Trader Joes Vintage Ale 2005

I think it’s cool that Trader Joe’s got Unibroue to brew a beer for them. And its really not bad. It’s not great, but it’s the kind of beer I could drink a lot of. Not much in the aroma, nice, approachable flavor, nothing spectacular. Alcohol is hidden fairly well. Now that I know, it kind of tastes like it was brewed by Unibroue. Cool concept, keep it up.

On first sip you can tell this one comes from Unibrou. Choclatey sweet and smooth at first, the flavor is quickly subdued by Unibrou’s trademark yeast. A bit thin, and none too complex, but tasty and worth a try.

Pours like a cola, although the head is more sustained. The aroma is sweet malts with plums and candy sugar. Caramel and lightly roasted malts join in on the sweet fruity flavor. A bit thin, perhaps. It finishes on a sweet malty note with a hint of the alcohol finally showing itself. Shared with The LoSBD.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.traderjoes.com/locations/map/685.asp>Trader Joe’s, La Grange, IL<font size=-1>

This dark brown ale poured with a large tan head that dissipated slowly. There was a sharp fruity aroma. The flavor is malty and chocolate, with a carbonated mouthfeel.

750 ml bottle from Santa. Pours a dark color with a light white head. Quite fizzy. Nose is dark dried fruits, lots of plums and sugar, some dates and such. Taste is very fizzy, much like a cola, has more of the same dark fruits and light hints of chocolate. Finishes with a nice dry ness and a fizzy palate. Might need some aging to settle down a bit.

Looks and pours like cola. Lots of carbonation but head fades very quickly. Very little body but a smooth, pleasant flavor. Slightly fruity, mildly malty, some caramel. Alcohol is very well hidden. A bit bland.

Very slight roastiness and a little sugar and plum, but watery. Didn’t smell, taste or act like 9% which I suppose is good. Unimpressive.

Looks like Coke with a big fizzy head. Aroma is watery caramel and spice. Flavor is yeast, spice and caramel with a metalic and slightly roasty finish.