Yes, I’m the nerd in the Baltic Thunder shirt. And proud of it! I’m a sucker for a good craft beer, but every since that first sip of malty, dark, toffee-roasty goodness of Victory Brewing Company Baltic Thunder passed these lips, it’s been my favorite.
So I was, indeed, the nerd bellied up to the bar at 8:30 a.m. on Red Wednesday (Nov. 21, 2012) to taste the latest iteration of my beloved: Red Thunder. A Baltic-style porter aged in red wine barrels for three months, Red Thunder captured many of the qualities I love from the original. There were notes of cherry, maybe a bit of jam, and it softened up nicely. What I found most interesting was how the subtle hint of red wine mellowed the finish. I didn’t detect the toffee-sweet I find in the original, but instead a very complex barrel-aged end to a delicious brew. I had a second one, just in case, to make sure I could describe it correctly.
And in case you’re wondering, you read the time correctly: I and a host of other Victory Beer enthusiasts were there at 8:30 a.m. As in the morning. For breakfast to go with our Red Thunder. We weren’t the first to show, either: a line snaked through the lot as early as 6:30 a.m. I saw many happy patrons leaving with growlers, bottles and cases. Happily, our efforts paid off, as the tapped Red Thunder was kicked by lunchtime. The early bird does get the spoils.
Breakfast was a real treat. I opted for the amazing spinach, mushroom and feta quiche, served atop a bed of baby spinach leaves. And when I say amazing, I mean “amahhhhzing.” The Red Thunder perfectly and delightfully enhanced the smokiness from the mushrooms and secret sauce. The malt in the beer had a grand old time with the rustic flavors in the quiche.
If you missed Red Thunder — there may be a few bottles left here or there — then make sure you keep an eye on the Victory website for the next specialty release, Oak Horizontal. Yes, it’s the hopilicious barleywine that boasts candied fruit currently aging (three months total) in bourbon barrels. According to the Barrel of Victory’s blog, the release date is TBD, but we’ve been promised some Ho for the holidays.
Want more? Victory will deliver. Just in time for its 17th anniversary (and, many hope, in time for Valentine’s Day 2013), White Monkey will mystify the thirsty faithful. Just imagine the flavors when this herbal, fruity Belgian-style ale wakes up from it’s three month nap in white wine barrels.
Ok, I have to say it: a Victory for your taste in every drop.
Find Victory Brewing Co. & their brewpub at 420 Acorn Lane in Downingtown, or online at victorybeer.com.
