Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Trader Joe's 2009 Vintage Ale

Saw this one at Trader Joe's this weekend. Every year, TJ's brews a special "vintage" beer. This one is a Dark Ale on Lees brewed by Unibroue for TJ's.

At $4.99, this 25.4 oz beer is quite the value. Similar name brand brews go for $7 plus. Vintage Ale is definitely in that class of brews, as a high ABV (9%) dark ale comparable to several in the Belgian style. This one was fizzy and dark, pouring much like a cola. Somewhat spicy, an all around balanced taste. Give it a B+.

3 comments:

Louis Winthorpe III said...

Wow, you are blogging again.

Where's the PQ?

Perhaps your old following is not aware of your resurgent blogging...

Louis Winthorpe III said...

Or you could advertise your blog on Facebook...

Strap said...

Yes...although I never really quit, just slowed down production.

PQ = 16.7.

However, I think that you really can't compare "vintage" or "extreme" or "high gravity" beers with session beers. The prices on these beers are high, plus their drinkability is different...I can only throw back one of these, while it would take 3-4 Pale Ales to give me the same full feeling.

So, in order to compare effectively, I may need to introduce a 3rd variable...perhaps a 5 point scale that takes into account these qualities.

Facebook does have a link.