Top 5 Tips for Cellaring Craft Beer

Growing up, one of my favorite childhood hobbies revolved around collecting troll dolls and Polly Pockets. These were very cool things to collect in the 90's and I was quite proud of my hobbies. But as I've grown up I've given away the troll dolls and Polly Pockets and moved on to a new hobby; cellaring craft beer. Cellaring beer is almost as easy as collecting troll dolls, once you've gotten a few of the main points settled. Cellaring beer is also fun since you get to pick and choose what beers will be best to be cellared, hypothesizing on how cellaring will increase and intensify certain flavors and which will fade with time. It's like a long-term science experiment for your taste buds. Here are the top 5 cellaring points to keep in mind while cellaring your favorite bottles.

1. Consider the profile of the brew.

Beers with higher alcohol content age best. Go for beers that are at least 8% ABV or higher. Beers with a high malt content and low hops are also best, since the hop flavor fades over time, leaving a lackluster beer of what used to be a stellar hoppy brew.

2. Buy in multiples.

For the best cellaring experience buy at two bottles of whatever beer you choose to cellar. This way you can drink one right away, which lessens the probability that you will be tempted to pop open that other bottle before it has matured for long enough. While drinking your first bottle take notes on the liquid and store those with your second bottle to review later on. Better yet, buy three bottles. One to open immediately, one to open in one year and one to open in 5 (or 20) years.

3. Pick a spot to store your beer.

The spot your pick to cellar your beer should be consistently between 50-60 degrees or, at the very least stays a pretty consistent average temperature, not too hot or too cold. Ensure your beer spot is hidden from strong sun light.

3. Cellar vertically.

Although there is debate on storing beer horizontally versus vertically, in general vertical is still considered best. This will keep any sediment in your beer settled on the bottom of the bottle, rather than it creating a yeast ring inside your bottle over time. Storing vertically also limits the liquid's contact with the cork (if it is corked), reducing any unwanted corky flavors.

4. Be Patient.

Cellar for at least 1 year. Or for however long you want. Either way, make sure to save that beer for a special occasion or special non-occasion and take your time enjoying and noting the beer's nuances once you do (finally) drink it.