Entries tagged with “Trader Joe's” from Malt & Barley Chronicles

So much for being done with Trader Joe's (as I had recently promised) ... but I find it easiest to buy my beer as part of my weekly groceries.  I think I really am done, at least with any further reviews, after yet another middle-of-the-road amber.

Characteristics: Pale copper color, medium carbonation and head, thin body, sharp bubbly start with a burnt toast middle and sugary finish.

Minor Gripes: Honestly, there's nothing that really stands out about this beer.  It's not too bland, not too sharp, just present and somewhat accounted for.

Bottom Line: Jumping Cow is one of those beers that's fine to have in the fridge from time to time.  It won't offend anyone, but it won't surprise them either.

Rating: 5 / 10

With this review, I may be done with the Trader Joe's beers for a while.  I expect Octoberfests to vary widely, but this particular version just doesn't fit the bill.   A lager that behaves like an American Pale Ale isn't really necessary in my book.

Characteristics: Medium-copper color, light body, slightly stinging carbonation without any real head, sour hoppy tones dominate at start and finish over a yeasty middle.

Gripes: I've gotten headaches from drinking this beer, for no perceptible reason.  I'm also not a fan of the hop-heavy American pale ales, so your mileage may vary.

Bottom Line: Trader Joe's produces a dull and uninspired effort at a fest beer.  Even the mass-produced Sam Adams Octoberfest beats this one, never mind the heavyweight Hofbrau or other import variations.

Rating: 4 / 10

Everything that was disappointing about the Trinity Red is corrected here in the Gila Monster Amber. Another of my recent Trader Joe's finds, this beer brings a creative edge to the classic red/amber style.

Characteristics: Warm reddish gold color, thin body, medium carbonation, malty start and middle with spicy cinnamon notes and a slightly hoppy finish.

Minor Gripes: A cloying, sugary finish (like Belgian ales) starts to emerge as the beer warms to the upper limits of its range.

Bottom Line: The spicy cinnamon notes and sharp carbonated feel help this beer stand up to foods that would crush a lesser beer, but it's thin enough that you can drink more than one in a sitting. For a bargain "micro," that's high praise.

Rating: 6.25 / 10

Another beer available only at Trader Joe's in my experience, and perhaps one best left there. Given a choice between this beer and a true pilsener, I'd go yellow (which is a rarity for me).

Characteristics: Warm amber red color, light carbonation, minimal head, light-to-medium body, slightly sharp opening moves into slightly malty, slightly yeasty spaces with a tangy finish.

Minor Gripes: There's a sour finish in the yeast -- an off-note that doesn't fit with the overall middle-of-the-palate approach.

Bottom Line: Drinkable, decent, but nothing special. I probably couldn't distinguish Trinity Red from Leinie's Red in a blind test, and that means it's definitely in the middle of the road at best.

Rating: 4.5 / 10

I don't know exactly when Trader Joe's specialty grocery store started brewing its own beer (or at least formulating its own recipes), but it makes sense since they've been known for "Two Buck Chuck" wine for many years.  There are about four varieties right now, but the Bock seemed like the most promising starting point.

Characteristics: Warm gold color, decent head when poured that settles quickly with low to medium carbonation, medium body, overall smooth flavor with occasional yeasty and slightly sharp malty moments.

Minor Gripes: Surprisingly, I can't taste the 7% ABV, which is a dangerous thing given the overall drinkability.

Bottom Line: If not for the overloaded alcohol content, this would easily be a "session beer." It's mellower (and less complex) than most bocks I've tried, and it goes down easy.  If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, this is certainly worth checking out.

Rating: 6 / 10