Thursday, June 1, 2017

Blackboard Series #5 Cream Ale with Cold Brew Coffee




Blackboard Series #5 Cream Ale with Cold Brew Coffee


In honor of Philly Beer Week, Opening Tap tonight, I figured lets sample a brew that is a local brew. Tonight I am trying a sample of a series that has become part of the brewery it is from. This series is an annual series that includes a new creation every three months alternating between bottle and draft only releases. The brewing company wanted to assimilate the Blackboard idea into their new series. Much like restaurant blackboard specials are used to entice patrons to veer off menu and try something interesting and new with market fresh produce. As does the new series introduced, Victory Blackboard Series is a new way to introduce a new line. From Victory "The goal of the Blackboard Series is to be flexible, adaptable, and diverse while maintaining our high standard for quality." To me it almost a way of bringing back brand loyalty, these are new unique styles that are bringing people back to the Victory Brand. 



Victory Brewing Company



I have not sampled many of the series, but I am intrigued by the styles they are introducing and coming up with. For you that do not know, Victory Brewing Company is located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Victory opened up in February 1996. They converted an old Pepperidge farm factory into a Brewpub that seated 144, had a 70 foot long bar and full scale brewery. During the first year Victory brewed 1,725 barrels of beer. Since then the restaurant grew in size with 300 seats. The brewery has also expanded, producing 141,671 barrels of beer in 2015. "As loyal craft beer drinkers continue to show their dedication to flavorful, quality beer, Victory plans to continue its own growth. Onward to Victory!"



Blackboard #5 Cream Ale 

This is the second year for the Blackboard Series and I am really interested in trying the release from the month of May. I am sampling the Blackboard #5 Cream Ale with Cold Brew Coffee, for tonight's post. Cream Ale has an alcohol by volume or ABV of 6.5%. 



Appearance of Cream Ale


The aroma of this Cream Ale, is energetic and uplifting. I notice right away that there is a upfront coffee aroma to this ale. It has a strong aromatic backbone to this beer. The next aroma I picked up on was the cream aroma, like someone wanted to add cream to their coffee. It balances the coffee aroma and allows for other aroma notes to be noticeable. The last two aromatic notes, I picked up on were a vanilla note and grain aroma from the pilsner malt. Now color and appearance of this cream ale. The cream ale has a golden cream colored complexion. The color is a balance between the cold brew and the pilsner malt, is where my guess where the color come from. The appearance is clear and a deep fullness of color. The head or foam at the top of the beer as you pour it lingers for a moment and then dissipates quicker than it was poured. There is a thin ring of foam around the edge of the glass and little clusters on top. 


I took my first sip and was instantly wanting to know more about this beer. I first noticed the smooth body of this brew. Then I began to notice the smoothness of the coffee additions into the brew. There is a noticeable roasted noted in this beer that blends into the cream ale body. These notes all blend well together like a perfect cup of coffee with the right amount of cream to the cup. I tend to get wary of coffee into any other style of beer other than stouts/porters. Coffee can be overpowering for certain styles if it is not done right. I think the way this cream ale is brewed you have the strong cream ale backbone with an addition of coffee notes to it. The ale has a creamy smooth finish to it. The body of this ale is medium to light and nothing to overpowering. 


I've  seen more and more breweries experimenting with cream ales and coffee notes, as well as lighter styles like a Kolsch. I think it might be better to leave some styles without coffee being added in. But, I can see the addition of it being a plus if you are able to bring in coffee drinkers into that area of the market. Overall, I thought this was a unique and interesting brew. I think I could only have one at a time because of the creamy and sweet notes of the beer. 


Check out Victory Brewing Company on their social media and their website: 













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