Name: Baltic Thunder

Brewer: Victory

Style: Baltic Porter

Vintage: 2008

Cellared On: March 3rd, 2008

Original Tasting: April 13th, 2008

This is one brew with a history - that’s not something you can usually say with a new brewing!

In this case, Baltic Thunder is Victory Brewing’s take on a well known brew by the now-closed Heavyweight brewing. The beer was called Perkuno’s Hammer, and it was beloved by many a beer geek. While not an exact clone of the Hammer, Victory’s inspired take on the classic has been very much anticipated. If your interested more in the brewing of this beer, check out Philly beer writer Lew Bryson’s impressions of several different versions of Baltic Thunder straight from the brewery.

I could see Baltic Thunder was pouring a milk chocolate brown, resulting in a very black beer in the glass. You’ll see just a trace of browness if you hold it up to a light before you drink. Much more carbonation then I was expecting (especially for a porter), it almost reminded me of a cola-like fizziness as I poured. The head subsided fairly quickly, but left some nice lacing around the edges. Deep roasted malts with hints of chocolate and toffee were noticeable when I gave this beer a good sniff.

Those same roasted malts taste absolutely delicious when you taste them. Baltic Thunder has a bit of a toffee-like sweetness to it with overtones of chocolate and bitter coffee coming into play. I wouldn’t call the flavors subtle, but they are a bit subdued - not that that’s a bad thing. I think it adds to the extreme drinkability of this brew. As the beer started to finish, the sweet toffee became even more noticeable to me, almost like it gave a little burst of flavor. Roasted malts with chocolate flavors lingered with the sweet toffee as this beer finished. The mouthfeel of this beer was also worth noting - creamy and as smooth as silk.

All in all, just a great porter to try. Other tasters (like the Drunken Polack) have noticed a dark fruit presence in this brew, but I didn’t get that at all. You should definitely see for yourself!

Six Month Tasting: August 27th, 2008

Six months certainly haven’t affected the incredible drinkability of this brew. The roasted flavors are as smooth as ever, with heavy chocolate and espresso flavors out in front. As the taste progress, I start to get more of a dark fruit flavor - although the fruit still rather subtle when compared to other strong dark brew. Not too sweet and not too bitter - this brew is a vehicle for pure malty goodness if there ever was one.

Cellar Outlook:

With a big abv (8%+), and tons of toasted flavors to go around, you’d think this brew would hold up well. The guys over at Victory Brewing would disagree with you however, and are only giving this beer a shelf life until next February. I guess we’ll just have to see!

Six Month Cellar Outlook: Doing great so far, I can’t see this one bombing out in only another six months. It’s just too good right now.

Next Tasting: February 2009

Jason

jason@brewbasement.com

www.brewbasement.com