Trinity Red Ale -- Trinity Brewing Co. (Chicago, IL)

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