Victory Helios Ale Review #73

Victory Helios Ale
Style: Saison
ABV: 7.5%
Part Of The Victory Brand Of Brews
22oz Pounder  Bottle Poured Into A Chimay Goblet

Victory Brewing Co.
Located At 420 Acorn Lane Downingtown, Pennsylvania 19335.
Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski
1996

The radiant energy of the sun gives life to all that we enjoy. Flowing field of barley for malting, surging vines of ripening hops and even pure, clean water owe their vitality to the sun. Just as we do. So in crafting this unique, hazy orange-hued ale, we poured in nature’s great gifts of German malts and European hops to feed the dynamic yeast that we imported from Belgium. Here in the quiet tanks of Victory our yeast brought vitality to this Belgian style farmhouse ale. That energy has created impressions that range from lemon peel to black pepper, though such spices are not added. Great with a wide array of foods, count on the bright soul of Helios Ale to bring life to all of your meals!

Appearance:
Sun Bursts Golden Color
Mountainous Cap Of Stark White Meringue Adorns The Top
Pour Slowly! Overactive Head
Superior Head Retention
Semi-Transparent Clarity Caused By The Yeast Sediments Floating Around
Silty Lacing Applied To The Glass
Boisterous Carbonation- Gives The Tongue A Pop In The Buds

Aroma:
Sage
Sherbet
Noble Hops
Green Grapes
Dry Brett
Little Barnyard
Wheat
Honey Suckle
Brie Rind
Flower Pollen
Earthy Manure
Band-Aid

Mouth Feel:
A True Cheese Cracker Beer
Enervation To All Parts Of The Mouth
Astoundingly Refreshing
Despite The Complexity And Higher Alcohol Retains Balance
Sweet/Spicy Balance
Orval Trappists Little Brother
Very Clean And Juicy Texture
Medium Bodied- But Built Solidly
Sessionable
Medium Drinkability- The Spice Overwhelms After Awhile
Nice Drinkable Package
Finish Is Tart, Like Eating The White Part Of A Orange
Lingering Off Flavor Aftertaste, Like Mustiness Or Stale Fruit
Flavor Profile Is A Bit Thin

The taste has a brett character is remarkably lustrous yet equally restrained, generating a refined medley of tropical fruit which dovetails with the delicate lemony acids and fresh-peach notion. Complexly phenolic to boot, with plentiful eccentricities such as sherbet and medical tape. Astoundingly quenching despite the boundless complexity and higher alcohol. Dry, vivid pils malt mingles with a deeper candied-pecan sweetness to supply perfectly sufficient structure as it dusts the tongue with a pinch of piecrust and crackers. Fairly starchy, as well, which beautifully enhances the texture and fullness. Clean as a whistle, throughout, yet equally succulent with polished esters and hops. Closes with a drying white sage and eucalyptus expression swirled with luscious esters, flowery hops, and lingering brett.  "VICTORY IS MINE"

2 Out Of 6
Don't Want A Sixer