Belgian Ales | What's Oldest You've Drank?

[cherrybomb]

I've found that in order to age beers it is definitely advantageous to have a alcohol level of 10% or higher

[kaisersozei]

These aren't Belgian Ales, but I brewed a high-gravity Christmas Beer in 1995 as well as a "Starbucks Stout" (added 1 pot of Sulawesi coffee to the secondary) in 1996. I pop open 1 bottle of each at Christmas time, just to see how they are aging.

Absolutely fine, if you ask me!

Originally Posted by cherrybomb

I've found that in order to age beers it is definitely advantageous to have a alcohol level of 10% or higher

Very true. Some beers age well, and some are best fresh. A lot of belgian beers have lambics (controlled bacteria) introduced that produce funky flavors. These flavors change over time.

One thing to note. Just like wines, you really need to control temperature when aging beer. You also need to keep them out of UV light. Hops do not react well to IV light.

Not all beers weather the years very well, in fact most should be consumed within a just a few months if not weeks of bottling. However! Big beers like barleywines and IPA and IIPA and many Belgian or Belgian-style beers can be put away just like a fine wine. I have a closet full of aging beers! Right now, other than some old homebrewed barleywines, I think the oldest commercial beer I have is a 1992 Cuvee Rene Gueuze. The oldest beer I have ever had the pleasure of tasting was some that a friend of mine brought to a tasting done at my house. My tasting notes for these two beers are below:

12. Thomas Hardy’s (1975) - Yep, that’s right, 1975! Pete dusted off a few vintage bottles for us to try. PFFST on opening, always a good sign! Beautiful tawny, copper color. The aroma is malty, with hints of smoke, wine and bitter chocolate. Smells like the bottom of a well-used barrel. Salty, leather, tobacco flavors merge with licorice and caramelized raisins. The smoke turns to bacon-like flavors. It moves like mercury in the snifter. The flavors are almost maduro cigar-like. This is a well-worn boot; it fits and feels so good! Outstanding beer!!

13. Thomas Hardy’s (1974) – Another from Pete’s collection! It’s cloudy, almost chunky in appearance. Raisins and plums are prevalent in the aroma, followed by a hint of smokiness and some alcohol in the nose. Some lactic, vinous components in the flavor hit first, followed by the same leather and tobacco as in the ’75 version. This one finishes quicker, with some tartness balanced by a candi sugar sweetness that merges into a dry finish. Exceptional!


So, don't be afraid to put away some big beers for a few years. If kept in cool, dark environs they will be fine, and maybe even taste better than ever!

Bob R in OKC (aged beeer aficionado!)

Thanks Bob

and nice review!

[Bubba - NJ]

I buy quite a few Chimay red every year and usually hold them til the following Christmas for consumption . This is hands down my favorite Trappist Ale and beer for that fact . This stuff is amazing fresh and even better after a years wait . I can hardly wait . I do buy it in the 1.5 size . Is there a larger bottle available ? I've seen a huge bottle of the blue but I don't reall like that one . I just searched their web site and didn't see a Jero of the red anywhere .

[Bubba - NJ]

I never really gave any thought to aging the Chimay . My basement stays nice and cool all year so I think I'm gonna get some more and put it away for a few years . Thanks for the great idea Moses .

[ambientboy]

This is an interesting thread. I was just wondering last night if you could age belgians! I popped into the store around midnight and grabbed a 750 of La Fin du Monde which is one of my favorites recently.

It's possible to age these suckers? How much better will they be with age? What would the proper ways be to age them?

I love learning new things about beers.

[VirtualSmitty]

Originally Posted by Bubba - NJ

I buy quite a few Chimay red every year and usually hold them til the following Christmas for consumption . This is hands down my favorite Trappist Ale and beer for that fact . This stuff is amazing fresh and even better after a years wait . I can hardly wait . I do buy it in the 1.5 size . Is there a larger bottle available ? I've seen a huge bottle of the blue but I don't reall like that one . I just searched their web site and didn't see a Jero of the red anywhere .

Buy some Rochefort 10, let it age for at least two years then try some. It's incredibly good. I bought a ton of it a long time ago and try a bottle or two every year since. Easily my favorite trappist ale and one of my alltime favorite beers period.