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Updated Review 01/11
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About 14 months old by now.
Nose seems stronger than ever (in a good way). The carbonation is still quite prickly, and I think this is probably the weakest part of the beer, but paradoxically it lends a pretty lively element to the beer, and I would rather be it that way than the other, Still fruity and rich, the value here is indisputable. Yeasty elements seems a little higher than originally.
Super beer.
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Original review 12/09
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Trader Joe’s have been in Atlanta for about three years, but this is the first time I’ve seen the Vintage ‎Ale in the stores here. They told me that they’ve had it once before but I’ve never been able to find it. ‎It comes in pretty small amounts and disappears very quickly. I love Unibroue so this is a real treat.‎
‎$4.99 for the 750 mL bottle, INCREDIBLE value.‎
Dark, dark brown (essentially black) body with a fizzy head that fades quickly to leave a lovely mocha ‎film and spotty lace on the surface of the beer. Looks great.‎
Nose is very rich with plenty of plum and dark fruits but also a sense of some medicinal aniseed.‎
As expected the tastes reflect the nose with a combination of all of the rich, dark fruits that one would ‎expect and a decent dose of the Belgian candy, yeast and fruity sugar one would expect. In addition ‎we get some medicinal notes of juniper and aniseed which add to the experience. Alcohol present but ‎not oppressive.‎
Perhaps a touch prickly in the mouth but it’s trivial.‎
Very rich, moreish and basically a fantastic beer. MUCH less “Dubbel” (as originally in the BA database, but subsequently changed) ‎and more Belgian Strong Dark.‎
Super beer, massively drinkable and fantastic value as usual for Unibroue. Delighted by it.‎