But who says wine snobs should have all the fun? Beer nerds can partake in beer cellaring experiments of their own, as several types of beer can benefit greatly from a few extra years in a cool, dark place.
Before setting a beer aside to age, first consider the style of the brew. As a general rule, if a brewer presents you with a “best by” date printed on the label, listen to their advice. Low alcohol, session-worthy beers will have nothing to gain and will only get worse with time. Beers that thrive on a fresh hop premise will likewise fall off the mark. Instead, for your aging adventures, look to maltier fare such as porters, stouts and higher alcohol beers classified as sours, barleywines, or potent Belgian varieties.
The aging process is often referred to as “experimental” because there are no promises for what will happen to your cellared beer with time. Typically, the astringent burn of strong ales will mellow into a sweeter, more palatable sipper. Bitter and aromatic attributes of hops will recede. The specific qualities of the beer will begin to blend and merge into a more consistent profile. Many times, the beer created as the result of aging is wildly different but potentially much more enjoyable than the original.
For your storage location, choose a spot with little to no light access and a steady, cool temperature. Heat, light and oxygen are the enemies of beer storage. Make sure the bottles are tightly sealed and that they are not subjected to prolonged exposure to bright lights or warm temperatures.
A common cellaring experiment involves saving seasonally released beers for a number of years and then conducting side-by-side tastings to compare the aging process and determine an ideal storage time for the specific beer. Once you’ve done this for your favorite brews, you’ll have a personal preference established and get into a regular routine of buying, aging and drinking.
After all, the joy of drinking is what this passion for beer is all about. It’s not a contest to see who has the oldest beer or the largest cellar. Aging beer is simply one more method to get the most from this delicious hobby.
