Oude Geuze... Drink fresh or age?

[Unicorn_Platypus]

I recently picked up some 3 fonteinen oude geuze.

I know the beers profile will change in the bottle.

Is it preferable to age or drink fresh based on experience?

 

[RPh_Guy]

I have a few thoughts:

• They age the beer plenty of time to develop great flavor without needed our help.
• If you drink it closer to when it was packaged, it'll be closer to the flavor they intended, and those guys know what they're doing when they create a blend.
• Additional age doesn't necessarily improve the beer; off-flavors may develop. Ever had a bottle that tasted like nail polish remover? I have.
• If you drink it sooner rather than later, the dregs will be more viable.

Cheers

 

[Qhrumphf]

I like to pick up multiples, and drink at intervals. This goes for anything I'm cellaring, not just sours.

As said, they'll change. Not necessarily improve. And the point about disrupting the intended balance of the blend is a good one too.

And even sours, while having shelf life above and beyond anything else I've aged, still will go over the hill eventually.