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Trader Joes Vintage Ale 2007

Trader Joes Vintage Ale 2007

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 Percentile 
88
overall
An Abbey Dubbel brewed by
Unibroue (Sapporo)

Chambly, Canada

bottled
common

on tap
unknown

Broad Distribution
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 Ratings  Average  Score  Seasonal  ABV  Style Pctl  Serve in  Advanced 
1263.57/5.03.56/5.0Winter9%83.5 Trappist glass P  Stats

Commercial Description:
The 2007 Trader Joe's Vintage Ale is a brown Belgian-style ale of great distinction produced by traditional top fermentation methods resulting in a rich and full-bodied flavor. The Champagne like effervescence and smooth mouth feel are the result of a natural secondary fermentation the bottle obtained by the use of a carefully selected yeast culture. This vintage ale is characterised by a deep amber color topped by a rich head of foam. The prominent flavor of premium malts is perfectly balanced by a combination of three European hops and four distinctive spices. True to its Abbey Dubbel style, this year's vintage ale offers a highly distinctive flavor enhanced by the fruity and floral notes of the yeast. The result is a complex and warming ale that offers both strength and subtlety. Brewed once a year in limited quantity, please enjoy Trader Joe's 2007 Vintage Ale. This will age exceptionally over time, developing more complex flavor as the years go by. Exclusively bottled for Trader Joe's. Best Before 10-28-2010.

Most RecentTop RatersHighest Ratings Who's Rated This?
 JK (2392), Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/104/515/20

Feb 9, 2008  
A very good dubbel. The Unibroue house character is certainly there, but not as much as some of their beers. Standard dubbel qualities, lots of malt and fruit, and just a little dry. No perceivable hops. Very well balanced, and the alcohol is well hidden. Sweet and smooth. Quite the bargain at $5.

 kp (6200), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
3.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/57/103/513/20
Aug 13, 2008  
Name: Trader Joe’s Vintage Ale
Date: 06/13/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Trader Joe’s, GA
Vintage: 2007

Appearance: opaque dark brown with rusty edges, fine beige head, sudsy bits of lace,
Aroma: rich and fruity aroma with dark caramel sweetness, a touch of chocolate, lots of dark fruity esters,
Body: highly carbonated body,
Flavor: rich malt flavor, just a touch of sweetness from the fruity esters, touch of chocolate, light bitter spicyness, yeast shot adds a bready character and a nice creamyness,

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **+/4


 radagast83 (1036), Springfield, Virginia, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/104/515/20
Aug 11, 2008  
750 ml bottle. Pours a dark ruby-brown color with a moderate foamy white head. Aroma is dark fruits. The flavor is like a good Abbey Dubbel. Figs, chocolate, eyast, toffee, spice. A solid beverage.


 AllAboutStout (451), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/57/104/516/20
Aug 7, 2008  
Pours a very dark ruby brown in color with a nice head formed. Smell is dark fruits, and that significant Unibroue yeast. I’m not a big fan of Dubbel’s but this is bigger, darker and has more dark fruit than your typical Dubbel. This is actually drinking quite nice. Good mouthfeel. These are a great deal at Trader Joe’s when they come out. Will have to pick up a bunch of the new release this winter.


chimaybier (32), Livermore, California, USA
4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/105/516/20
Aug 6, 2008  
750 ML Bottle purchased at Trader Joe’s in Livermore, California. Ale pours with a ruby-brown color; head is off white, large bubbles, and quickly collapses. I was careful to serve this at cellar temperature, in a BCG. However, like the 2006, the head did not stay long. Not much in the way of Brussels lace in the glass. Bouquet: figs, semi-sweet chocolate, very yeasty. Palate: treacle toffiness, spiciness, nutmeg, Belgian type of yeastiness that is characteristic of a Dubbel. Finish: nice nutty spiciness that hits the back of the mouth. Nice ale served in a open-mouthed goblet. Enjoy with sharp or blue veined cheeses, or any good steak! God bless.


 Indiana_Red (1446), Boise, Idaho, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/103/57/103/516/20
Aug 2, 2008  
Bottle pours a redish amber with a full light tan head. Fruity mild malt aroma. Swet malty flavor. Mild in every respect. Lok a Belgian amber. Soft trailer lacking any bottrness. Nice.




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