Taproom Live Presents: Victory Co-Founders

Victory Brewing: "We're pumped to host Victory Co-Founders, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, on a very special episode of Taproom Live."

Victory's Home Grown New American Lager

From Victory Brewing Company: "Home Grown New American Lager is the type of beer we've been thinkin' about for years.

We've been making lagers since the beginning, and we've been using American whole flower hops since the beginning. With this beer, we're finally putting them together."

www.victorybeer.com/beers/victory-home-grown

 

Video: Victory HopDevil Artwork Refresh

Found this video on Victory's Youtube channel. Fun stuff on a great brew...

#HopDevil IPA's got a new look and we're giving you a behind the scenes peek at how the new artwork was created! Learn about the thought process of updating these graphics, give the Devil his due, and enjoy!

"So, our beloved #HopDevil turns 21 this year. And you know, that's sort of a coming of age. We thought it was time to take his look and give it a new style." - Bill Covaleski, Co-Founder of Victory Brewing Company

https://www.victorybeer.com/beers/hopdevil

Give the Devil his Due - HopDevil IPA

 

Even before Victory Brewing started distributing in Arkansas about a year-and-a-half ago I was a huge fan of their Hop Devil, a 6.7% tasty full-bodied IPA. This year it's back in 12 oz bottles and cans (just clap yer hands!) and I need to get out and find it before it's gone. You too.

Here's something for you off their YouTube channel:

 

IPAs are more popular than ever, but let’s not forget about one of the IPAs that paved the way for this trend- our HopDevil IPA. Whether you’re an old friend of the Devil or you’re trying this Menacingly Delicious™ IPA for the first time, it’s time to give the Devil his due. American hops, malt sweetness and an aromatic punch explain why this IPA is a world class brew. #HopDevil #MenacinglyDelicious

"One of my favorite flavors of HopDevil is really the hop juiciness. I think there's a certain pine character there that makes it very distinct. It's very distinctive because of the whole flower hops and the type of hops that we use."

 

Victory Sour Monkey Going Year Round!

Need some good news to kick off 2017? Check it out...

 

Victory Brewing Company: "Alright, alright, we heard you: Sour Monkey is back, and going year round! James Gentile, director of brewery operations, walks us through the brew day and multiple fermentations that make this Sour, Brett-Fermented Tripel a monkey all its own!"

 

The Original Golden Monkey Tale

Fact: the first beer I ever had from Victory Brewing was Golden Monkey, a delicious Belgian Tripel, way back in my pre-Untappd days (so I can't look it up, but I think it was in Florida?). Needless to say I was hooked on the brewery and the beer right off the bat and was so glad to see them enter our market last year. Here's a fun video on my Victory cherry-buster.

Victory Brewing: "Our co-founder Ron recounts the true story behind our beloved Belgian-Style Tripel, Golden Monkey."

Visit us at: http://www.VictoryBeer.com and share your Monkey Tale at http://www.RespectTheMonkey.com

   

Pucker Up: Victory Brewing Company Brings Back Kirsch Gose and Sour Monkey

Pucker Up: Victory Brewing Company Brings Back Kirsch Gose and Sour Monkey

As the Weather Warms Up, Two Wildly Popular Seasonal Brews Return

Downingtown, PA, March 10, 2016- Victory Brewing Company (Victory) announces the long-awaited return of Kirsch Gose, their refreshingly imaginative cherry fruit session ale and Sour Monkey, their sharp twist on their Belgian-style Tripel, Golden Monkey. Sweet, tart, salty and refreshing, Kirsch Gose incorporates natural tart cherry juice with a classic German-style gose while Sour Monkey incorporates multiple fermentations via three different yeasts to create an exhilarating flavor combination. The introductions of Kirsch Gose and Sour Monkey last year made waves in the craft beer world when both existing sour beer lovers and newcomers to the style embraced the new seasonals. The new brews quickly became sought after, in demand warm weather beverages.

Kirsch Gose was a new release for Victory in 2015 and their first bottled gose. The reaction from fans and critics was immediate and the limited release remained highly coveted throughout the summer and into the fall. Receiving 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, Kirsch Gose was described as “lively, bright and extremely effervescent …with raging acidity and a hint of salinity holding onto the finish.” With its sharp, slightly sweet cherry flavors against flavorful briny notes, the brew is a modern twist on a traditional German style that dates back to the 1500s. Victory pays further homage to gose’s German roots by using the German word for cherry, aka ‘kirsch’, right on the label of its beloved standout seasonal. The kirsch adds a sweet element that creates a pleasantly sharp balance of flavors. Featuring a variety of wheat malts, Czech-grown Saaz hops and natural cherry juice from King Orchards of Michigan, Kirsch Gose creates a distinctly bracing, light-bodied beer with an ABV of 4.7%.

Sour Monkey is also returning for year two. The sour, Brettanomyces-infused Tripel is a transformation of Victory’s beloved and GABF Gold Medal award-winning brew, Golden Monkey. Sour Monkey combines juicy Tettnang and Hallertrau whole flower hops with Pilsner malt and coriander seed before adding the fun and funk of non-standard yeast varieties. These yeasts are known for their volatility and are often left out of the brewing process due to their hard to control nature. However, the brewers at Victory have harnessed the power of the yeast with a unique recipe, fermentation control, and final blending within the brewing process, to create exciting, savory nuances. With an ABV of 9.5%, Sour Monkey delivers a punch with the pure taste of Victory.

Available April 1 throughout Victory’s 37 state distribution footprint, Kirsch Gose’s suggested retail price for a 12 oz. four-pack is approximately $9.99, but varies upon location and is also available on draft. Sour Monkey will be available July 1 in 750 ml bottles and the suggested retail price is approximately $9.00 and is also available on draft. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Kirsch Gose and Sour Monkey. We thought we had created two uniquely delicious ales and the customer response loudly echoed our belief,” said Victory’s Founder and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski.

Victory's Anniversary XX Imperial Pilsner Hitting Shelves

Celebrating Twenty Years of Victory with European Tradition and American Ingenuity: Anniversary XX Imperial Pilsner Makes Its Debut 

Downingtown, PA, February 5, 2016 – Victory Brewing Company (Victory), is ringing in its 20th year with the launch of Anniversary XX Imperial Pilsner, a deliciously drinkable beer that’s culturally inspired. Victory invites craft beer fans to join in the milestone celebration while enjoying the very best of German hops in one memorable concoction. 

Fans love what’s inside and outside of Victory beer bottles. The anniversary label features a striking “XX” as its focal point so consumers know; Victory beer has been bold for 20 years and counting. Rich green and yellow imagery reflect the coming together of old-world Europe and new-era America to produce a brew that’s as full bodied with herbal hop notes, as it is deep malts. Craft-beer collectors will relish this unique packaging that embodies the past, present and future of Victory.

Anniversary XX Imperial Pilsner makes its debut mid-February and is available through April in a 750 ml bottle. Retailing at approximately $9.99, this intense, yet soothing brew demonstrates the full character of the German noble hops which balances this substantial beer of 8.0% ABV. Pilsner malts band together with Tettnang, Spalt and Mittelfrueh hops to create a unique Imperial Pilsner style, which holds true to Victory’s renowned approach to craft brewing. For two decades, the brewery has tapped into its founders' roots in European brewing and this anniversary batch is no different.

Once poured, the pilsner’s color gradates from straw to golden yellow and tops off with thick white foam. Slight herbal tea, hay and floral notes dominate the carefully cultivated aromas while delivering a rich earthiness. As for taste, the subtle spiciness of hops meld with the warm flavors of German barley malts. Light citrus flavors cap off this bold combination for a revolutionary experience that’s perfectly drinkable.

Long before the anniversary celebration began, Victory had perfected their pilsner recipe. Most notably in Prima Pils, a brewery favorite, and strong, established brand with a loyal following of fans enamored by the compositions of malt and hops.

“Since Prima Pils has been one of our longest standing brands, it only makes sense that we debut this Imperial Pilsner in celebration of our 20^th Anniversary,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “After twenty years of brewing, we’re proud to deliver Anniversary XX to craft beer fans as we look ahead to innovate on tradition for the next 20 years.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, PA. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. Victory’s second state of the art brewery opened in February of 2014 in Parkesburg, PA to serve fans of fully flavored beers in 37 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. In addition to the original Downingtown brewpub, Victory’s second brewpub is in Kennett Square, while Parkesburg recently launched self-guided tours and the third brewpub. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company visit www.victorybeer.com.

Victory’s Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA Packs a Party Punch

Victory’s Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA Packs a Party Punch with Hops from the Spud State

Downingtown, PA,January 13, 2016 - Victory Brewing Company (Victory), is taking fans back to the future with the release of its Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA. Keeping the keg full, party going and fans happy for two decades requires creativity, risk-taking and lots of hop-ingenuity all wrapped up nicely in a playfully good-natured package.

The label once again illustrates Victory Brewing Company’s two fearless founders, Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski, partying with a raucous, craft beer loving crew like it’s 1996 adorned in the same color palette of the logo from where it all began. Anniversary 20 sets the stage for the big party next year, when Victory turns 21 and is finally “legal.”

The IPA is brewed with pilsner, carapils malts and a very rare, experimental hop. Idaho 7, a recently developed hop variety, takes center stage in this celebratory but sessionable liquid homage. Through two decades of global hop-trotting Victory has forged enduring relationships with hop growers and brokers that permits Downingtown's famous brewery to enjoy a leadership role in hop experimentation and implementation. Discovered in the third largest hop producing state in the country, Victory helps the hop make its east coast debut by utilizing twenty years of craft brewing knowledge to harness all of its juicy hop power into a 12 oz. bottle.  Part of the reason for Idaho 7's promising power lies in the location where it grows - a land formation dubbed the ‘shelf,’ in a remote area in Idaho. This extremely low mesa in western Idaho creates the ultimate soil and climatic conditions for growing hops.

Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA, boasts complex fruity aromas of orange and apricot with hints of mildly astringent black tea-like characters as well as a pleasantly fresh, slightly pine herbal bouquet.  At a reasonable ABV of 5.5%, Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA celebrates the brewery’s never-ending quest to share truly great beer with craft beer fans. Available on tap and on shelves from January to April throughout Victory’s 37-state footprint, Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA retails for approximately $9.99 for a six-pack, depending on location. 

“The ability to employ whole flower hops into our recipes was the main reason we chose to break free from our first brewery jobs and found Victory. From the initial success of the idea with HopDevil on through to Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA we are thrilled to witness the appreciation for our whole flower hopped creations,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “20 years down this flavor-filled road we plan to continue to seek and explore new flavors and utilize modern inspirations to share with our fans.”

Victory Announces the Launch of its Blackboard Series

 Victory Brewing Company Introduces a Year of Inspired Craft Beer: 

2016 Series Brings Culinary Concepts from Blackboard to Bottle & Tap

Downingtown, PA,December 22, 2015- Victory Brewing Company (Victory) announces the launch of its Blackboard Series, four adventurous and deliciously distinctive beers brewed with fresh ingredients that are a creative craft riff on restaurant blackboard specials. The annual series includes a new creation every three months alternating between bottle and draft only releases. Much like restaurant blackboard specials are used to entice loyal patrons to veer off menu and try something interesting and new with market-fresh produce so does the Victory Blackboard Series.

The first special in the series, Agave IPA with Grapefruit, will be released on January 1, 2016 and is brewed with four variations of American hops that juxtapose strong and bitter aromas against agave and grapefruit additions to create a light, citric bite. The ale is fresh, crisp and bracing, reminiscent of a ripe, ruby red grapefruit. The sweet agave syrup provides a perfect foil to the tartness of the grapefruit resulting in a juicy winter fruit beer. Agave IPA with Grapefruit is available from January through March and can be purchased throughout Victory’s 37-state distribution footprint for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a 4-pack of 12 oz. bottles. Pricing will vary slightly based upon location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

As part of the series launch, all three Victory Brewpubs - Downingtown, Kennett Square and Parkesburg are fully ‘embracing the blackboard’ with culinary creations perfectly suited to, or using the ingredients found in, Agave IPA with Grapefruit to celebrate the launch of this series. While Victory will always serve their popular, hop-forward brands and equally delicious fare, it anticipates the alternating bottle and draft “beers du jour” will please and excite the palates of craft beer and brewpub fans alike.

The second beer of the series is certain to excite the funky and wild ambitions side of many craft beer fans. The Dry-Hopped Brett Pils will be available on draft from April to June 2016. The third offering, a Berliner Weisse with Elderflower, will be sold in 12 oz. bottles. The final introduction of the series is an Oatmeal Porter with Hazelnut in a draft format.

“We developed the idea for this series while witnessing the popularity of the daily menu additions in our brewpubs. Using super fresh, seasonal ingredients as the driving force of our Blackboard Series we welcome January and it's bounty of enticing grapefruits,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “The goal of the Blackboard Series is to be flexible, adaptable and diverse while maintaining our high standard for quality. Much like our talented chefs make menu changes, we followed suit to bring ‘specials’ to our fans from the blackboard to the bottle or tap.”

What Happens When Craft Beer and Coffee Make a Baby in a Bourbon Barrel

Craft Beer + Coffee + Bourbon =

Victory Brewing Company’s Limited Release, Java Cask

Downingtown, PA,November 25, 2015- Victory Brewing Company (Victory) announces the arrival of Java Cask, a coffee-tinged bourbon barrel stout available this holiday season while supplies last. Beginning Thanksgiving-eve, a celebratory day dubbed Dark Wednesday, by Victory Brewing Company, based on the frenetic level of pre-holiday purchasing of craft beer and hostess gift requirements, Java Cask marks the fourth beer that has specifically and traditionally been created with this day in mind. A collaborative effort commemorating the long friendship with the founders of Philadelphia’s popular Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda’s restaurants, bourbon barrel-aged Java Cask is infused with deliciously warming, hand-roasted JB's Coffee.

A deeply complex chocolate malt-tinged stout, Java Cask was aged in bourbon barrels for six months, where it absorbed the blended flavors from the wood as well as the predecessor bourbon they once held. With rich body and hints of dark caramel, Victory partnered with William Reed of Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda’s, two iconic Philadelphia bars, to add toasty, roasted coffee flavors and aromas to the brew by infusing it with 240 pounds of JB's hand-roasted coffee beans. Java Cask is sold in 750 ml bottles and with an ABV of 14.3%; this marks the highest-octane beer Victory has produced to date.

Available in a limited run while supplies last, Java Cask can be purchased in bottle shops throughout Victory’s 37-state distribution footprint (with the exception of Ohio, New Hampshire, Alabama and Georgia due to ABV limitations) with a suggested retail price of $15.00.  Pricing will vary slightly based upon location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

“Java Cask is a collaboration built on friendship. William Reed, and all our friends at Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda’s, have been terrific partners over the years and an integral part of Victory’s local success story,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “This is the perfect beer to share this holiday season, bringing friendships to life.”

“I couldn't be happier with this beer,” said William Reed Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda’s Co-Owner and longtime home brewer. “Java Cask is a complex beer with bittersweet dark chocolate notes and an intriguing coffee aroma.  Way smoother and more drinkable than the 14% alcohol would suggest.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, who met on a school bus in 1973, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. In addition to the original Downingtown brewery and brewpub, Victory recently opened a second state-of-the-art brewery in Parkesburg, PA to expand production capabilities and serve fans of fully flavored beers in 35 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.

Victory Hop Wallop To Return in November!

Over the past 20 years, we've certainly brewed a lot of beers. Some come and go, and some are only brewed for a short time, never to be seen again...until now!

Drink Victory Headwaters, Save The Planet

Victory Brewing Company Re-launches Headwaters Ale in Cans as Part of Water Preservation Initiative

Downingtown, PA, September 22, 2015- Victory Brewing Company (Victory) is re-launching the popular Headwaters Ale with a new look, national distribution and strengthened commitment to environmental stewardship. A portion of every Headwaters Ale sold in cans, bottles or on tap will be donated to the Headwaters Grant to help fund watershed stewardship groups. Over the next year Victory endeavors to raise $25,000 and help craft beer fans make the connection that choosing Headwaters Ale, is more than just a taste preference, it is a decision to help preserve the planet one sip at a time.

In addition to the increased distribution, which will provide a larger funding source for the Headwaters Grant, Victory will host events throughout the year to raise money and awareness for clean water issues.  On September 20, over 250 running advocates enjoyed a frosty brew at the finish line at the Downingtown, PA brewpub with all proceeds from the Victory’s Run for The Headwaters 5K benefitting the Headwaters Grant.  A river clean-up is also planned for spring.

About the new look: The crisp, delicious and aromatically whole flower hopped liquid carries on; however it will be showcased and packaged in a stylish, authentically new way.  Inclusive of a bold, strategic and dramatic move from bottle to can, the clever new label visually reflects the two main focuses of the entire brand concept. Found under the strong and ubiquitous red “V” lays a lush, beautiful river scene depicted within a single water droplet to signify the need to sustain earth’s most valued resource. However, upon further inspection or at first glance (depending on who one asks), that very same droplet visually depicts a whole flower hop in which the beer, and its craft brewery also heavily rely.

About the Headwaters Grant: As a sustainable life source, it is critical to keep water and watersheds clean, not just locally in Chester County, PA, but across the country. Five years ago, the Headwaters Grant was established as a way to support this idea and preserve the natural resource from which all Victory beers ‘spring.’ To date, Victory has donated $35,000 to local water advocacy groups. Prior to September 1, 2015, this donation has been made up of Victory’s contribution of sales in the five counties of Philadelphia.  As Victory approaches 20 years in the craft beer industry, the brewery’s commitment to environmental stewardship is at an all time high. Victory will now donate a portion of all Headwaters Ale sales nationally to the Headwaters Grant, and local wholesale partners including as Gretz Beer Company and Penn Beer Company will also be contributing a portion of all Headwaters Ale sales. That, along with a series of fundraising events, promises to increase funding for the Headwaters Grant and sustain the water that provides sustenance to the planet and great craft beer.

Headwaters Ale is available year round throughout the brewery’s 36 state distribution footprint, with a suggested retail price for six-pack of 12-oz cans is approximately $9.99. Pricing will vary slightly based upon location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

“Everything, including ourselves, would cease to exist without clean water for sustenance. Many people act as though they are unaware of that fact and remain unaware of the true power their purchasing decisions wield,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “We hope to reinforce that when fans choose Headwaters Ale they aren’t just proving their good taste through a flavorful beer choice, but are also supporting a way of life that sustains our brewery as well as this planet for generations to come. They really are helping save the planet one beer at a time.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. In addition to the original Downingtown brewery and brewpub, Victory recently opened a second state-of-the-art brewery in Parkesburg, PA to expand production capabilities and serve fans of fully flavored beers in 36 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.

Victory Festbier, A Classic Märzen

Putting all the ridiculous "seasonal creep" arguments aside (it's just beer for the love of Sam!), I'm always excited when the pumpkin beers and Märzen hit the taps. I wouldn't care personally if they were both year round, but it is sort of fun to have to wait on them I guess. A new Märzen for me this year will be from a brewery that we just landed in the state this year, Victory Brewing. Check out more on their version, called Festbier, then go find you some.

From Victory:

"Some people say that a lager is nothing to throw a party over. Ever hear of something called Oktoberfest? 

We think some people have never tried our Festbier. Märzenbier (March beer) was the last reliably brewed style of beer in the time before refrigeration, so casks of this malty amber lager would sit in underground caves until September when brewing could start back up again. Now, what is a brewer to do when there’s so much beer to be brewed, but no cellar space to store it? Well, clearly, we need to clear out the cellar! Thus, Oktoberfest was born: a fantastic excuse to drink all that delicious stored Märzen. For our Festbier, we don’t think you need to have a terribly good excuse to throw a party, but throwing a party does make for a pretty good excuse to celebrate with a well-made lager! Celebrate #YourVictory…celebrate Festbier!"

Press Release: Victory Brewing Company Announces Arkansas Debut!

Below is a press release announcing Victory Brewing Company's expanded distribution to Arkansas. The Downingtown, PA-based craft brewer is now available in 36 states. 

VICTORY BREWING COMPANY ANTICIPATES ITS ARKANSAS DEBUT

PA-Based Brewery Widens Distribution Footprint to Include Arkansas

DOWNINGTOWN, PA, April 30, 2015 –Victory Brewing Company^® (Victory) is excited to bring their craft to the beer drinking fans of Arkansas next month. The footprint expansion west marks the 36^th state Victory can be found and by mid-June, Arkansas residents will be able to purchase Victory at craft beer bars, restaurants, liquor stores and major gourmet grocery stores throughout the state.

Victory’s flavorful brews will enter the market under distribution by Arkansas Craft Distributors.  

Fans can expect to see Victory debut at Foam Fest on May 9^th, and Summer Love Ale available on draft beginning May 11^th.  By mid June, Victory’s famed DirtWolf, Prima Pils, Golden Monkey and HopDevil will be available for purchase at retail outlets throughout the state.  Distribution of Victory’s other core brands and seasonal selections will follow shortly after the initial launch.

“We’ve had many requests to bring our beer to the Arkansas and are extremely excited we can finally oblige by offering our full-flavored beer to these fans and introducing Victory to a new audience of craft beer lovers,” said Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Steve German.

Victory’s first celebration of the art of craft beer will take place May 9^th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Fayetteville Foam Fest in Fayettville.  The event will showcase more than 80 breweries pouring different craft beers while showcasing local bands and food trucks.

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. In addition to the original Downingtown brewery and brewpub, Victory recently opened a second state-of-the-art brewery in Parkesburg, PA to expand production capabilities and serve fans of fully flavored beers in 36 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.

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