Longest ALE can be stored...

I have not brewed for a few years and am getting the bug again. However, while cleaning the basement, and going to my old empties, I found out I had 2 cases of some dark stuff mixed in among the empties. These have been in the basement and in the dark for at least 5 years. I hardly need a glass of ale bad enough to try it, but I was wondering what is the longest you can store a home brew before it MUST be tossed. This stuff has no preservatives....

I opened a bottle and smelled it and took a tiny sip - it did not smell bad at all. Tasted a little bitter. it was a stout, I think...

Dan M

Have a Whole one and get back to us, it seems like your the man in the right position to answer the question. My beers never make it past a month.

Everybody says nothing that can hurt you can grow in beer, so get one of those beers out of your purse, open it, pour it, smell it and taste it.

Stored in a cool dark place, a nice heavy stout should be good for a couple years. It all comes back to, if it tastes ok it is.

Oh, what the heck, I'll put a couple in the fridge......

Thanks, Report to follow.

Dan M.

You'll be able to taste it best if not too cold. I often let ale sit poured for an hour out of the fridge before drinking it.

On Dec. 24th, I'll be drinking the last bottle of a Belgian Christmas Ale that I made in 1996. It has gotten better every year so far, wish there was more.

Yes - I usually open the bottle and pour it. I drink it sort of slowly. Crisp and more bitter when cold, more sweet and malty as it warms.