Surprisingly not a stout, this imperial porter is truly a taste of victory. Ballast Point’s Victory at Sea has been a San Diego icon since 2007, and it remains the beer we point people to when they say they do not like dark beer. Then they try it, and the conversation changes.

The basics

• Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Co. (San Diego, CA)
• Style: Imperial Porter with coffee and vanilla
• ABV: 10.0%
• IBU: 60

What to expect

This one pours jet black with a thick, creamy tan head. Ballast Point brews it with whole vanilla beans and cold-brewed coffee from San Diego’s own Caffe Calabria, and both additions pull their weight. The coffee brings roasted depth with minimal acidity, while the vanilla rounds everything out with a soft sweetness.

Underneath it all is a sturdy porter backbone with sweet caramel malt undertones. The body is full and smooth, bold without being harsh. At 10% ABV it is unmistakably a big beer, but the balance keeps it remarkably drinkable. It is the rare imperial porter that works as both a slow sipper by a campfire and a pairing beer next to something like smoked brisket or German chocolate cake.

Our rating

8.25/10

Rated by Sam (8) and Nick (8.5). The two of them are in lockstep on this one. It is a genuinely great beer that somehow flies under the radar next to flashier stouts. If you like coffee, vanilla, or just big flavorful dark beers, Victory at Sea belongs in your fridge when the weather turns.