How do I know optimum time to cellar?

[Brew Askew]

I brewed my third batch a mostly simcoe hops. I bottled it 12 days ago and I really enjoy the beer now. How do I know the optimum time to drink the beer? Don't want to drink the majority of it before it really gets good like I did with my first two batches.

[animaldoc]

It really depends. If it's a dark beer, it may get better with age. If it's a hoppy beer, you don't want to age it long the hops will fade. If it's dry hopped, the aroma will drop out if there is any oxidation.

So - put a six pack or two aside and drink one every 2 weeks. Drink the rest now. If you like the way it ages ..... brew another batch to drink and resist the temptaion. If it tastes better young -- drink away.

[CRBrewHound]

Diddo, you really don't know how long the best cellar time is, there are to many factors that play into something to determine that. The best advice I can give is:

Let strong and dark beers age
Lighter and hoppy beers drink fresh