Trader Joe's 2013 Vintage Ale

Each year around the Holidays, Trader Joe's releases their Vintage Ale.  It is amazing how low they keep the price on this. I forget the exact price this year, but below $6. The 2013 bottle says it is best before 8-1-2016, so this is one that is designed to be aged if one desires.  It is such a bargain, I should get two each year and age one, but I just have never done that yet. Maybe next year, the problem is the beer is always solid (especially for the price), but not my favorite style. The Vintage Ales are contract brewed by Unibroue of Chambly, Quebec, Canada. The beer is 9.0% ABV, as usual.

The beer pours black in color, even when held to the light. There is a tall, fizzy, yet thick, foamy, bubbly, yet somewhat creamy head that is light tan in color.  The aroma is holiday spices, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, mulled wine, prunes, light raisins, with just a touch of caramel and toffee. The taste follows the aromas with the spice and mulled wine on top and the malty and fruit notes below. It is finely and intensely carbonated, true to its bottle-conditioned style. There is a very light bitterness on the finish and the end is quite dry. Nicely put together, but more spiced than I personally seek out. (Links to previous years below.)

2012 Vintage Ale

2011 Vintage Ale

2010 Vintage Ale