Victory Brewing Company’s love affair with experimentation continues with two celebratory beers: Victory Red and Jubilee. The brews follow recently tapped barrel-aged stalwarts Java Cask and Java Cask Rye, which you might still be able to snag—if you’re lucky.
Barrel aging brings bigger, bolder and deeper flavor profiles to beer thanks to the residual spirit left in the barrel. According to Victory’s director of brewery operations James Gentile, “The more time in barrel, the more those flavors will shine through, adding nuance to your extracted beer.”
Victory Red, at an approachable 5.5% ABV, was recently released in all three Brewpubs, and savvy beer lovers may still find it there and in bottles. It’s a highly complex, Flemish-style sour red ale, a nod to Victory brewers’ passion and dedication to traditional styles—and great taste! Victory Red offers tart aromas plus notes of vanilla, oak, caramel and cherries thanks to spending a glorious three years in oak barrels.
Gentile notes that mixed-culture fermentation and his team’s expert blending created the tart and tannic notes (think sharp, biting acidity) at the start followed by slightly sweet and malty undertones at the finish. A real refresher!
There will be plenty to celebrate in January when Jubilee, a lush and decadent biére brut, hits Victory’s Brewpubs and bottle shops in 35 states. At a hearty 12% ABV, it’s a highly carbonated and complex Belgian-style ale with big fruits at the start. You’ll enjoy pear and green apple aromas plus citrus and spice, too.
Gentile explains that Jubilee gets its effervescence from fermenting with sparkling wine yeast, giving it a champagne-like vibe perfect for toasting Victory’s 21st anniversary (and your special celebrations!). Act fast when the new year arrives—Jubilee will be available only through March.
Bookmark Victory’s Beerfinder to spy Jubilee bottles—and taste Victory—locally and when you’re traveling. Cheers to new beers!
Find Victory Brewing Company at 420 Acorn Ln. in Downingtown, phone: (610) 873-0881; 600 W. Cypress St. in Kennett Square, phone: (484) 730-1870; and 3127 Lower Valley Rd. in Parkesburg, phone: (484) 718-5080.
- Photos: Victory Brewing Company
