Baltic Thunder (Victory Brewing Company)

This beer has history. Not just the Baltic porter style that it represents, but this particular beer. Victory Brewing Company made a deal with the now defunct Heavyweight Brewing Company to keep their Perkuno's Hammer under the name Baltic Thunder and...

"While Heavyweight Brewing deserves credit for introducing the Baltic porter style to many craft beer fans, this beer from Victory represents an all new recipe fashioned on the experience of Tom's (Tom Covaleski was the owner of Heavyweight) original intense brew. One noteworthy difference is the higher alcohol by volume of Baltic Thunder, 8.5% compared to Heavyweight's, which weighed in at 8%. 

An additional distinction is Victory's use of black eyed peas in lieu of Roman beans. Despite these changes, this dark lager still features a reminiscent roasted character that embodies the fullness of toffee, along with subtle fruit flavors derived from its higher temperature fermentation. Long, cold aging tempers this complex beer into a well-rounded delight that warms with its significant alcohol strength."

Regardless of the slightly complicated story behind Victory's Baltic Thunder, this is one smooth dark lager. I wasn't actually aware that Baltic Porter's were lagers or maybe its just this one? I was/am confused a tad bit on that. If someone can give me a break down that would be great!

Baltic Thunder pours dark and slightly oily. Its head diminishes quickly and yet the carbonation is quite apparent compared to other strong porters i've had. It smells malty, sweet, slightly fruity and I don't get any alcohol from the smell alone.

The taste is, well, similar to the smell. Its nice and smooth. Its malty, sweet and the carbonation adds something to the taste as its going down. This is yet another beer that has a high ABV, but its not abrasive whatsoever.

I am kind of a novice when it comes to Baltic porters, its a style that I've rarely had the chance to drink. I am however fairly familiar with Victory. I have family in the town where the brewery is located (Downingtown, PA) and I've had most of their other beers. They are all excellent. This one is no exception. When you get good beers from a brewery, you tend to try their new releases without too much thought.

I'm glad I picked this up. Baltic Thunder is a nice, strong, dark lager and something new for my taste buds. The style's history is akin to that of Imperial Stouts and India Pale Ales. I love when taste and style meet history and even more so when its beer related!

I bought this big bottle down in Massachusetts for $6.99. Victory doesn't distribute in Maine unfortunately.

Beer Facts:

Name: Baltic Thunder

Style: Baltic Porter

Brewery: Victory Brewing Company

Location: Downingtown, PA, USA

Container: 22oz bottle

Malts: German 2-row and roasted

Hops: European whole flower

ABV: 8.5% 

IBUs: ?