storing seasonals

[tarapin]

Just wondering on your opinions on storing winter seasonals for a summer time bash, such as Sierra Celebration or the Anchors Christmas Ale. Thanks

[studentofbeer]

i've got one 2003 sierra nevada celebration, and two or three SN bigfoots. Not sure when i will want to open them. summertime is one idea, but im more likely to wait another year or two and do a vertical tasting of three or four years. i know a lot of people save the OSA, but i've always wondered since it is pasteurized and not bottle conditioned whether it could really improve with age. anyhow, seems like a fine idea to save some. if i had more room and money, i'd save whole six packs, or even cases!

[tarapin]

I did purchase 4 cases of SN Celebration that's why I was wondering. I do have a friend who saves cases of SN Big Foot in his cellar but didn't know if that was different because of the barleywine fermentation. I certainly don't want to risk ruining that much Celebration. I now have the pleasure to be drinking 2002 Anchor Christmas Ale on tap with the 2003 and 2004 to follow at a local Ale house called Fadeley's.:D

[newportstorm]

You will not "ruin" Celebration Ale by cellaring it. You may not like as much as you do fresh, but "ruin" it? Never. The malt will start to take over a bit more. The hoppiness will start to fade into the background. Really a stellar beer after about 6 months, imo. If you really like the Celebration fresh, consider only putting one case aside for next summer. Or just check in once every couple of months to see how it's doing. I've had SNCA as much as 3 years old with great results. It's all personal preference.

Cheers!

[tarapin]

thanks for the advice, it's much appreciated. I'm new at this storing thing. I never seem to buy more than I need but quantity is limited here in NY and it seems to sell out so quickly I wanted to be smart this year.