braineater
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Re:TJ's Brand Beer - 2006/12/12 18:47
A number of the TJ's private-label beers (Hofbrau Bock, Bavarian Hefeweizen, Bohemian Lager, Vienna Lager, Winterfest, and -- I believe -- Oktoberfest) are made by Gordon-Biersch in San Jose. Other private-label beers are from other breweries. Stockyard Oatmeal Stout, Trinity Red Ale, and -- again, I believe -- Black Toad Dark Ale are brewed by Goose Island, in Chicago. There are also a number of beers brewed by the "Steinhaus Brewing Co." in Paso Robles (Frugal Joe's, Gila Monster, Fat Weasel, and Jumping Cow), though if you've ever seen the cases for these brews you'll know they say "New Ulm" on them, which seems to indicate they're being contract-brewed by the August Schell Brewing Co. in New Ulm, MN. I'm not saying contract brewing is bad, but it can have its pitfalls, and it doesn't help that the recipes aren't that great to begin with.
The only truly great TJ's private-label beer is the Vintage Ale, which is brewed each holiday season by Unibroue. It's a Belgian-style strong dark ale, and at $4.99 per bottle, is a total steal.
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