Trader Joe' Vintage Ale

I heard from an industry guy that TD's Vintage is actually a Unibroue creation. I don't think it's the 'generic' version of any of their beers, but it comes close to things like Terrible or Grand Reserve. Agreed, it's damn good! I might have to pick one up again...

 

Unibroue has brewed it for several years now. Last time I had it was in 2013, and it was DELICIOUS then.

As for best value in beer, it's hard to beat, to be honest.

 

I got a couple of them this year for the first time. Yes, it is made by Unibroue. Yes, it is really really good, and one of the best values around.

 

Have been enjoying this great beer (yes, Unibroue in Canada makes for TJ's) for many years....a great value and it ages great....think I have a bottle left from 2011 till 2014

Good stuff and an amazing value, like many TJ's beers!

 

This ages very well. I think I might have a 2011 as well and I know I have a 12 13 and 14. That reminds me...I think I'm going to drink one this weekend!

 

I recently opened a 2009 bottle - despite being way past suggested aging time on the bottle - it was great. I agree it's probably the best value out there. Surprisingly this year they stayed on the shelf much much longer than usual around here.

 

What are someother good Trader Joe's beers to keep an eye out for?

 

Yeah, it has an unibroue cork in there and everything! But in all seriousness, it's an excellent beer. Definitely similar to their Trois Pistoles. Very enjoyable.

 

It was hard for me to enjoy as I'm not a huge fan of the style. I can see the value in it and I agree that for the money, it's a good buy if you like Belgian style beers.

 

Actually, opened the one from December 2014 last night and for $6 bomber ya can't go wrong it was great!

 

I second this question.

 

I traditionally buy 3 bottles a year, 2 to drink and 1 to cellar. Working on a 4 year vertical soon, but the problem is finding enough people to do a vertical of 4 750ml bottles of 9% ABV beer =D

 

Really enjoy them, I usually pick up 6 of them each year. I agree on aging them, they are much better after a year, but still really good fresh as well. Plus TJ's near me has them on sale for $4.99 if they make it to January, hard to beat that.

 

ive had it out of state and it was pretty good and a great value. Sort of makes me wishes the Trader Joes around here carried beer.

 

Unibroue also brews a BSPA for TJ's which is also very good and available year round IIRC, http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10707/87945/.

The Stockyard Oatmeal Stout at TJ's also pretty good for the value. Some of the german beers are okay, like the vienna lager, used to be brewed by Gordon Biersch for TJ's, not sure if that is still the case.

beware of the Simpler Times, minhaus brewed. it's a 6.2% AAL that is decent and goes down really easy; i think $3.99 for the sixer; hangover is brutal

 

As has been covered, it's brewed by Unibrau for Traders. It is something I look forward to every year. IMO, this years batch is the best I can remember. I have a couple cases of it in my cellar, it does age very well over several years. Definitely a great bang for the buck value.

 

I pick up a bottle or two every year; no doubt its a good beer and value.

 

Just had it along with Golden Ale a couple of weeks ago. Definitely recommend both. I need to head up there a pick up a few more of both, for cellaring.
If you see Boatswain (any of them) there, though, avoid avoid avoid.

 

Damn pesky local liquor laws... TJs near me isn't allowed to stock big formats because of city laws