Trader Joe's 2010 Vintage Ale
Trader Joe's Brewing Company

Trader Joe's 2010 Vintage AleTrader Joe's 2010 Vintage Ale
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From:
Trader Joe's Brewing Company
 
California, United States
Style:
Belgian Dark Strong Ale
ABV:
9.2%
Score:
85
Avg:
3.79 | pDev: 13.19%
Reviews:
150
Ratings:
231
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Dec 31, 2020
Added:
Nov 19, 2010
Wants:
  4
Gots:
  75
Contract brewed for Trader Joe's. Often brewed by Unibroue.
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Ratings by Jason:
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Reviewed by Jason from Massachusetts

3.82/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
750ml brown magnum and was caged and corked.

Tan colored bubbles do their job, the brew is nearly pitch black in color. Super spicy nose from the obvious spices added (ginger seems to be the biggest addition) and the alcohol as well, hint of rose water to boot. Fluffy smoothness. Ginger right out of the gate, small handful of medicinal phenols as well. Dry malt flavors of toasted malt, hint of chicory and carob powder. Light on the hops. Fruity with a subtle yeast backing. The 9% abv is there, warming but pretty mellow for its size. Other spices within but all a quite vague other than the ginger and perhaps orange peel.

Big beers from Unibroue can do no wrong for the most part ... glad that Trader Joe's does this every year for a great price as well.
Mar 18, 2011
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.63 by bpkrippner from Missouri

Dec 31, 2020
 
Rated: 3.38 by RBorsato from Virginia

Aug 01, 2016
 
Rated: 3.35 by kdown from California

May 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.66 by WillieThreebiers from Connecticut

Mar 29, 2015
 
Rated: 3.8 by Bogdawg from Massachusetts

Feb 22, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by Wiz99 from Minnesota

Nov 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Howlader from Canada (AB)

Jul 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by GClarkage from California

Jul 03, 2014
Photo of Bonis
Reviewed by Bonis from Ohio

4.05/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
So I stumbled upon this beer with a bb date of 9/10/2013 so I figured I better get to it. It has a deep brown color with a touch of red. Lots of fizzy bubbles. This smells a lot like a cola, no joke. Deep notes of sugary prunes and raisins, with hint of vanilla and nutmeg. That signature unibroue yeast aroma is there. The taste mimics the aroma fairly well, but there is a fruit tartness mixed in as well (possibly a sign this has beer has seen better days). I enjoyed this a lot more than I suspected. I've still got a couple 2011s so maybe I'll let one of those go for a few more years and see what happens.
Jun 18, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by KevMo84 from California

Jun 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by leprechaunandfatman from Ohio

Apr 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by jaydoc from Kansas

Jan 28, 2014
 
Rated: 2.5 by Thesoundandthefury from Washington

Jan 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by cb8282 from Michigan

Jan 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by drbenderdo from Michigan

Jan 03, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by aaroncom2005 from California

Dec 22, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by phishfoolme from Massachusetts

Dec 17, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania

Oct 21, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

Oct 20, 2013
Trader Joe's 2010 Vintage Ale from Trader Joe's Brewing Company
Beer rating: 85 out of 100 with 231 ratings