INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENCE OF BEER AGING

Aging a beer is a test of patience. You planned and brewed the perfect beer for aging, but how do you know if the flavors will become more rounded or if they will become dull and muddy? Twelve months later, your big spiced chocolate apricot stout is out on your table; your bottle opener in hand. Anticipation builds as you reflect on the plethora of aldehydes, ketones, esters and lactones swimming around your glass. Who am I kidding, it was more along the lines of: “hot-damn, I forgot about this beer, let’s drink it.” Continue Reading…