A Tale of Two Beers

[Kickbackssteve]

@fieldafm, I would say MOST beer tastes better when it's fresh.  But there is a huge amount of beer that tastes better when it isn't. In much the same way that certain cheeses flavors develop with time, many beers behave the same way.  Some taste better after 1, 3, 5, or even 10-50 years. 

[Captain Zissou]

@fieldafm, I would say MOST beer tastes better when it's fresh.  But there is a huge amount of beer that tastes better when it isn't. In much the same way that certain cheeses flavors develop with time, many beers behave the same way.  Some taste better after 1, 3, 5, or even 10-50 years. 

I've got a bottle of whiskey barrel aged Old Rasputin Anniversary Ale that I have been keeping safely locked away for over 2 years.  I want to open it but I haven't found a special enough occasion just yet.

Bativac-  Try the Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale.  It has a very smooth taste and is not bitter, but it's still a dark beer.  However, if it's the frou frou stuff you're into, I like Ephemere by Unibroue

[Tacachale]

^I once did the same with a chocolate Yeti. Good decision. I agree wholeheartedly with the Maduro toward Bativac's edification.

[Bativac]

Thanks guys, I'll definitely give the Maduro a taste and the King Street Stout. I like to try a couple different new beers a week, though most of the time they're bottled since I don't have the time to get out and drink it on tap someplace (though Duke's Brown is excellent on tap).

I tend to buy the stuff from either Total Wine or Grassroots. Am I getting fresh stuff? Is either place known for letting bottled beer sit around for months? I don't know that I'd be able to tell the difference between "skunked beer" vs "beer I just don't like."

[Tacachale]

If you buy at Grassroots it's fresh, period. Jimmy and Jack know what they're doing. They get the Tacachale Seal of Approval, and not just because they're old friends. Overall, don't worry too much about the beer turning if your buying American craft beer. It'll rarely have a chance to sit around long enough before it goes down the gullet of a wise consumer.

[fieldafm]

@fieldafm, I would say MOST beer tastes better when it's fresh.  But there is a huge amount of beer that tastes better when it isn't. In much the same way that certain cheeses flavors develop with time, many beers behave the same way.  Some taste better after 1, 3, 5, or even 10-50 years.

There are exceptions to the rule, but I'd be pretty confident saying 85% of beers behave the way I described. 

BTW, haven't seen you the last few times I've been up there but I love the new app!!

Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale

+1,000,000

BTW, there is a new craft beer store opening on King Street.  Talked to the guy the other day. 

[JaxJerry]

".....new craft beer store opening on King Street...."  Please, do tell

Thanks