On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: DarkDevil
Where: Victory Brewing Company, 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, PA
For years, I’ve been a fan of the traditional British classic “Black and Tan,” the nickname for mixing Guinness Stout with a pale ale such as Bass Ale. When I heard Victory Brewing Company had concocted an American version of this monster beer I was excited to give it a try.
DarkDevil is a fifty/fifty blend of Storm King Imperial Stout and Victory’s most popular beer, HopDevil IPA. The roasted malts of the Storm King mix beautifully with the American hops in the HopDevil to create a smooth balanced dark pour. Both are strong beers, with the Storm King coming in at 9.1% ABV and the HopDevil at 6.7%.
In a Victory Brewing video created last year, brewmaster Bill Covaleski discussed the idea of mixing monster beers. Bill noted this about the making of a DarkDevil, “this one is approved by Bill and Ron because it utilizes the same yeast strains. Our ale yeast strain goes into both the HopDevil and Storm King Stout so these beers are very simpatico to begin with. In a way Storm King is just a darker version of HopDevil with darker roasted malts. ” You can view the video below.
So, try a Dark Devil this Halloween season, or try one of these other two recommended “Frankenstein” beers on your next visit to Victory.
- DarkDevil – ½ Storm King Imperial Stout and ½ HopDevil IPA
- Monkey on the Moon – ½ Moonglow and ½ Golden Monkey
- Silverback – ½ Storm King and ½ Golden Monkey
One Comment