Beer guide
How to store and serve imperial stout
You've got a bottle you searched a long time for. Then you want to store it well and open it at the right moment, in the right way. This is what we go by ourselves.
Storing
- Upright. That keeps the sediment at the bottom and the beer away from the cork or cap.
- Cool and dark. A cupboard or wine fridge around 10 to 15 degrees is ideal. Above all, no temperature swings and no sunlight.
- Not too long with hops. Drink IPAs and hoppy beers fresh. They don't get better with time.
Which beers get better with age?
Strong, dark and malty beers age best: imperial stouts without too many additions, barleywines and Belgian quads. The alcohol becomes less sharp and notes of caramel, port and dried fruit appear. A Bourbon County that's a few years old is often better than a fresh one. Pastry stouts with coffee or fruit are best within a few years, as those flavours fade.
Serving
- Temperature: take the bottle out of the fridge half an hour beforehand. At around 12 to 14 degrees you taste the most.
- Glass: a tulip, snifter or wine glass. Leave room in the glass so the aroma can build.
- Amount: these beers are heavy. Share a bottle with two or three people and pour small glasses.
- In between: a glass of water, or a dry beer like Orval, refreshes your palate for the next bottle.
And of course: enjoy responsibly. Read about responsible drinking and NIX18.