Anyone Familiar with multi-year Beer Storage?

[Adam West]

I have a few bottles (non-corked) that have an above 8% alcohol content and I'm just going to enjoy them over time (in fact, the bottle says these particular brews taste better with age).

I have read a few things on the internet and it seems debatable. It sounds like the advocates for upright storage say the yeast will remain settled at the bottom and aging horizontally could cause the yeast to disperse and not resettle.

I do have a wine fridge but storing them upright would mean removing some shelves and giving me less room for storage.

Just wanted to know if anyone here has purposely aged any and if so, suggestions for storage.

Thanks

[rche]

I used to brew my own beer and the yeast will settle no matter which direction you lay the bottle. I must say, I have never let a beer age for more than 2 months past the 'go' day, tho. So I cannot give any direction for long term storage.

I would think the issue might be with the amount of live yeast that will end up in the pour when you open the bottle. If the bottle is stored horizontally, when you move it to the vertical to open the yeast will begin to mix in again. And then as you pour, you will probably have more of the sediment in your drink.

If you are storing for an extended period, you could lay them flat. Then, say a couple of days before you intend to drink them, set it upright in your regular refrigerator. That may cut down on the sediment in your pour.

I would also note that the active live yeast is a good thing to put in your body tho. I don't mean that you should scrape the bottom of the bottle and spread it on toast or anything, but live fermentation acts to help with your digestion. So, having a little bit of the sediment in your pour will certainly not harm you.

enjoy your brew

[Adam West]

It's actually funny that you mention that it is difficult to store. The recommendation on that front was to purchase two bottles (one to enjoy now and one to enjoy a few years from now). That way you wouldn't feel like you are completely depriving yourself but at the same time can taste why its young and then see how it mellows out over time. They did recommend that it should be ales with alcohol content at 8% or above that would be worth aging.

[Doc]

Yes And I'm tying to exercise it off as we speak.

[Mr.Krusher]

I have two personal 'beer storehouses', 7-11 and The Liquor Barn.

[Mikey]

I'm surprised nobody said ... I only store beer in one place --- MY BELLY

[jp1969]

Sorry.
I never had beer sitting around long enough to worry about such things.
Although I heard some explorer found mead that was still good after more than 2 thousand years.
Might be worth looking into,eh?

[kingdom warrior]

I'm surprised nobody said ... I only store beer in one place --- MY BELLY

Hector is not here now........

[johnmiic]

I don't drink beer; or drink regularly.

I'm not gonna pass judgement but I've tasted beer and really don't see the attraction. I haven't tasted European Beer tho which I hear is way better than what is sold in America.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Yes And I'm tying to exercise it off as we speak.

Ja, tell me about it...

[Adam West]

I don't drink beer; or drink regularly.

I'm not gonna pass judgement but I've tasted beer and really don't see the attraction. I haven't tasted European Beer tho which I hear is way better than what is sold in America.

Depends on what you have tried. If you get a chance, I would recommend Raisen d'etre by Dogfish Head brewery in Delaware. They make about 30 or so different types of ales in a year which is huge for a microbrewery.

A six pack will set you back about $9 but well worth it in my opinion. It is 8% vs 5% (Bud). The ale is excellent and just one will usually give you a buzz (at least me...it does)

[Doc]

Yes And I'm tying to exercise it off as we speak.

I'm surprised nobody said ... I only store beer in one place --- MY BELLY

I did. Beat you to it... And Hector