 vyvvy (1607), Hazelwood, Missouri, USA
Dec 29, 2007
While all of the Trader Joe’s Vintage Ales are a great value this is my least favorite of the three years its been released. Pours reddish brown with a bizzy beige head. The aroma has brown sugar, crisp effervescence, light toffee, toasted caramel malt and typical Unibroue yeast. Med / light body crisp body that is too light and crisp for the style. There is a LOT of fizzy spritzy carbonation. The flavor starts with toasty dark malt with some candy sweetness, anise and some astringency. The finish is a bit metallic. As it warms the metallic traits die down and dark fruits come into the picture. I’m probably going to set a few of these down and hope age does it some good.
kp (6200), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
Aug 13, 2008 Name: Trader Joe’s Vintage Ale
Date: 06/13/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Trader Joe’s, GA
Vintage: 2007
Appearance: opaque dark brown with rusty edges, fine beige head, sudsy bits of lace,
Aroma: rich and fruity aroma with dark caramel sweetness, a touch of chocolate, lots of dark fruity esters,
Body: highly carbonated body,
Flavor: rich malt flavor, just a touch of sweetness from the fruity esters, touch of chocolate, light bitter spicyness, yeast shot adds a bready character and a nice creamyness,
Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **+/4
radagast83 (1036), Springfield, Virginia, USA
Aug 11, 2008 750 ml bottle. Pours a dark ruby-brown color with a moderate foamy white head. Aroma is dark fruits. The flavor is like a good Abbey Dubbel. Figs, chocolate, eyast, toffee, spice. A solid beverage.
AllAboutStout (451), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Aug 7, 2008 Pours a very dark ruby brown in color with a nice head formed. Smell is dark fruits, and that significant Unibroue yeast. I’m not a big fan of Dubbel’s but this is bigger, darker and has more dark fruit than your typical Dubbel. This is actually drinking quite nice. Good mouthfeel. These are a great deal at Trader Joe’s when they come out. Will have to pick up a bunch of the new release this winter.
chimaybier (32), Livermore, California, USA
Aug 6, 2008 750 ML Bottle purchased at Trader Joe’s in Livermore, California. Ale pours with a ruby-brown color; head is off white, large bubbles, and quickly collapses. I was careful to serve this at cellar temperature, in a BCG. However, like the 2006, the head did not stay long. Not much in the way of Brussels lace in the glass. Bouquet: figs, semi-sweet chocolate, very yeasty. Palate: treacle toffiness, spiciness, nutmeg, Belgian type of yeastiness that is characteristic of a Dubbel. Finish: nice nutty spiciness that hits the back of the mouth. Nice ale served in a open-mouthed goblet. Enjoy with sharp or blue veined cheeses, or any good steak! God bless.
Indiana_Red (1446), Boise, Idaho, USA
Aug 2, 2008 Bottle pours a redish amber with a full light tan head. Fruity mild malt aroma. Swet malty flavor. Mild in every respect. Lok a Belgian amber.
Soft trailer lacking any bottrness.
Nice.
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