Stout Timing

[jdahl1289]

I just bottled my first Stout. It is a night cap cherry stout. The Destruction for the kit say you can enjoy after 4 weeks in the bottle. Fast forward two weeks, and I am have a beer with a buddy, and he mentions that he has kept some stout in the carboy for up to 7-9 months. Would leaving them in the bottle have this same effect or will it be different? How long do stouts really need to be in the bottle?

 

[Face Eater]

Doesn't really need a long time but 3 Weeks in the bottle at 70 degrees is the rule of thumb. Sometimes bigger beers (higher abv) takes longer to carb up. The other reason to let it age would be if you wanted flavors to mellow and incorporate. A stout shouldn't need a long time but they usually age well so either way would be fine.