Save or brew again?

[C-Rider]

I have an American Stout that has won 3 second places over 3 years. I tweaked it and this batch is GREAT. Question, Can I save a few bottles and enter them in contests Jan-April of 2017 or should I drink them and brew again later in the year and hope it comes out as GREAT?

 

[CA_Mouse]

I've found that darker beers age very nicely, but they do develop newer nuances that the younger beer doesn't have. I did a chocolate vanilla porter a few years ago that was really good, but was fantastic after a year. It developed more of an oaky vanilla as the chocolate went from fresh and dark, to more of a milk chocolate flavor. I don't see a reason not to put aside twice what the competition calls for, brew it again for fresh bottles and then try one of each to see which you think captures the best of your recipe.

 

[CJ-3]

I agree with CA_Mouse. Stouts just keep getting better with age.

 

[jerbrew]

Do both? Keep some and brew again. Try both and send the best one.

 

[neverfadeaway86]

I agree with jerbrew, keep some from the current batch and brew it again. save enough of the current batch to crack one open once its time and send whichever one is better

 

[brokebucket]

Orrrrrr,

Enter both and see what the judges say about them. Would be an interesting experiment to see which does better, the fresh or the aged.

 

[brick_haus]

I got first place last week In Los Angeles County Fair HB competition with an oatmeal stout that I brewed in early March.

 

[C-Rider]

Think I'll take the advise to save some for next year as well as brewing it again w/no changes.

In 2015 my American Imperial Stout took a 2nd place on Maui so I saved 6 bottles and entered them in the 2016 Hilo contest and took another 2nd.

Late in 2015 I brewed it again and saved 12. Six will go to contests in 2017 and I'll drink the other 6. Yea I only make 2 gallon batches so I get like 18 bottles. I change the winning 2015 recipe by taking out Maple Syrup and replacing w/Molasses. Can't wait till next year.