A few weeks ago, I had suggested a poll as to whether or not I should age a bottle of Fuller’s 2010 Vintage Ale or enjoy it now. Suffice it to say, that the majority of our loyal readers suggested that I get off my wallet and purchase another bottle. While I took the suggestion under advisement, our friend, Miracle Max, offered to put this theory to practice. On Saturday, he brought a bottle of the 2009 and the 2011 as well as a number of years of the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot so that G-LO and I might be able to try first hand the merits of aging.
The 2011 Fuller’s was a fresh and refreshing ale with a rose’ color and nice foam and lacing. The aroma was of sweet malt with hints of grapes and raisins. The taste was like a well carbonated wine with a slightly bitter, dry finish. The 2010 was a deeper red with a sweeter, grapier aroma. Still well carbonated, the 2010 had a dryer finish. The 2009 was ruby in color with a much stronger alcohol aroma and hints of vanilla, malt and wine. This vintage was far more full-bodied than the prior two. Overall, G-LO found that he liked the 2011 better as he preferred the fresher taste. Miracle Max and I preferred the 2009 as the flavors had been enhanced over time. Miracle Max remarked that the 2008 (which he had had recently) was even better. I was left a little disappointed with the 2010 (of course, that was my bottle) as it seemed to be in between stages … not quite as fresh as the 2011 and nowhere near as flavorful as the 2009.

So, what have we learned?
- Miracle Max really knows his stuff when it comes to aging beer.
- G-LO probably is not a fan of aging as he clearly prefers the fresher bottles.
- I understand the merits of aging as the Fuller’s really improved with age. I look forward to tasting the “extra” bottle of the 2010 in 2014.
- I need to find space somewhere in the house (and hopefully out of sight of the Mrs.) so that I might be able to begin storing beer.
And, as an added extra, Miracle Max left the remaining bottles of the Bigfoot so that our fellow Booze Dancers can sample the aged vintages as well.