Expert: Spencer W Thomas - 1/2/2010

Question
Through a series of gifts and personal interest, I have accumulated a small collection of "vintage" ales, made by Coopers, Fullers, Thomas Hardy, and Trader Joe's. What is the proper way to store these ales? Should the be stored on their side, like a wine bottle, or upright? Is there a certain temperature i should try to maintain? And finally, how long can these ales store?

Answer
If the bottle is capped, then it can (and probably should) be stored upright.  If it is corked, you should consider laying it on its side to keep the cork moist.

As to "how long" can you keep them, it really depends on a lot of factors, at least some of which are out of your control. Thomas Hardy's, for example, has a reputation for being able to age well. Keeping the beers at a constant, cool temperature, in the dark, will help.

I found a blog about "cellaring" beers. You will probably find more useful information there:
http://www.brewbasement.com/

=Spencer