Trader Joes Hofbrau

[BluPlateSpec]

Any opinions on Trader Joes Hofbrau beer? It's carried in three types; Hofbrau, Bock and Vienna Lager.

[braineater]

TJ's exclusive/private-label beers are contract-brewed by the following breweries:

Gordon-Biersch - Hofbrau Bock, Vienna Lager, Bohemian Lager, Bavarian Hefeweizen, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest

Goose Island - Black Toad, Stockyard, and Trinity

August Schell - Frugal Joe's, Gila Monster, Fat Weasel, and Jumping Cow

Vintage Ale - Unibroue

I am not sure if there are any additional private-label beers available in other regions, but those are the ones available in the Northeast. There are a few more in the works, from what I hear. As to the quality of the GB-brewed beers, I think they're good for the price ($5.49 in MA), better than Bud at the same price, but nothing worth raving about. The annual release of Vintage Ale is an event of note, however.

[Seldomsated]

And may I second that comment, the Vintage Ale being an event of note! The 2008 release is super - such a wonderful blend of flavors! Complex yet every note clear as a bell. I was blown away by the bottle I had a couple days ago. What makes me a believer is how FRESH it tastes. I am no beer or ale expert, but I can only say my palate loves a beer that's been brewed especially for the season, and hasn't been sitting around! Cheers!!!

[roze]

I got a six pack of the Hofbrau Lager and the Hefenweizen the other day. The Hefenweizen is akin to the Paulner Hefeweizen but a little more bubbly, The Hofbrau reminds me of Ommegangs Hennepin. For $5.99 a six pack here in nyc these beers are a great deal. Good times

[rob133]

Here in California Trader Joe's are selling Gordon Biersch as there own label, maybe thats nationwide, or maybe they are using other brewers for different locations?

That being said I've tried the Vienna lager and Hefewizen. the later is fairly decent (and I believ brewed exclusively for Trader Joe's???) the former did nothing for me.

[niquejim]

While I've not seen a Trader Joe's here in Florida other sites say that their beers are made by Unibroue. If they make those they should be good.

[ultramagnetic]

Trader Joe's Vintage Ale is made by Unibroue. Pretty sure the others are made by G.B.

[gtring]

As a former GB guy, I can verify that TJ's gets most of their beer from GB. Some specialties are made by Unibroue.

The beers are pretty damn good. Especially if the Unibroue ones are on sale, you can get a great price for them.