BBCBC meeting
3.29.11
Tha minutes:
Peeps from good amigos of ours at Victory Brewing were by to showcase their newest wares for all to quaff. So we did enthusiastically.
Started off a bit weak, litterally with the Victory Lager, a stock german Helles, super pale, light and with pretty low flavor, some skunkiness unfortunately, followed by the Prima Pils, a much more successful beer, excellent example of the style.
Moving on the Headwaters Pale Ale was next up, typical APA. very nice flavor and aroma without the bitters, though somewhat lacking in body as is typical and why I dont care for the style that much. still, strong. This was inevitably followed by Hop Devil and Hop Wallop IPAs, not quite as pungently bitter as I once remembered. had it better on draft at some point. still nice aroma, but once ye go Ruination, your palate is forever fucked.
Next set was some Belgian styles done up. Now before I begin, I must state, as I always do, that I only trust 3 breweries outside of Belgium to get it right. Ommegang. Allagash. The Breuery. Everyone else, no matter how good their other stuff comes out, falls short. Big V was no exception. Helios, their saison, though I remembered it being better was flat and lifeless, with a bitter funky tinge not common to the style. Next, Golden Monkey, an overly sweet tripel, much lighter than I recelled from drinkings past in the Public House many moons ago. Still lacking in aroma (way too much banana) and without depth. Finally, V12, a Quad, smelled and tasted like a half assed strong/ old ale that belgian. alcohol all too apparent. rather disappointing.
Which bring us back to why we like these guys, German Styles. St. Victorious, their seasonal doppelbock, was excellent. Nice and malty without being too sweet or cloying. Rich german malanoidin malts with a not too heavy body and lighter color than most made for a most refreshing yet creamy and substantial brew. Finish was cleaner than most, not malingering like their german cousins. Finished with Storm King, big bad and robust as all hell. a bit more hopped than i recall, but still dark rich and deep.
Overall not a bad night of drinking. We'll return with more soon once we kick this problem drinker thing...
-B
