Trader Joe's Vintage Ale

have two of each year from 09-11, i'll probably do a four year "vertical" at christmas. does it count as a vertical if they change the recipe every year?

 

Oh ok. Some guy above said it was out for 5 months now.

EDIT: Oops. Is see he was talking about a different beer. My bad.

 

Same, although I think mine go back to 2008. I don't live in a state where beer can be sold at a grocery store, so it's been my little bro's christmas present every year since he moved to a TJ's with beer

 

I got some 2010's just as I was getting into cellaring. This will be the last year, but I will do 2010, 11, and 12. I did a tasting last winter of the 10 and 11:

 

A buddy of mine has the complete 05-11 vertical. When the 2012 comes out this year, I'm going to try to talk him into doing a complete vertical tasting. I'll post the results in case anyone is interested.

 

If anyone is looking for older years let me know. I have 06 - current.

Cheers
Eric B

 

LOL. I thought I was the only one who "aged" Trader Joe's Beers. I have 3 of the 2011 Vintage Ale, and 2 of the Mission St. Anniversary Ale.

 

I bought a case a year from '08. My opinion is that two to three years is about right for these. My '08s are starting to be over the hill and I'm trying to finish them up. The two year old TJ Vintage usually had a creamier and better integrated body and flavor. They seem to change the recipe every year, so there could be variation in the aging times.

 

Vintage 2012 is available. Looking forward to all the reviews and vertical comparisons.
Cheers

 

Thanks for posting this. I'm about to run errands and am adding TJs to the list. I've got the 2010 and 2011 vintages, and will be adding the 2012s now. Thanks again!

 

12 is out already! Damn! I believe I have 08-11 in the fridge now as it is....time to start drinking

 

I stopped at TJs and they don't have it. They said they haven't even received it from the brewer to their distribution facility (which it seems isn't the case). They said it should be out sometime in November.

 

I did a three year vert last year. 2 years on it was the clear favorite at our tasting b

 

Usually it is in November. But like all other beer releases different states may be a few weeks apart. Hope to get a bottle soon!

 

Sweet. I almost forgot about this. I have some going back a few years. Definitrely 10 and 11, possibly an 09 or 2. I'll have to stop in next week to check on it.

 

Is it still by Unibroue?

 

If it's still brewed by Unibroue it has many years of cellar-ability.

 

Just hit my store today in Indy

 

My store got it in yesterday in va bummer that my powers out so might try this one warm tonight

 

Aged some 2010 for a year. First beer I ever aged. Aged really well and was delicious.I have a 2011 aging now.