If you love a good cup of joe and a high quality malty beverage, why not savor both at the same time? Beers brewed or infused with coffee are easy to find these days. Just last weekend, I enjoyed a glass each of Ozo Coffee Brown Ale from Upslope Brewing and Hiatus Cold Coffee-Infused Oatmeal Ale from Renegade Brewing. The bitter, roasty flavors of coffee beans add a dynamic element that enhances many different beer styles. I've had a bit of a craving for these flavors lately, so this week I cracked open a bottle of beer that had caught my attention this winter - Victory at Sea from Ballast Point Brewing Company. This imperial porter, infused with coffee and vanilla beans, is the perfect answer to a dark, cold winter night.
Victory at Sea has been surrounded by its share of fanfare as a winter seasonal. On Dec. 21, Ballast Point celebrated its 3rd Annual Victory at Sea Day, a celebration that featured many different versions of the beer, from barrel-aged to infused with fruit, chocolate or spices. I'm sure this event in San Diego was a blast, but for the majority of us Ballast Point fans who missed it, we have to settle for the standard version of Victory at Sea, if it's available in our area. That's just fine with me, and luckily Ballast Point distributes this world-class strong ale, and other great beers in its lineup, in the Denver metro area. Though Ballast Point, like many west coast breweries, is known best for its hop-forward beers like Sculpin IPA, Victory at Sea helps prove this brewery's versatility and range of brewing expertise.
As an imperial porter, Victory at Sea is a decadent beer to be sipped and savored, and its 22-ounce packaging makes it perfect for sharing. This is a full-bodied beer that pours a deep black color with a prominent, bronze-colored head of foam. Its aroma has an immediate draw, with a nose of coffee beans, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, and roastinesss. There are big coffee flavors right up front, followed by a creamy sweetness of chocolate, caramel, toffee, some vanilla, and a bourbon character. The finish is a melding of sweetness, some roasty bitterness, and a bit of alcohol warming. The beer's strength of 10 percent ABV is noticeable, but doesn't take away from its enjoyment. Victory at Sea is an excellent robust porter made even better with the infusion of coffee and vanilla, which add layers of depth and richness.
When you have a chance to try a great coffee beer you haven't had before, I strongly suggest you take it. Beers like Victory at Sea burst with flavor and exemplify the creativity and excellence that thrive in today's craft brewing industry.
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