Victory Harvest Ale

On tap at Capone’s, Norristown. Big soft head on top of a faintly hazy golden brew. Somewhat soapy aroma, with a hint of esters in there as well. Hops are a bit dry and indistinct in the aroma, certainly less aggressive than I’d expected. Pleasant and smooth-bodied, there are enough floral flavors to make this a moderate enjoyable harvest brew but it’s certainly not in the front rank.

Transparent amber with a bubbly white head. Nose is light citrus and orange, faint biscuit, grassy hop. Flavor is stronger and sweeter with prominent caramel malt. Some orange and mint accompany the malt as the hops emerge with a little warmth. Nothing too strong here, but the balance and refrain are rather enjoyable.

On tap at Barcade. Pours a clear orange with just a hint of haze and a thin beige head. Spice, light esters, little bit of DMS. Medium, but a bit thin, light maltiness. Finishes with a light bitterness.

Tap at Barcade: Slightly hazy deep orange with an off whtie dense thin lacing film. Simple aroma with a pale malt sweetness- mild caramel and a subdued orangey cascade hop hint. Light body with mild carbonation. Softly sweet caramelized pale malts with a toasted hint and mild vegetal. Subdued/restrained cascade notes of mild orange citrus and a hint of resinous herbal notes. A typical pale ale- not far off from a fresh Sierra Nevada P.A.

Tap at BT for the Victory promo night. Pours a clean clear copper with a foamy lasting white head. Aroma is citrusy and flowery hops- slight tea, orange zest, herbs and slight earthiness- some pine as well- and a light toffee and caramel malt sweetness. Flavor is a good solid toasty malt backbone and lots of fresh yet somewhat green hops- flowery and nice citrus and hints of mint. Clean and modest bitter finish. Nice, but not over the top with hops.

Draft at Blind Tiger. Poured a clear medium orange color with an off white head. Smelled of light citrus and caramel. Light to medium bodied with mild to moderate bitterness at the end. Dry up front and moderately carbonated with a crisp mouth feel. Pleasant flavors of fall leaves, grassy hops, toasted bread, and subdued toffee. Decent enough.

On tap at Rattle n Hum a couple weeks ago (from scribbled notes). Gold with lasting head. Toasted honey and spice aroam with toasted malt and English hop finish. Medium-light body. Seemed pretty good for a session.

Draught @ Victory: This one pours a clear, golden color. It has a frothy white head on it, which leaves some lacing down the glass. The aroma is nice, being lightly sweet with some earthy, grassy hops. The taste is good also. Some hop bite, with some caramel malt sweetness in the background. A touch of fruit also, perhaps pear? Seems more like a Pale Ale than an IPA.