Victory At Sea - Coffee And Vanilla
Ballast Point Brewing Company
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- From:
- Ballast Point Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Style:
- Porter - Imperial
Ranked #16 - ABV:
- 10%
- Score:
- 97
Ranked #538 - Avg:
- 4.39 | pDev: 8.66%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 04, 2022
- Added:
- Mar 17, 2009
- Wants:
- 1,153
- Gots:
- 2,317
SCORE
97
World-Class
97
World-Class
Notes:
Our Victory at Sea Imperial Porter is a bold, smooth brew with just the right amount of sweetness. We infused this robust porter with whole vanilla beans 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.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.97/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by griffinwelsh
If you've ever wondered what could make a great porter even better it is notes of vanilla. This beer has a rich coffee flavor and a satisfyingly vanilla aftertaste. Color is dark and consistency is very smooth. It's a shame I can't buy it in Texas.
May 04, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by griffinwelsh
If you've ever wondered what could make a great porter even better it is notes of vanilla. This beer has a rich coffee flavor and a satisfyingly vanilla aftertaste. Color is dark and consistency is very smooth. It's a shame I can't buy it in Texas.
May 04, 2022
4.59 by Beecham from California on Apr 04, 2022
4 by bongobeer from Alabama on Mar 05, 2022
4.45 by Nathanstrupp on Dec 30, 2021
4.43/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by sjrider from California
Can pour- dark as night with foamy khaki head leaving frosty/foamy lacing and a ring of bubbles. Nose is vanilla and coffee for days. Taste follows with some roasty malt and mild espresso bitterness. Vanilla lingers on the finish. Tasty.
Dec 18, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by sjrider from California
Can pour- dark as night with foamy khaki head leaving frosty/foamy lacing and a ring of bubbles. Nose is vanilla and coffee for days. Taste follows with some roasty malt and mild espresso bitterness. Vanilla lingers on the finish. Tasty.
Dec 18, 2021
4.43 by irishevans from California on Dec 17, 2021
4.21/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Beersnake1 from California
2021 release from can. Poured from fridge temp. Pours black with a really good amount of light brown head. Sticks around for quite a while as well. Nose is incredible. Vanilla, marshmallow, coffee, dark chocolate, red licorice, burnt toffee, and a nice amount of dark fruit. The taste nicely follows the nose, but with a distinct bitterness on the back end. Vanilla and coffee (very dark) are dominant. Definitely some charred wood, black licorice, roasted malts, almonds, and tar. Not sweet at all. Mouthfeel is fairly thick. Overall a really nice coffee stout.
Sep 17, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Beersnake1 from California
2021 release from can. Poured from fridge temp. Pours black with a really good amount of light brown head. Sticks around for quite a while as well. Nose is incredible. Vanilla, marshmallow, coffee, dark chocolate, red licorice, burnt toffee, and a nice amount of dark fruit. The taste nicely follows the nose, but with a distinct bitterness on the back end. Vanilla and coffee (very dark) are dominant. Definitely some charred wood, black licorice, roasted malts, almonds, and tar. Not sweet at all. Mouthfeel is fairly thick. Overall a really nice coffee stout.
Sep 17, 2021
4.06 by BrewsOverHoes from Georgia on Jun 01, 2021
4.54 by Luckydog91 from Texas on Apr 21, 2021
4.5 by -Andrew- from Michigan on Mar 29, 2021
4 by LasVinny from Nevada on Mar 19, 2021
4.65 by beerrat from Virginia on Feb 28, 2021
4 by Chipwells from Georgia on Feb 02, 2021
3.39 by Argail from Louisiana on Jan 06, 2021
4.37/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Rug from Massachusetts
After being impressed by the High West BA version of this a few weeks ago I figured I'd give this a shot. Quite affordable at $3 for a single bottle given it currently sits at #323 of all time on this site
Pours a very dark brown with just a finger of espresso colored head that quickly fades to a thin cap and leaves minimal lacing and decent legs
The aroma here is sweet but not overly so, bringing a nice balance of vanilla, hazelnut, toast, milk chocolate, medium roast coffee, and a slight dark fruit note
A bittersweet balance is maintained throughout the entire sip, starting off with notes of cocoa powder, lightly toasted malt, raisin, and a touch of grain alcohol. The swallow makes this one a bit sweeter, bringing notes of rich vanilla, slightly astringent coffee, milk chocolate, and almond
A medium silky body pairs with gentle carbonation for a smooth slow sipper. The finish is mostly dry, due to the roasty character of the coffee
Damn delicious beer right here. It hits all the notes expected and doesn't feel overly sweet or strong despite the high abv. I'd definitely get it again
Dec 29, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Rug from Massachusetts
After being impressed by the High West BA version of this a few weeks ago I figured I'd give this a shot. Quite affordable at $3 for a single bottle given it currently sits at #323 of all time on this site
Pours a very dark brown with just a finger of espresso colored head that quickly fades to a thin cap and leaves minimal lacing and decent legs
The aroma here is sweet but not overly so, bringing a nice balance of vanilla, hazelnut, toast, milk chocolate, medium roast coffee, and a slight dark fruit note
A bittersweet balance is maintained throughout the entire sip, starting off with notes of cocoa powder, lightly toasted malt, raisin, and a touch of grain alcohol. The swallow makes this one a bit sweeter, bringing notes of rich vanilla, slightly astringent coffee, milk chocolate, and almond
A medium silky body pairs with gentle carbonation for a smooth slow sipper. The finish is mostly dry, due to the roasty character of the coffee
Damn delicious beer right here. It hits all the notes expected and doesn't feel overly sweet or strong despite the high abv. I'd definitely get it again
Dec 29, 2020
4.02 by Sayb from Arizona on Dec 04, 2020
4.25 by Pisshhead from Ireland on Oct 16, 2020
4.44 by Insomniac from Canada (ON) on Aug 19, 2020
4.5 by RiceOwls27 from Texas on Aug 18, 2020
3.85 by DudeBeerYaBro from California on Jun 17, 2020
4.87/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by monkist from Hungary
Yesss!
Well, you might hate it - or you might love it!
My wife didn’t like it but I did. Even though I’m not so fond of Porters or Stouts but THIS ONE, I’m telling you was really good!
Vanilla and coffee. Vanilla is really present in the aroma, sweet, but like some cookies or sweets or a kind of a cake? Very pleasant. And its taste is just as good as it smells!!! This isn’t always the case, as I’m sure you must have observed that beers often smell “better” than they taste - but this one was astounding. Sweet but not syrupy, sweet like vanilla sugar. Coffee? Not 100% sure I could decipher it, but maybe overall the thing tasted like drinking a Starbucks latte with vanilla added on top? Oh yes, don’t forget about its booziness, which isn’t harsh at all, rather makes the whole thing taste and feel like an Irish coffee.
This was the first that I had of this kind but it made me curious, I think I might seek more of such coffee or vanilla or oatmeal-infused Porters or Stouts out. Worth giving it a try!
May 22, 2020
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by monkist from Hungary
Yesss!
Well, you might hate it - or you might love it!
My wife didn’t like it but I did. Even though I’m not so fond of Porters or Stouts but THIS ONE, I’m telling you was really good!
Vanilla and coffee. Vanilla is really present in the aroma, sweet, but like some cookies or sweets or a kind of a cake? Very pleasant. And its taste is just as good as it smells!!! This isn’t always the case, as I’m sure you must have observed that beers often smell “better” than they taste - but this one was astounding. Sweet but not syrupy, sweet like vanilla sugar. Coffee? Not 100% sure I could decipher it, but maybe overall the thing tasted like drinking a Starbucks latte with vanilla added on top? Oh yes, don’t forget about its booziness, which isn’t harsh at all, rather makes the whole thing taste and feel like an Irish coffee.
This was the first that I had of this kind but it made me curious, I think I might seek more of such coffee or vanilla or oatmeal-infused Porters or Stouts out. Worth giving it a try!
May 22, 2020
4.53 by Stouter123 from Arizona on May 19, 2020
4.79/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by CCLEID from Nevada
Initially: robust/strong taste. After several months of sampling Porters and Stouts, Victory at Sea sat AFRAID in the corner of the refrigerator...reattemped tonight; world class favorite!
May 09, 2020
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by CCLEID from Nevada
Initially: robust/strong taste. After several months of sampling Porters and Stouts, Victory at Sea sat AFRAID in the corner of the refrigerator...reattemped tonight; world class favorite!
May 09, 2020
4.02/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by adab123 from Ohio
Smells like a starchy vanilla espresso. Tastes like one too almost, though the coffee is more pronounced and it almost has a dark chocolate taste. A good unique beer, though the smell is a bit too much for my preference.
Apr 16, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by adab123 from Ohio
Smells like a starchy vanilla espresso. Tastes like one too almost, though the coffee is more pronounced and it almost has a dark chocolate taste. A good unique beer, though the smell is a bit too much for my preference.
Apr 16, 2020
3.43 by FakeDoctor96 from New Jersey on Mar 31, 2020
4.35 by Blogjackets from Ohio on Mar 19, 2020
4.86 by Yendor61 from Michigan on Mar 14, 2020
5 by doctorgary from New York on Mar 09, 2020
3.98 by jstern from California on Mar 06, 2020
3.99/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Hooded from Texas
Notes from 2/25/2020.
On tap at the Draft House in Austin and served in a 5oz snifter.
The appearance is dark brown with a thin tan ring of foam around the rim. 3.75
The aroma is medium in strength and of delicious chocolate covered caramel, and a little salt. How can a beer smell this good?! 4.75
The taste is moderately strong with chocolate covered caramel, roasted malt, boose, and a moderately bitter finish. 3.75
The mouth feel is above medium in thickness with moderate carbonation. 3.75
Overall, it's very good but it's not quite my thing. I think it's how the bitterness mixes with the flavor. 3.75
Mar 05, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Hooded from Texas
Notes from 2/25/2020.
On tap at the Draft House in Austin and served in a 5oz snifter.
The appearance is dark brown with a thin tan ring of foam around the rim. 3.75
The aroma is medium in strength and of delicious chocolate covered caramel, and a little salt. How can a beer smell this good?! 4.75
The taste is moderately strong with chocolate covered caramel, roasted malt, boose, and a moderately bitter finish. 3.75
The mouth feel is above medium in thickness with moderate carbonation. 3.75
Overall, it's very good but it's not quite my thing. I think it's how the bitterness mixes with the flavor. 3.75
Mar 05, 2020
4.83/5 rDev +10%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by NYNorseman from New York
Ballast Point scores a home run with this big and bold imperial porter. The smell of vanilla greets you pleasantly and invitingly, not overpowering as your first sip brings you beautiful flavor notes of coffee and smoky marshmallow maltiness. This is an amazing porter- one of my favorites. Drinking this on a cold winter day - this beer is nearly perfect. I discovered this beer last year at a St. Patrick’s Day parade when I stopped at a local tavern and it made for a great day!
Jan 20, 2020
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by NYNorseman from New York
Ballast Point scores a home run with this big and bold imperial porter. The smell of vanilla greets you pleasantly and invitingly, not overpowering as your first sip brings you beautiful flavor notes of coffee and smoky marshmallow maltiness. This is an amazing porter- one of my favorites. Drinking this on a cold winter day - this beer is nearly perfect. I discovered this beer last year at a St. Patrick’s Day parade when I stopped at a local tavern and it made for a great day!
Jan 20, 2020
3.93/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Squire from Mississippi
Dark golden brown color with tan cap and lacing.
Aroma at first of something like coconut, quickly followed by a vanilla laced light coffee which reminds me of a Kenya bean rather than something more robust from some other part of the World. Very clean and pleasant.
Taste is more coffeeish than coconut with some elements of roasted malt yet it's restrained. Again coconut blends with vanilla but that's just my perception. That all sounds rather sweet but the brew doesn't come across as sweet in the taste as it does in the scent. It finishes clean and dry.
Medium texture with balancing carbonation.
Overall it's a refreshing take on the Porter/Stout style, very drinkable.
Jan 05, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Squire from Mississippi
Dark golden brown color with tan cap and lacing.
Aroma at first of something like coconut, quickly followed by a vanilla laced light coffee which reminds me of a Kenya bean rather than something more robust from some other part of the World. Very clean and pleasant.
Taste is more coffeeish than coconut with some elements of roasted malt yet it's restrained. Again coconut blends with vanilla but that's just my perception. That all sounds rather sweet but the brew doesn't come across as sweet in the taste as it does in the scent. It finishes clean and dry.
Medium texture with balancing carbonation.
Overall it's a refreshing take on the Porter/Stout style, very drinkable.
Jan 05, 2020
4.41/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by stevoj from Idaho
Bottle from Albertson's. Wow, just wow. Black gold. Chocolate and coffee,slick and oily. Campfire, burnt toast and coffee. Molasses, yum....and the vanilla for a little bit of marshmallow
Jan 03, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by stevoj from Idaho
Bottle from Albertson's. Wow, just wow. Black gold. Chocolate and coffee,slick and oily. Campfire, burnt toast and coffee. Molasses, yum....and the vanilla for a little bit of marshmallow
Jan 03, 2020
4.09 by NCSapiens from Indiana on Jan 01, 2020
4.5/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by drinkdrankdrunk56
This is my first time trying this beer and it doesnt dissapoint. Very dark, i would have thought it to be a stout. The vanilla smells hits you instantly followed by coffee and some roasted malt. The taste follows the nose to a tee, with the vanilla hitting first then the cofffe and malts backing it up. All in all this is the best porter I've ever had.
Dec 20, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by drinkdrankdrunk56
This is my first time trying this beer and it doesnt dissapoint. Very dark, i would have thought it to be a stout. The vanilla smells hits you instantly followed by coffee and some roasted malt. The taste follows the nose to a tee, with the vanilla hitting first then the cofffe and malts backing it up. All in all this is the best porter I've ever had.
Dec 20, 2019
4.49/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Paradox1000 from Florida
Excellent well balanced Imperial Porter! It surprised me by being light for an Imperial. Quite enjoyable!
Dec 16, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Paradox1000 from Florida
Excellent well balanced Imperial Porter! It surprised me by being light for an Imperial. Quite enjoyable!
Dec 16, 2019
5 by Noahallen23 from Illinois on Dec 13, 2019
4.86 by Curt3 from New Jersey on Dec 08, 2019
4.71/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
Ignoring the recent sale of Ballast Point to Kings and Convicts brewery, this is A GREAT imperial Porter! Their brewer notes description are right on for this. Notes of vanilla... Not to sweet.... low acidity.... Coffee comes through..... All flavors balanced so well! From bottle, an early Christmas present from my DW!
Dec 06, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
Ignoring the recent sale of Ballast Point to Kings and Convicts brewery, this is A GREAT imperial Porter! Their brewer notes description are right on for this. Notes of vanilla... Not to sweet.... low acidity.... Coffee comes through..... All flavors balanced so well! From bottle, an early Christmas present from my DW!
Dec 06, 2019
4.69 by nodnaut on Dec 02, 2019
Victory At Sea - Coffee And Vanilla from Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer rating:
97 out of
100 with
7155 ratings