Review: Victory - Helios Ale

Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 7.50%

The story behind this one is that Victory rebranded their V-Saison due to low sales numbers. It's gone from a corked finished 750 to a capped 22, going from about $9 a bottle to about $3.50 a bottle. This is a huge savings, and the beer is every bit as good as it was before. This is every-bit a dry, "farmy" saison, just how I like it. Massive frothy head, so be careful when you pour it. Light golden in color, looking very active. Lots of yeast on the nose, a bit of grass, of farmyard. Upon tasting, it's one of the dryest saisons I've had, lots of carbonation, amazingly crisp, with a grassy edge on it. Almost ephervescent. Lingers on the tongue with its bite, but still manages to be amazingly drinkable, almost dangerously so. This was a great move by Victory, and I'll bet they will sell a lot more of this great beer.

A: 4/5
S: 12.5/15
T: 42.5/50
M: 13/15
D: 13/15

Total: 85%

Review: Victory - Hop Whallop

Style: American Imperial / Double IPA
ABV: 8.50%

This my last halfassed review for the night, I promise. All caught up after this one.

Pours a lot lighter than I was expecting. Like a typical macro light lager, except less fizzy and a little more syrupy. Smells of muted hops, not the flourishing bouquet I would expect. Date is Feb 9 '10, which I assume is 1yr out, so this is at about 6-7 months since bottling, not ideal, but I don't think it's bad or anything. Tastes again, muted hops, it's like they are struggling to come out, but can't quite make it. There's a good deal of malt, but not overpowering by any stretch. Slight pineyness and that's it. Like a regular IPA, not a DIPA. Moderately filling, carbonation just at the appropriate level, i guess it's not bad, but I had expected a lot more from it.

A: 3/5
S: 10/15
T: 34/50
M: 11/15
D: 12/15

Total: 70%