How Long Can I Store a High ABV Ale

[gresc]

Folks, I brewed a St Arnold's xmas ale clone back in September and it was way to green to drink. So, I left it, pressurized the keg and disconnected the CO2 tank.

I tasted it again this week and it's better but still green.

So will it get better if I leave it in the Keg until xmas 2008 and if so, should I keep the keg cool (60 - 65 F) or Warm (70 - 72F) ? Or is this too long for it to sit ?

 

[david_42]

If it's more than 8% it's good for a couple years. Keep it around 50F if you can.

 

[avidhomebrewer]

Agreed. I have a barleywine that is 10% and 4 1/2 years old. The higher the ABV, the longer you can keep it and the longer it takes to age.

 

[gresc]

My guess is it's a tad south of 8%; I should probably take another reading.OK Got it, colder is better.

 

[homebrewer_99]

It'll be fine. I'm still drinking lower % ales that are over 1 year old. It's all good.

 

[Southwood]

I brewed my Solstice Ale (RIS) in the summer of '06 & it's just now gettin' really good! It was stored at around 70 deg F for the 1st 6 months or so. It's been kept at around 55-60 deg F for the past year & it really seems to like those temps.

I'd say keep it @ 50-55 if you have the means.

Cheers

 

[TexLaw]

It'll be quite fine after a year. I also like to age beers below 40F, though. At least, that's what the guys at Saint Arnold recommend.


TL

 

[gresc]

Thanks I can get to about 55 - 60 through April then the best I can do is 70 so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

[sause]

As long as you didn't filter it it should be good for years. I've had a beer that said "We put a best before date because we are forced to but this beer is best if stored for years before drinking." (Not exactly sure on the wording but that was the gist of it)

 

[gresc]

Thanks TL ; I may send it to my garage it's about 40 or so.

 

[gresc]

nope no filter. You guys got me psyched about xmas 08. I was bummed about this brew but it seems like this will work out for the better !

 

[gresc]

One other question ... Does anyone know why the lower temps help the beer ? What chemically is occuring ?

 

[cubbies]

I would say most high ABV ales, if stored somewhat cool, will be good for five years at least.

 

[Jamo99]

Chemical reactions (in this case your yeast) in general slow down when at lower temperatures. So bad stuff happens slower when things are stored cool. That's why you have a refrigerator. But seriously, you'll be fine at 70F for a while, definately till next Christmas.

 

[McKBrew]

www.brewbasement.com

Info on beer aging.

 

[gresc]

Awsome Site, McKBrew !