Confused about HB aging...

[beergears]

It looks like home brews can age past the conditioning stage for quite a while, many months for some.
Yet, I recall some recent reports of some IPAs would losing some of the hops flavor quickly.

Should there be, or are there rough guidelines linking styles to aging potential or problems, beyond the obvious (high ABV, etc.)..?


Case in point: I brew a stout, and wonder how long will I be able to have it retain its qualities.

.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Yes how is one to know how long to age a particular style/brew? Besides experience of course.

 

[brewt00l]

I've seen folks post general guidelines in the past but I always think that the best advice is to get a few batches into rotation so that you have the patience to allow some of each to age out and see for yourself.

You'll find that different types of beers (with different ingredients, hop levels, abv, ect) will evolve differently...plus factor in individual preferences....lots to work with.

 

[McKBrew]

I know there is a related post somewhere on the forum regarding aging, but I can't locate it. Here are some outside links that may be useful.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/12/opinion/trlambic.php
www.brewbasement.com
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/store.php

 

[Hoosierbrewer]

Stouts tend to age well. I have drank a batch over a year period and the beer went through various stages. It had a period in the middle when I did not think it was as good as when it was still pretty green. I must say though that at 9-12 months. It was outstanding.

 

[tdavisii]

I made a honey wheat one time. I drank it about two weeks after i bottled it. I literally almost dumped it out. Then about two to three monthes later i popped another one open. I almost shat myself in how much it had improved.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Thats weird, Aren't Wheats supposed to be best young?

 

[DeathBrewer]

it was the honey

as a general rule

brews to drink fresh:
hefeweizens, wits, milds, light/mild beers

brews to drink within the first few months...these may still age well:
pale ales, IPAs (for hoppy goodness), english ales, lagers

brews to age:
stouts, IPAs (for traditional flavor), belgian brews, any BIG beers

All IMNSHO, of course