Cellaring Craft Beer: Styles That Age Well and How to Store Them

Exploring the world of European beer reveals a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. Cellaring craft beer—aging it under controlled conditions—can enhance its complexity and depth. Understanding which styles age well and the best storage practices is essential for any beer enthusiast.

Styles That Age Well

Certain European beer styles are renowned for their aging potential:

• Belgian Lambics and Gueuze: Originating from Belgium, these beers undergo spontaneous fermentation, developing unique sour and fruity profiles over time.

• Imperial Stouts: Brewed with dark, roasted malts, these stouts evolve into rich, complex flavors, often with notes of dark chocolate and dried fruits.

• Barleywines: High in alcohol content, barleywines develop deeper flavors and a smoother profile as they age.

• Saisons and Farmhouse Ales: Known for their spicy and fruity notes, these beers can benefit from aging, developing a more complex flavor profile over time.

How to Store Them

Proper storage is crucial to ensure the beer ages gracefully:

• Temperature: Store beers at a consistent, cool temperature, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C).

• Light: Keep beers in a dark place to prevent light exposure, which can lead to off-flavors.

• Position: For capped bottles, store them upright to minimize contact between the beer and the cap.

• Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity to prevent corks from drying out and to avoid excessive moisture.

Did you know…?

The tradition of barrel-aging beer, especially in oak barrels, dates back centuries in Europe, imparting unique flavors and characteristics to the brew.