So it's a small history lesson...

Since I have volunteered my family’s dirty laundry for the airing, I feel as though I should begin this blog with some of my favorite hometown flavors. Located right in my native land (and directly behind my high school for that matter), Victory Brewing Company of Downingtown, PA has brought many choice flavors to this beer enthusiast’s palate. For that matter, Victory brought new life to Chester County.

With nearly a dozen beers available year round, Victory offers a special seasonal selection. Contrary to the early weather patterns of Spring, Whirlwind Witbier is perfectly in season and one of my favorites. With the perfect proportion of malts and wheat, Whirlwind is light but is a full forced gale of flavor. Whirlwind sits perfectly with most seafood or a salad. Hey, how ‘bout a seafood salad!? (If anyone is familiar with my college roommate Scott Donovan, or if you are Scott Donovan, you will hopefully find that funny) Shockingly, Witbier has special qualities that keep it refreshing even when at room temperature. So go ahead, fall asleep outside with your beer next to you, and pick up where you left off when you arise. Nothing soothes fried, fair Irish skin like bottles of aloe and witbier.

Downingtown is a growing area that manages maintains its suburban charm. This particular section of Chester County was chosen for Victory’s facility because of its easy access to the Brandywine River- perfect for yielding a great product. Funny, I think my parents my chosen Downingtown for the same reason. The special process and ingredients of Victory’s brewing give way to what they describe as “great smoothness, complexity, and maltiness.” Also funny, these same qualities can be found in my four siblings and me.

There was a time in my pre-teenage angst that I swore that I would never return to the ‘burbs for my adult life. Now, there is not an area that I would rather be in than the outer reaches of Philadelphia. Chester County and the Brandywine River Valley possess an oldtown charm, a simplicity, and a history that draw me back. Similarly, Victory comes with the tastes of that charm, is made with that simplicity, and boasts of that history. Although it does not date back to the day of William Penn in the 17^th century, Victory’s oldest brews and bottles are HopDevil and Festbier; they continue to drive sales and travel around this country (29 states) and the world to be served in restaurants. Insisting on using simple, classic ingredients- 100% whole flower hops (seen above) and 100% German malts - perpetuates that oldtown feel and “house character.” (Hm…somewhere in there I felt a little like Papa John)

Thank you, Victory Brewing Company for providing Downingtown with 180 jobs. Thank you for providing families with an opportunity to dine in an affordable establishment with five-star products. Thank you Bill and Ron for using your friendship to fashion and sustain a relationship with Downingtown, a place that I find solace in calling home.

Raise your Whirlwhind Witbier with pride, Chester County. Happy Spring…Slainte!

For all things Victory, click here! A very special THANK YOU to Karen Noonan who played an incredible role in providing the information for this post. You have given great hope to this novice blogger's writings.