So... Sunday was my my birthday. I made it to 73, and as part of my celebration I decided to open my bottle of 1986 Thomas Hardy's Ale.

here I am, holding it with the horn & antler mug my son gave me for Christmas. (Made in Germany)

http://my.opera.com/extree/albums/showpic.dml?album=11113512&picture=154593762


When I bought it, it was advertised to be 'good' for at least 25 years. I waited one extra year. It was beyond 'good'! I shared it (well, a taste anyway) with my wife and friends who made me a birthday dinner. All agreed it was special. (You do need to like beer with deep, chewey flavor. If all you like is lager..or IPA... this would not impress you.)

There was the temptation to advertise it and sell it, as they no longer make the stuff...at least like this... and bottles are quite the collectors item. I assume I could have gotten $20-$30 for it....but I bought it to drink. (I did drink one at about 10 yrs, and it was quite good... but this was smoother and richer, as best I can remember. I couldn't afford enough bottles to have side-by-side comparisons every few years.)

I do have ONE more bottle...of the 1992 vintage. I'm not sure I'll wait the extra 5 years for it.