you jealous), I have about 5 Hopslams that are over 3 years old hiding in that cellar. I tried one last year, and let me tell you that they are aging just fine. My advise would be to feel free to start some in your collection. In actuality, the bottom shelf of the cellar in the picture is my "If you so much as lean down to look at this shelf without my permission, let alone take a beer from it, I will punt you in the face with both feet" shelf. Way back in the back of it are some Dogfish Head World Wide Stouts now going on 4 years old, some Old Stock Cellar Reserve from Third Coast, the Grand Cru that you gave me, some 120 Minute IPAs, a Mephistopheles' Stout and a The Beast Grand Cru both from Avery, and several one time offerings from various breweries. The nice thing is that once you have them in the back and out of sight, you tend to forget them for months at a time. That helps in the resistance to pour area. And Manfred, sounds like you have a delightful collection going on! Cheers to the BrewDog possession. I am rather fond of several of their offerings, and can easily see where they would be great candidates for aging.
	Posted on 6/24/2012 at 6:13 PM EST by Chops (loved) Wait wait wait, you have 5 Hopslams from 2009?! Yeah, that's big time jealously my friend. Hmm, may have establish trade negotiations involving some 120 or KBS (hint hint). Well, that has definitely convinced me to hold onto my last six pack of 2012 Hopslams. You definitely have a respectable bottom shelf of aging goodness. I have one of those cube shelving units with everything separated out. I'm going to have to denote some of the cubes as official aging nooks.
	Posted on 6/24/2012 at 7:00 PM EST by mati08 (liked) Nice reading ! And I like to learn more about craftbeer ! Including how to make cellaring successful... When watching TV today, European Championship in football, I enjoyed 2 bottles of Sam Adams Boston Lager... Tasty ! One of my brightest favorites is NORTH COAST BREWERY's "Old Stock Ale" . It's famous !!! The 2oo9 was the first one I sipped. 2o1o I've 8 bottles left. The last bottle of this issue I drank I "needed" more than 4 hours to drain the glass ! 2o11 I only got two bottles. The last in Sweden . Now I'm waiting för the next edition. I've to store more than two bottles of them... Much to look forward to look! Cheers for a better beerworld ! MEaN Manfred mati08