Victory V12

Rated 4/14/07: Bottled in August of 2006, this is a 12% abv beauty that I was recently able to get. Maximum strength allowed by law in oHIo this beer hid that fact really well. Aroma is a top notch replica of an authentic Belgian Strong, yeasty with a floral musty scent, thick sweet candy malt, and even some mild fruit. Sparkling amber-orange pour with a thick light tan head and nice lacing. Looks like golden honey very appealing. Eight months in the bottle and this is still a bit "hot", but I do like my high gravity brews so the mouthfeel was well received. Luscious and full of thick malt, the alcohol is noticed but it doesn’t burn. Very filling this bottle took time to enjoy. Flavor is initially earthy with some nice fruit esters. A sturdy malt content soon follows leading to the sugary taste, not overly sweet which was surprising. Mild bitterness, notes of raisins and honey are tasted. Outstanding in most regards, I’m surprised how well this beer came across considering it’s massive strength, never would have guessed it.

750ml bottle, dated 10 Aug 06. Poured a rusty yet bright orange hue with a towering fortress of an off-white foamy, bubbly head. This has a seductive yeasty, orangey aroma without being too overwhelming along either line ... distinctive yet mellow. Down the gullet it goes with its high gravity quite evident, warming and sugary. Tangy and almost puckery, this still also retains a epicurious blend of spiciness to go along with it. Quite the character. (#2957, 6/4/2007)

Tried at Pizza Port’s Real Ale festival from bottle. Everyone there loved this beer. I liked it too, but a few others were better. Smell of bananas and a little achohol. Light color. Great beer. Easy to drink despite 12% alchohol level.

Pours a dark reddish color with a white head. Has hints of dark fruits, spices, caramel, candied sugar. Finishes with a sweet smooth taste. Alcohol is very well masked for this one. Thanks to Dragonstout for sharing.

Pours a nice copper color with a smal white head that laced nicely to the glass.Has a nice cereal aroma.Flavor is doughy with dates and raisins. The alcohol was hidden well, till the end when it had a bigger presence.Finish was semi-sweet.Big thank to Beachbum for this.

Bottled 08-06. Pours a transluscent copper color with an off-white, fairly small, fizzy head which diminishes quickly to very little. Nose is pleasant and fruity with nice light yeasty notes and hints of sherry; plums and caramellized figs with lighter notes of cherries, citrus peel, floral, and whisps of alcohol. Flavor is less fruity but with some nice darker malt notes; caramellied dates, cherry, sugar with lighter notes of yeast, citrus, earth tones, and a faint hint of bread tones and tobacco (not in a bad way). Palate is decent but expected from a quad; medium body, more than modeate carbonation, and a velvety texture. Finishes with some bitterness, after loads of sweetness, mild alcohol warmth, and lingering notes of cherry and date. Nice quad, good fruity qualities, sweet but with blance, and other intriguing characteristics. Enjoyable and a marvel from an American brewery.

very flaverful, can’t taste the alcohol. large bubbles in the head disapeirs fast. amber color farther from center almost brown in the middle. carmal hints earth tones, very down to earth. syrup that is very thick. overall i liked this beer very good to watch a movie or ballgame with.

Killer. Hints of tobacco create a very unique taste. I would really like to sit down and drink this for an afternoon.