On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: Victory Yakima Glory
Where: Ryan’s Pub, 124 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA
Sometimes it seems as though Victory’s lighter ales get all the love. Folks rave about their HopDevil, Golden Monkey, and Summer Love—and rightfully so. But as a dark beer lover myself, I’d like to pay homage to their excellent darker brethren of which there are several to mention.
Last week at the Town Dish post-Holiday Party, Victory Co-founder Bill Covaleski was one of our esteemed guests and he brought with him a variety of their excellent beers. The first of the beers to be depleted by the thirsty Dish Crew was none other than Baltic Thunder, their fantastic porter, of which my friend Nina Malone is the number one devotee.
Now, last night while at Ryan’s Pub in downtown West Chester, I was thrilled to see they had a few excellent dark beers on tap. Ryan’s Pub can be counted on to have their mainstays, Guinness and Bass, flowing, but I’ve found their rotating craft drafts are generally pale ales. So when their assortment last night included two greats—Victory Yakima Glory and Dogfish Head Chicory Stout—I was duly impressed.
Yakima Glory is an American Black Ale, considered a dark IPA. It pours with a creamy head that made me want to dip my finger in and try the Guinness test. The aroma has a bit of cocoa and caramel, a hint of malts. The ale is not super carbonated either, which gives it a smooth finish.
Victory’s page states, “This heavyweight battle between fresh, Yakima Valley hops and dark, roasted malts is resolved harmoniously as the flavors merge…”
It’s surprising that a battle between hops and malts can result in such a smooth ale, and it is a compliment to Victory that they create a very balanced seasonal draft. Despite the smoothness which will make you yearn for a second round, Yakima Glory comes in at 8.7% ABV, so proceed with caution. Available on draft and in bottles November through February, so don’t delay.
Here’s Bill Covaleski, giving his description and insights to Yakima Glory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hVTPjiPRrg8
