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Victory Baltic Thunder

Percentile
92
overall

bottled
common

on tap
available

Broad Distribution
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RatingsAverageScoreABVStyle PctlServe in
4873.6/5.03.59/5.08.5%75.9English pint, Shaker, Snifter
Commercial Description:
While Heavyweight Brewing deserves credit for introducing the Baltic porter style to many craft beer fans, this beer from Victory represents an all new recipe fashioned on the experience of Tom's original intense brew. One noteworthy difference is the higher alcohol by volume of Baltic Thunder, 8.5% compared to Heavyweight's, which weighed in at 8%.

An additional distinction is Victory's use of black eyed peas in lieu of Roman beans. Despite these changes, this dark lager still features a reminiscent roasted character that embodies the fullness of toffee, along with subtle fruit flavors derived from its higher temperature fermentation. Long, cold aging tempers this complex beer into a well-rounded delight that warms with its significant alcohol strength. The final packaged product will be released in 25.4 fluid ounce bottles.

"The first brew of Baltic Thunder was magical. Tom and his original co-conspirator on the beer, Lew Bryson, even came here to Victory to assist. Then, while sharing a pint of Baltic Thunder off of the lagering tank a few weeks later with Tom, I swear the spirit of his departed Perkuno was smiling upon our accomplishment," continued Covaleski.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 Fin (3410), Merton, Oxfordshire, England
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/104/515/20
Nov 27, 2008  
Bottle in Monks Cafe, Philadelphia, 15-11-08 in the company of Loz, Casey and Traci. Pours dark brown with frothy head. Nice creminess to this beer but backed with good raosted burnt flavours. Some zippiness leaches out to wake up the pouches of your cheeks, creamy vanilla and a little alcohol providing a nice warmth. Lovely bitter coffee and roasty, toasty finish, its never harsh just very, very nice.


 Sammy (3977), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/104/56/103/514/20
Nov 27, 2008  
Essentially an understated drinkable Baltic Porter. The normal sourness of the style is understated and balanced. Chocolate malt,Licorice/anise,a dash of coffee, its in the smell and the taste. Basically a decent porter with high abv (undetectable).Average plus mouthfeel.


 porterhouse (1152), Alna, Maine, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/58/103/517/20
Nov 19, 2008  
(22 oz. bottle ("best by" 12/31/08) from Julio’s Liquors, cellared for 8 mos. after purchase) Roasty, sweet and dark…Pours very dark cola brown with a minimal tan head that disappears to mostly the edges. Aroma of chocolate, vanilla and caramel. Mouthfeel pleasant, smooth, lightly fizzy, about the same texture as an Imp Stout but perhaps a bit drier and less sticky. Bold roasty flavor of coffee and dark chocolate along with some darkish caramel, a bit of vanilla and perhaps hints of dark fruity sweetness. Lightly charry but mostly roasty. A touch of alcohol warmth but ABV pretty well-hidden in flavor. Quite satisfying – reminded a bit of Southampton Imp Porter


 KieferUGA (461), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/103/515/20
Nov 1, 2008  
22 oz. bottle. Dark brown pour with a thin, light tan head. Aroma of sweet malt, licorice, anise, and dark fruits. Mouthfeel is a bit watery. Flavor is a bit sweet, with hints of chocolate, toffee, and roasted nuts. Slightly hoppy finish.


 Theis (3651), Denmark
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/57/103/516/20
Oct 30, 2008    Updated: Jun 3, 2009
Bottle at GABF 2008. Black - offwhite head. Burned, licorice, lactose, dyness, high aromatic, big smooth body. chocolate, coffee, light sweetness, berries. Nice...................Again: #19 - Amerikaner Blind-Smagning 29-Maj-2009 hos Papsoe. Bottle. (6/4/6/3/14)


 blutt59 (2098), Dallas, Texas, USA
3.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/515/20
Oct 29, 2008  
bottle, black brown pour, frothy head that fades, aromas of black cherry and blueberry, flavors lean towards tradional chocolate, coffee and roasted malt or nuts


 Sregnar35 (729), Rotterdam, New York, USA
4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/103/58/105/516/20
Oct 27, 2008  
Really tasty. Pours dark brown with a small dark ring of cream. Flavor is acidic and sweet, very interesting. Finished coffee and chocolate with a hint of euro hops, very nice.


 mike mcneil (660), St Augustine, Florida, USA
3.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/103/517/20
Oct 27, 2008  
In recalling Heavyweight’s Perkunos Hammer I must say, although I am a big fan of Victory’s beers, this one falls a bit shy of the original. Pours an opaque black producing a big, dense tan head which fades to a thin wisp of foam. Some spotty lacing as glass drains. Presents aromas mostly of dark roasted malts, molasses and chocolate along with whiffs of vanilla and smoke. Mouthfeel was surprisingly on the thin, watery side for a big Baltic Porter. Not enough chewiness or body for my liking relative to this style. Flavors were much in line with the aroma and a tad more assertive. Tastes of burnt caramel, roasted malts, dark chocolate, molasses, toffee and a touch of charred wood came to mind. Overall a sweet flavor profile with a nice mild warming ethanol finish. Not bad, but plenty of better Baltic Porters out in the market to sample.



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