Way back in November of 2014 I had my very first ever Ballast Point Victory at Sea Porter with Coffee and Vanilla. I had it on tap at Taco Mac and it was so good I had a second glass (rare for me). Truth be told, it was pint glass night and I got a nice Ballast Point glass with my purchase; someone asked me to get them one too, which helped me decide to reorder. It didn’t take much of a push, though.

I didn’t take any notes off of either of those fresh draft glasses (I wish I had), because I had a bomber bottle of the beer at home. I could take notes off of that, my thought process went.

Fast forward almost exactly five years to November of 2019, and fishing in my garage beer fridge I found that bottle. It would have been nice to compare the beer young on tap with an aged bottle. I guess I’ll just need to buy some more.

Ballast Point says on their website:

Our Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Porter is a bold, smooth brew with just the right amount of sweetness. We infused this robust porter with vanilla and San Diego’s own Caffe Calabria coffee beans. The subtle roasted notes and minimal acidity of the cold brewed coffee, balances perfectly with the sweet caramel undertones of the malt, creating a winning combination for your palate.

Ballast Point Victory at Sea Porter with Coffee and Vanilla has an alcohol content of 10% by volume with 60 IBUs. Total Wine sells it for $15.99 a six-pack and $10.99 for a bomber bottle. This is imperial porter, folks. Enjoy it in moderation.

At five years old, Ballast Point Victory at Sea Porter with Coffee and Vanilla pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head and a rich coffee chocolate nose. Taking a sip, the beer is full and rich in body with big roasty notes, coffee grind and medium roast coffee, marshmallow pillowy vanilla, and a bitter roasty finish. Warming alcohol rounds the whole affair out nicely.

This beer has mellowed a bit with the aging, and drank wonderfully. Whether enjoyed fresh on tap or from an aged bottle, Victory at Sea is a Victory for me. Try it yourself. I’m sure you’ll agree.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

Try?

Rating

Home

Re-buy?