July 2007 Archives

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

This probably isn't the most objective or controlled test I've ever done, since it comes on the heels of a Shipyard Brewery tour (and tasting) in Portland, consisted only of two drafts in one sitting (I usually like to try a beer a couple times), and was accompanied in part by some (relatively mild) hummus.  But I'd like to have the Bar Harbor again at home... so that should count for something.

Characteristics: Rich brownish amber color, medium carbonation but light head, medium body with some depth, runs mostly amber and slightly yeasty (like a Smithwick's) but finishes dry and hoppy.

Minor Gripes: That hoppy finish slides from dry to bitter as the ale approaches room temperature.  It's  similar to the core hoppiness of the Shipyard ales but not really necessary with this one.

Bottom Line: I'm not sure when "real" became synonymous with "brown, " but I'm not really complaining about the results in this case.

Rating:  6 / 10