Trader Joe's Vintage 2008

Another holiday is approaching, which means it is time for another version of Trader Joe's Vintage Ale.

The beer is produced annually for Trader Joe's by Unibroue, whose Belgian-style beers are available year-round at local beer stores. The style changes a little each year, though this is listed as a Dubbel, just like last year. However, I found the 2007 to be kind of muddled in flavor, a disappointment after the 2006 version. That was very good, except for the fact that, though it was released in 2006, you had to wait until 2007 to actually take a sip because the head didn't subside for a few months.

I am happy to report that the 2008 Vintage is a winner. It starts off with a neutral smell that belies the amount of flavor packed into its 750 ml container. This 9% beer is selling for $4.99, which is a couple of dollars cheaper than other Unibroue products in the city. Pick up one to drink now and a few to cellar, as this beer will age well. I still have some '06 and '07 waiting for me, but man it's hard to have the patience to wait out years worth of releases to do a vertical tasting.