Mike Seaman over at Broken Brix in St. Charles (aka The Homebrew Shop), has dived into his cellar and come up with a number of old brews that need opening and trying. These range from Belgium and the UK, some of which are sought after by collectors. These have been stored in uncertain conditions, so have they stood the test of time, or have they gone south and need dumping?
Our tasting panel comprises podcast co-hosts Chuck Fort from Church Street, Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing, and Ed and Mike Seaman (father and son team) from Broken Brix. It was an honor to try some of these classics, even though a few of them really challenged our palates, and The Brit found out that his taste buds were OK (incorrectly) with oxidation, but that the best of the lot hailed from his home country!
Thanks to Ed and Mike for allowing us to take over their taproom, and with an average age of 20 years each brew, it was a night to remember!
Brews Sampled:
- Hanssens Artisanaal bvba, Dworp Belgium,Mead the Geuze, Geuze with mead from Lurgashall Meadery, Sussex UK, 7.9% ABV – Age 20+ years
- Hanssens Artisanaal bvba, Dworp Belgium, Oudbeitje, Belgian Fruit Lambic, ABV 6% – Age 10+ years
- De Proefbrouwerij (bvba Andelot), Lochristi-Hijfte Belgium, Zoetzuur Flemish Ale, Flanders Red Ale, 7% ABV – Age 10 years
- George Gale & Company, Horndean Hampshire UK, 1995 Prize Old Ale, English Old Ale, ABV 9%, Age 24 years
- J.W.Lees, British Vintage Barleywine, Harvest Ale, ABV 11.5%, Age estimated at 1986, 33 years
- Thomas Hardy Ale 1999, Barleywine, Eldridge Pope Brewery, Dorchester Dorset UK, ABV 11.9%, Age 20 years
- Thomas Hardy Ale 1988, Barleywine, Eldridge Pope Brewery, Dorchester Dorset UK, ABV 11.9%, Age 31 years
- Seaman Cellars, Leap Year, Thomas Hardy clone, 2016, ABV 13% – Age 4 years
- Malheur 12°, Brouwerij Malheur, Buggenholt Belgium, Belgian Quadrupel, 2005, ABV 12% – Age 14 years
Play the show from the PodBean player, or our player below…
