Beers to store for a Special Occasion

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Permalink Reply by denimglen on April 16, 2010 at 3:51pm

I'm no expert in this area but Thomas Hardy is a usual for this sort of thing - snap up any you can find though because they've stopped brewing it.

I'd say any big beer from a reputable brewery would be worth a shot.

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Permalink Reply by Reviled on April 16, 2010 at 4:19pm

+1 for Thomas Hardys and wtf Glen?? Theyve stopped making it??

That makes the 2 bottles of 2008 I have so much more valuble!!

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Permalink Reply by denimglen on April 16, 2010 at 4:32pm

Yeah, I think they stopped making it last year or something.

I'm sure someone else here will be able to chime in with some more info (or (hopefully) prove me wrong).

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Permalink Reply by JR on April 18, 2010 at 1:35am

18 years is a hellava long time for a beer. Even for Thomas hardys the 10 year vertical tasting is a big deal - 18 years is almost twice that...
only one way to find out though...

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Permalink Reply by Regional Wines and Spirits on April 19, 2010 at 10:22am

Thomas Hardy's was originally brewed by Eldridge Pope, they gave up the beer in 1999 and gave up brewing altogether a year or two later. An American Company Phoenix Imports bought the rights to the beer, and in 2003 contracted O'Hanlons of Devon to brew it. O'Hanlons ran into serious financial issues during the world financial crisis and decided to give up the contract in order to free up conditioning space for running beers that would turn over quicker. There are currently rumours in the trade that a new producer will be announced soon.

As for how long it will age, I had a 1979 bottle for my 30th last year, it was stunning.

Cheers
Kieran

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Permalink Reply by Reviled on April 19, 2010 at 10:29am

So what year did they stop making it?? Last year?

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Permalink Reply by Regional Wines and Spirits on April 19, 2010 at 10:40am

2008 is the last vintage at this point. We have limited supplies of 05, 06 , 07 , 08.

Cheers

Kieran

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Permalink Reply by Andrew on April 19, 2010 at 10:52am

I'd check out some of Brewdog's brews from Fraserburgh in Scotland. They have Paradox which they reckon will last the distance because of the high ABV (10%). You could also splash out on a bottle of Tactical Nuclear Peguin or Sink the Bismark. Both around 40% abv and Sink The bismark is currently the world record holder for the strongest beer. They may be hard to get over here but everyone seems to know someone in the UK or a mate who's going on holidays so I,m sure for a special occasion they'll help you out.
I wouldn't buy anything under 10% abv or else it will spoil. Hops are a natural antioxidant and stabilise the beer but this is only good for a few weeks/months. If you want a beer with real staying power you'll need to buy something off the scale on ABV and keep it locked up in the dark. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Regional Wines and Spirits on April 19, 2010 at 11:53am

This might be of use

http://www.regionalwines.co.nz/beer-content.aspx/cellaring-beer

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Permalink Reply by JR on April 19, 2010 at 1:21pm

Does anyone know what temperature should beers that are being aged be kept at?

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Permalink Reply by Reviled on April 19, 2010 at 1:32pm

Everything ive read about it suggests cellar temp, so about 10-12*c

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Permalink Reply by JR on April 19, 2010 at 2:21pm

I suppose I really should have thought of that myself. Cellar temp for cellaring the beer.

Under the house would probably be better than the back of the beer fridge then I guess.

I feel a double batch of Barley wine comming on.

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