I'll admit the first time I saw "Trader Joe's Vintage Ale" a few years back, I chuckled. However, after noting that it was a Belgian style ale from Unibroue, I gave it a try. This year's, a Abbey Dubbel style has rested here for a few months. As it states on the bottle, this is one to age for a few years to develop the character. We'll give it a shot and I think I'll keep one in the Beer Den for later....
It pours a deep brown with a reddish hue and a big tight head.
The aroma is mild spice complemented with yeast and a hop earthiness. It smells like a Belgian - full bodied and lots of notes to be enjoyed.
It has a full body with a smooth silkiness. The flavors develop nicely, offering up a nice general spice mild peppery-ness in the body. The yeast and sour notes develop in the finish. It ends with a nice hop bitterness and sour yeast that lingers nicely on the palate and alcohol in the throat.
The aftertaste is a nice sour and alcohol taste.
The bottle mentions that it is produced by traditional top fermentation. There is a lot of subtle and bold flavors that develop during drinking. It is available in the 750 ml bottles from Trader Joe's.
Cheers!
