Trader Joe's 2011 Vintage Ale

Each year around the Holidays, Trader Joe's releases their Vintage Ale.  I am just getting to my 2011 bottle, although it says it is best before 7-6-2016, so this is one that is designed to be aged considerably longer.  The Vintage Ales are contract brewed by Unibroue of Chambly, Quebec, Canada.

This 9.0% ABV beer is a dark Belgian-style ale brewed with spices and natural flavor added.  The beer pours, essentially, pitch black, held to the light there is a touch of dark ruby on the edges.  There is a tall head of billowing and bubbling light brown foam.  The aroma is spicy, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and sarsaparilla.  The taste follows the aroma, with all the spices evident there, plus coriander and cola nut.  The finish is dry, with a nice lingering aftertaste of the spices.  You won't ever find a more nicely blended mix of spices in any ale.