ballast Point Victory at sea

steven lopez · 02/07/2012 05:30 PM

I have been looking for this beer for months. It is hard to find a good beer infused with Vanilla and this one had great reviews. I finally found this beer at The Bowery Whole Foods market. Apparently it is only sold during the winter Holidays. I guess since it is relatively strong (10%A.B.V) and very dark. Either way only once a year is a bunch of bull.

The appearance is pitch black and pours a nice tan one inch thick head. The foam dissipates but a thin layer remains on the surface. A lot of lacing.

There is a nice coffee aroma upfront followed by Vanilla. Smells a bit boozy at the end but not bad.

The taste is amazing. nice black coffee flavor upfront and the Vanilla comes in nice and smooth and is followed by a creamy caramel taste. It does not taste artificial or too sweet. A few seconds in and you realize this is the type of beer you drink slow or the room will start spinning.

There is a thick mouthfeel and the alcohol leaves a nice bite.

Overall This beer is a must have. The flavors are even and the alcohol content is strong but not too overwhelming.
THIS IS GREAT WITH A ROCKY PATEL DECADE TORO, LA GLORIA DE CUBANA SERIES N, OR LA AROMA DE CUBA EDICION ESPECIAL (goes best with maduros)

metalhead y cigarguy · 02/07/2012 08:55 PM

Looks tasty.

I like to enjoy a brew called Quilter's Irish Death which also has a high Alcohol content. The Irish Death is very dark and has notes of cocoa or chocolate. It's very good.

kola · 02/07/2012 09:21 PM

Quotemetalhead y cigarguy - 2/7/2012 9:55 PM

Looks tasty.

I like to enjoy a brew called Quilter's Irish Death which also has a high Alcohol content. The Irish Death is very dark and has notes of cocoa or chocolate. It's very good.

Oh yeah, I will vouch for the Irish Death, it's a great beer ... just wish it was more available.

I will have to see if the local store can order this Ballast Point Victory At Sea. Looks and sounds like something I would enjoy with a full bodied cigar.

southernrun · 02/07/2012 11:19 PM

looks great!

lubrix · 02/07/2012 11:44 PM

Cool label art.

horrido · 02/08/2012 07:15 AM

One thing I noticed is the states has a lot of micro breweries that look really decent. Lucky bums you all are.

steven lopez · 02/09/2012 10:09 PM

If it weren't for prohibition we would have had dozens more breweries existing. Good thing were getting back into the groove now.

lukin · 02/11/2012 10:49 PM

You convinced me. I've been staring at this photo for the last couple of days and decided to leave the compound to make a Bevmo trip and pick some of this up. Got a nice 12 pack of Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye, a 4 pack of Dogfishhead 90 minute IPA and a bottle of Beefeaters since we are getting close to Gin and Tonic season too.

vw77guy · 02/12/2012 01:06 AM

Oscar Blues makes a dark one called ten-fidy. If you like dark thick beers, this one is so called becasue it pours like 10-50 motor oil. Tastes wonderful!

lukin · 02/12/2012 10:34 PM

Thanks again for the tip. This was one of the best drinking experiences I've ever had. Awesome all around and will be on my radar from now on.

steven lopez · 02/13/2012 08:45 PM

Thanks I really like the sound of that and I will definitely seek it out and review it with a cigar.

steven lopez · 02/13/2012 08:47 PM

YES! That is really great to hear. I will keep posting great beers that are awesome paired with a good cigar.

1sgjeffward · 02/13/2012 08:55 PM

Sounds pretty good. That's one thing I love about living in Northern Colorado we have several Micro Breweries that put out some really good stuff

87North · 02/13/2012 09:54 PM

Quote1sgjeffward - 2/13/2012 8:55 PM

Sounds pretty good. That's one thing I love about living in Northern Colorado we have several Micro Breweries that put out some really good stuff

Yup! One of my favorite dark beers comes out of your neck of the woods. Big fan of the New Belgium 1554.

1sgjeffward · 02/13/2012 10:04 PM

Ya we got some good stuff! Fort Collins Brewery, New Belgium with all of their brands, Equinox Brewing, Pateros Creek Brewery and Coopersmith's Brew Pub. And those are just Fort Collins! Thrown in the ones from boulder and you can't go wrong around here if your a micro brew fan.