Trader Jose's Dark Lager - Trader Joe's Brewing Company

jimmah120

Minnesota

3.21/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

12oz brown bottle best before october 25th

look is indeed dark, amber, with an off-white sudsy head. smell is light and wheaty, maybe with a little hop bitterness in there as well. taste is light airy wheat, somewhat cloying feel, moderate sweetness.

the definition of average

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 07:33:09 | More by jimmah120

fx20736

New York

3.13/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

bought at Trader Joe's in Pittsford on 3/23/13. Price $ 1.09.

poured from a 12 oz bottle into a large glass tumbler, served at fridge temp.

appearance: darkish amber, the color of brewed Lipton's tea with a 1 finger off white/ manila head. Vigorous bubbles stream in profusion from the bottle of the glass. Good lacing.

aroma: not much comes to the nose, maybe a little malt, possibly the faintest echo of hops..

mouthfeel: slightly fizzy.

taste: some toasted malt, a weak touch of hops, not much else.

notes: There is hardly anything to this beer, good or bad. for the money you could get drunk on worse.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 07:43:41 | More by fx20736

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev +20.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Excellent carbonation combined with bright red color.

Smell: Toasted cocoa a lot like a stout.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Sweet coffee and cocoa. Very strong for an amber. Also very malty. Not the smoothest, but it does have bite.

Overall Drinkability: A good and very different red lager.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2012 04:10:43 | More by tjsdomer2

CHickman

New York

3.2/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours reddish copper color with a massive 3 finger tan head that faded very slowly and was full of bubbles, leaving very good spotty lacing.

Smells of malt, herbs, caramel, grains, husk or vegetables, and some light metallic notes like a penny was dropped in the beer. Basically its all malt in the nose.

Tastes like it smells, with malt, herbs, caramel, grains, hazelnut, husk or vegetables, toffee, light hops, yeast and some light metallic notes; pretty much malty with some accents from the hops and caramel.

Mouthfeel is creamy and watery smooth, with very light carbonation, a medium almost chewy body and a grainy sweet finish. Middle of the road in every aspect; not bad, not great, just there and overall average.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2012 03:19:01 | More by CHickman

Minkybut

Virginia

3.28/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I poured this beer expecting bad. At first taste I thought it was. It also smelled sour which almost ruined my sampling. Dark pour with a tan head that was nice at first. Very creamy. The beer was a bit sweet tasting to me but then leveled out. I will try again but the beer was nothing really special.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 23:11:49 | More by Minkybut

beertunes

Washington

2.68/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured into 9oz Pilsener glass. Poured a clean, clear medium brown color, with 3/4 inch of off-white head that moderate retention and lacing.

The aroma was mostly neutral, some light grains and just a gentle hint of hops were all that showed up. The flavors were the same, bland almost to the point of flavorlessness.

The body was pretty typical, medium and clean, with good carbonation. Drinkability was OK, not special, not terrible. Overall, just kind of bland, Meh-ish brew. At $6 a sixer you could grab one. Or not. Whatever.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2012 19:35:21 | More by beertunes

Murrhey

Montana

1.8/5  rDev -45.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Shared out of a 12oz bottle poured in pint glasses. Reviewed from notes.

A- Red-brown with a tan head.

S- Hoppy and medium bodied malts. Not very potent.

T- Dark malts but not complex at all. Not very good.

M- Medium bodied, foamy feel. Not great.

O- Ok for a cheap beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 04:11:43 | More by Murrhey

kylehay2004

Florida

3.35/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

single finger head with little retention but nice lacing on a straight amber clear body. aroma is very sweet, mostly malt and grain with sweet corn. flavor is mostly malt but it is a little flat. smooth, simple and drinkable but not very memorable. medium body and light to moderate carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 00:54:47 | More by kylehay2004

UCLABrewN84

California

3.35/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear dark crimson brown with a 2 inch foamy tan head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Thin rings of lace form on the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark malt and some nutty and slight metallic aromas. Taste is of dark malt and some nutty flavors. A slight metallic flavor shows up on the aftertaste but it's not too strong. This beer has a higher level of carbonation with a very crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer taste wise but nothing all that exciting.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2012 06:48:19 | More by UCLABrewN84

rodney45

New York

3.05/5  rDev -7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: Zinnwaldite brown with a lingering tan, or ivory head that lasts quite a while.

S: Big notes of cereal grains, malt and brown rice.

T: First profile is of roasted barley, oats and walnut. Secondary notes of light hop and bitterness. Non dry aftertaste.

M: medium body with light carbonation.

O: This isnt bad actually. It has a porter or brown ale feel, with a ale like mouthfeel. I wouldnt go as far as to say this is abover average, but i'd recommend.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2012 13:03:51 | More by rodney45

GossageBrewery

Missouri

2.63/5  rDev -19.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured this American Amber ale from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass. Poured a hazy light brown color, produced a creamy off white head, thick, good retention, leaves a nice amount of lacing on the glass. The aroma consists of subtle amounts of roasted grain and caramel. The taste is light in body, thin, watery. Toasted grain, caramel come through. Easy to drink- Overall boring beer- Disappointed with the entire trader jose line. On to the next beer! Prost!

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2012 00:50:56 | More by GossageBrewery

kojevergas

California

2.68/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

11.2 fl oz (330 ml) brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap served into a Weizen glass in low altitude Orange, California. Reviewed live. Expectations are average.

A: Pours a one finger head of decent cream, nice thickness, and above average retention. The colour is a dark amber-copper.

Sm: Malts and caramel. A mild strength aroma.

T: Very simple: caramel, malts, and light cream. It's okay, but I need more from a beer. Balanced but boring and bland.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Not too thick or too thin.

Dr: Drinkable but boring. I wouldn't have it again. It's alright, but largely forgettable.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 06:42:26 | More by kojevergas

Halcyondays

California

3.5/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle,

A: Pours brown with a light off-white head, light lace, solid head retention.

S: Toasty malt, some brown sugar, nice smell.

T: Sweet dark bready malt. Really the only flavour, but it's good. Very light hop component.

M: Medium-bodied, crisp biting carbonation, smooth, easy drinking.

O: A very good beer for the price. Nice flavour, no complexity, but an enjoyable effort.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2011 05:51:02 | More by Halcyondays

mikesgroove

South Carolina

3.6/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

amber with the slightest of orange tint to it. A small maybe one inch high head of white foam graced the top

light and surprisingly hoppy with a nice bit of grain pushed up from the bottom. The blend was nice and light and had a good bright aroma. Some light fruit in the back as well.a good amount of floral hops sitting in the finish. The initial flavor I picked up was that of a nice cereal grain with a touch of a light grass mixed in. This rolled into a nice light fruit with a touch of a pine like finish to it. It was a nice bitter finish and a surprisingly good hop profile.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2011 06:05:29 | More by mikesgroove

jneiswender

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had this as part of my wife's mixpack she made up for me. Poured into a pint glass and served cool.

Clear and dark brown color and an off white head. Smell reminds me of some chocolate and light coffee. Nequick like. LIght hop presence as the malt dominates with chocolate drink mix like flavor. The mouth feel is medium and well carbonated. I might drink this again.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2011 14:52:52 | More by jneiswender

notchucknorris

California

3.38/5  rDev +3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: Dark brown/amber in color with a wispy tan head. Not much retention at all.

S: Sweet malts, day old coffee grounds and a slight nuttiness.

T: It's definitely nothing mind-blowing, but it's not altogether awful either. Taste is cereal grains, sweet malts, caramel and hazelnut with a hint of marzipan as well.

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2011 04:48:26 | More by notchucknorris

kneeland

North Carolina

3.88/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This was an American Amber? Could have fooled me. It pours dark, almost coffee black. Maybe a hint of red if you hold it up to the sun. I really liked the color, especially since it didn't taste as heavy or as dark as it looked. You can taste the malt, a little sweetness. It's a very bold lager.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2011 15:15:28 | More by kneeland

bluejacket74

Ohio

3.55/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 ounce bottle, best before 06/17/11. So it's about a month after that, no big deal. The single bottle was only a buck from Trader Joe's so I don't feel bad about buying it. Served in a pint glass, the beer pours a clear brown/copper color with about an inch off-white head. Head retention and lacing are both decent enough. Aroma is bready and caramel malt, nuts and some toffee. The taste is the same as the aroma, it tastes like bready and caramel malt, nuts and toffee. Finish is mostly sweet with some bitterness noticable too. Even after its best before date it's still a pretty decent brew. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit slick and has moderate/high carbonation. It's also smooth and easy to drink. For the price it's not a bad beer, it's better than I expected it to be. I can't complain for $1 a bottle. I'd buy it again at that price!

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2011 23:42:15 | More by bluejacket74

Reidrover

Oregon

3.5/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

6 pack bottles from Trader Joes in S.Salem. $5.49 Dark amber/brown beer with a really good looking tight ,thick head..light tan in colour. Simple aroma..bready,some caramel..a little nutty. Taste again pretty simple..slightly caramel/toffee, some niuttiness..walnuts maybe small amount of hop in the end. Ok mouthfeel..not to bad for style..nice slightly bitter after taste. I enjoyed this..a nice simple dark lager

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2011 02:07:17 | More by Reidrover

DarthKostrizer

California

3.45/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Look: Dark brownish red almost rootbeer color with 1 inch white foamy head and decent retention

Smell: Roasted malt coffee and tobacco

Taste: Almost the damn same as the nose. Lots of coffee tobacco and leather notes

Mouthfeel: Medium body with medium level of carbonation

Overall: I'm gonna be totally honest right now and say this might be the best .90 cents I have ever spent but it the beer cost $1.99 I would not buy it

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2011 03:58:49 | More by DarthKostrizer

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.08/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

This beer poured out as a clear looking brown color. It's got a fizzy off white head on it. The smell of the beer has a lager aroma mixed with some roasted nuts and a hint of hops. The taste of the some lager flavors at first that fade into some decent nutty flavors in the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is pretty smooth, It's got a decent carbonation to it. Overall it's an average brew really, but has a drinkablity that made this a bit more enjoyable. I wouldn't hunt this one down or go out of my way to get this either.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2011 17:18:24 | More by Knapp85

mactrail

California

3.05/5  rDev -7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Starts out with a nice foamy head. Lots of foam like a bubble bath. Dissipates to a rather flat mouth feel. Musty odor. Kind of a cardboard taste. Wierd hint of citrus that throws off the slight bit of roasted malt flavor. No aftertaste, fortunately.

Even for a cheap (imported from Mexico!) beer this isn't very good. Another case where the style isn't really right. Should be Light Lager with caramel color added.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2011 04:06:06 | More by mactrail

yesyouam

New York

3.68/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Trader José Dark Lager is a very clear, coppery brown beer with a thin, bubbly, off white head that fades to a film and leaves nice lacing. It has a roasty, toasty aroma that's pretty chocolatey. It's light bodied and a bit watery. It's pretty smooth and the finish is pretty dry. The mellow flavor is chocolatey with a little green bitterness at the finish. It's smooth and mellow.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2011 14:53:48 | More by yesyouam

wedge

North Carolina

3.03/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Clear dark chestnut color with a small, fluffy off-white head. Decent sheets of lace left on the glass. Sweet caramel malt, nuts, and earthy notes in the nose. Dark roasted caramel, cocoa, and a hint of leafy hop bitterness. Tastes a little too sweet and cheap...but it is cheap. Light bodied and fairly drinkable. As with most lagers like this, it's much better cold, so don't let it sit around too long. Suitable for a summer cookout...

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2011 21:41:12 | More by wedge

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Dogfish Head shaped pint glass.

You'd think "Trader" would be en español too, right? Anyway, this stuff pours a clear dark sunset amber topped by a finger of dirty white foam. The nose comprises toffee, dark greens, and light buttery biscuits. The taste brings in more of the same, along with a decidedly light addition of caramel. The body is a rather light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fluid feel. Overall, a nice little lager, nothing much to distinguish it from everything else, but easy to drink and generally enjoyable enough for a nice-and-easy quaff.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2011 00:55:54 | More by TMoney2591