Elysian Immortal IPA

Immortal IPA poured a clear, golden yellow color with a thumb width, white head.  The nose is very nice, clean, with flowery notes and a big hop aroma.  The body has a soft, light mouthfeel with a pale malt middle and sharp hop edges.  The finish is bone dry and bitter. 

Overall, this is a really good IPA. Inviting nose, well balanced with amazing flavors, this is everything you would want in a beer.      

Victory Brewing Announces Expansion Plans

DOWNINGTOWN, PA – Victory Brewing Company is opening a second brewery in Chester County, Pa., which will allow the company to continue to create new, innovative beers and additional employment opportunities.
In 2012, Victory’s current brewery in Downingtown, Pa. will reach capacity. In order to keep up with consumers’ demand for full-flavored, high quality beer, Victory is forging ahead with expansion plans.

“Our thirsty fans have been asking us for more,” said Bill Covaleski, President and Co-Brewmaster of Victory Brewing Company. “In order to give them what they want, we need more space to make it happen.”

The new brewery location was chosen because of its similarities to Victory’s home in Downingtown. Just as the home brewery recycled an old Pepperidge Farm factory, the expansion brewery is being built within an existing complex in Parkesburg, Pa. The Downingtown location is situated a mere 14 miles from the headwaters of the east branch of the Brandywine Creek and the Parkesburg brewery will be just 17 miles from the headwaters of the west branch.

Environmental impact and water quality were major considerations for this expansion. Nearly eight months of water-quality research found that the mineral composition of the west branch water is nearly identical to the east branch.

In keeping with Victory’s “locally brewed, locally loved” motto, the choice to expand was not made lightly. The Parkesburg location will allow Victory to produce even more locally brewed and locally loved beer.

“Growing into a new facility will have some growing pains,” said Ron Barchet, CEO and Co-Brewmaster of Victory Brewing Company. “But once we are up and running, it will allow us endless opportunities to experiment with new flavors and re-create old favorites.”

Victory Brewing Company is a privately held craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Begun by Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, childhood friends who met on a school bus in 1973, the brewery formally began operations in February of 1996. Victory, Pennsylvania's widely acclaimed brewery and restaurant, now serves fans of fully flavored beers in 29 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company visit us on the web at www.victorybeer.com.

Harpoon Catamount Maple Wheat

Maple Wheat poured a clear, copper color with a pen width, white head. The aroma is mild, with a little bready malt and a faint trace of maple.  The body is short, with a flat mouthfeel, bready malt and burnt grain.  The beer finishes with a mild dryness.

Overall, an average beer. It is easy drinking, but tastes more like an amber lager than a wheat beer.  The maple is hardly noticeable which is debatable if this is a negative or positive.  A bland beer that needs a little bit more body.   

Narragansett Creme Ale

Anchor Our Special Christmas Ale 2011

Stone/Bruery/Elysian La Citrueille Celeste de Citracado

Stone Vertical 11.11.11

In 2002, Stone Brewing Company released their first beer in their Vertical Epic series. Stone encouraged customers to cellar a bottle of each vintage and to enjoy an "epic" tasting after the last vintage was released on December 12, 2012.  The 08.08.08 was an incredible beer so we couldn't wait to try another vintage.

11.11.11 poured a clear, light brown color with a two fingered width, off white head. The nose has cinnamon and chillies laying ontop of some malt. The mouthfeel is soft, with decent weight and low carbonation. The beer finishes with a a nice amount of chillies on the backend. 

Overall, this is a really good beer. A big beer that is balanced and hides the ABV well, the chillies are present without being overdone.  Another great offering from Stone's Vertical Epic line.