Hard Times Lager
Victory Brewing Company - Downingtown

Had on-tap at Hard Times Cafe in College Park, MD.

A: Nice slightly hazy yellow with about 1 finger of white head.

S: Some light yeasts but overall a generic freshness.

T/M: Light hops, biscuity (and slightly sweet) English digestive biscuit taste, capped off with a light wheat malt. This one has a moderate body with very active carbonation.

D: Very refreshing, and one of the better on-tap lagers I've had.

Clear, crisp, floral hops. A delicious and eventful brew. Starts out strong and finishes strong. Mild alcohol taste but not unpleasing. Beautiful and clear in the glass. Goes down smooth and rich. Flavorful and very round on the tongue. Hops character definately floral/citrus and noticeable without being overbearing. Flavor on tongue closely resembles the nuances in the bouquet. Not my favorite beer by Victory but that doesn't mean it isn't great!!!

Growler

This beer poured into the glass a crystal clear golden color that had brown accents. When held to the light you could see the carbonation bubbles dancing around inside like they just won the NCAA championship game.* The head sat on top of the brew a thick and creamy and foamy pillow that was beige/cream in color. The aromas that came from the glass were many and changing with each wiff and each location that I took that wiff. I will try to cover them all and make you drool even before you take a sip. I nosed fruit (fresh cut pears, apples), floral hops, sweet malts, earth tones, brown sugars, fresh cut grass, yeast and a tad (small tad) presence of alcohol. Now the tasting….my buds tasted the flavors of sweet malts, citrus hops, flowers (dandelions), fresh fruit (apples and pears) in the middle (which made my mouth water, fresh grass, slight yeast, earth tones, some dry ash, and a slight warmth of alcohol. And at the end it left me with a nice dry taste in my mouth. Watery in the front and dry in the end, what a balance that makes you want more. This is a very refreshing, crisp and clean beer. A true classic, it represents the beer style 100% IMO. It is a beer for all occasions. Thanks to Richard (rotsaruch) for the suggestion on taking this one home since it can only be enjoyed at the brewery.

*A true “Victory” for us the tasters and the brewers.