Victory Old Horizontal

Brewed by Victory Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Downingtown, Pennsylvania USA

Bottled. This was really unlike any other barley wine I’ve had. It poured a rich, burnt sugar amber, and even pouring it at an arm’s length, I could still smell the hops and sweetness. The sweet nose is deceiving, though. I was really surprised by the strong bitterness brought on by the hops, which is a characteristic unlike any b/w I’ve had. It lacks the treacly character that often dominates and blights the style. Indeed, the biggest element I took away from tasting this was the hops. Excellent.

Strong malt backbone and great hops taste/ smell. The alcohol is hidden very nicely. Great Barley Wine.

Bottled (bottled 29.12.2004, thanks heemer77!). Nutbrown colour with beige small head. Leaves lace. Aroma is toffee, caramel malts, some spices and a bit of alcohol. Flavour is spicy, fruity, slightly yeasty and some caramel malts. The alcohol is hidden oh-so-well, it just shows as a bit warming feeling while drinking. In the aftertaste the alcohol gives a nice sticking feeling on the tongue, while the flavour is flowery hops and some toffee. A very wellbalanced beer!

Beautiful golden amber beer. Smells and tastes sweet, rich and tart. This beer makes me appreciate balance, no one flavor dominates but all blend to create a fantastic drink

Pours medium copper with some chunks of yeast and medium tan, dissipating, ringing head. Aroma is sweet grass, barley, light citrus hop. Full flavor is sweet and grassy, malt with alcohol character and lots of hop. Palate is smooth and creamy and coats the mouth. Very nice beer that I just can’t put down. 1 year old and well balanced. I need more of this.

Can’t believe I haven’t rated this. Been working on the case that I got last year for Christmas 2005. It’s a year older now and a little better than not bad. Dense copper body with a nice foamy head that starts to form as I agitate it in a snifter. Wonderful fruity aroma that continues to grow as it warms up. Dried apricots and pears. Wet hay and apples. The alcohol burn of cheap Communion wine. So very comforting even in the warm clime of Florida. Great sipping beer to top off a hard day while winding down for a dream-filled slumber. And at the rate I’m drinking this contemplative brew, I’ll have some vintage bottles to carry me on through long, lugubrious times. Makes me almost look forward to them.

A very strong beer, in every sense of the word. Pours a cloudy amber-brown. Palate is wonderful; thick, creamy, and finishes comes on strong. Flavor is reminiscent of dates, as well as some fruit undertones. Fabulous, although not for the faint hearted.

looks great when poured. a bit creamy and very good beer. It doesn’t seem like its over 10% but it is. a couple bottle will sneak up on you. Perfect for the style. and great overall!