On its own, or in an ice cream beer float, Ballast Point "Victoria At Sea" Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter definitely pleases the palate.
The Washdown:- rich & Kahlua-like, dark Ballast Point "Victory At Sea" Imperial Porter
- smooth & creamy Organic Stonyfield Farm "Gotta Have Vanilla" Nonfat Frozen Yogurt
The first time I had a beer float was at The Golden State Cafe in the LA Fairfax District. I had an amazing creamy & crunchy, cinnamon oatmealy Horchata ice cream topped with Old Rasputin Imperial Stout – and oh was it love at first Pint. But it wasn't until I was on my LA Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Bar Hopping Gameplan that I became inspired to create my own. My trusty hand model Evan and I started the night off at Whole Foods Market for the $1 beer & cheese tastings from 5-7pm. It was there we were introduced to the dark, sweet & rich creaminess of Ballast Point "Victory At Sea" Imperial Porter, which one Silver for the 2009 Coffee Flavored Beer Award at the LA County Fair. So, we bought the 1 Pint 6 fl oz. bottle, along with with a Pint of Organic Stonyfield Farm "Gotta Have Vanilla" Nonfat Frozen Yogurt – hey, I gotta save my calories somewhere – and decided to get down to brew business. The Victory at Sea poured like a Guinness and took about a minute to seductively settle into the ice cream, while it fizzed the whole way down. It had a dark blackish-brown color and tasted like a Hoppy Vanilla Caramel Espresso with a shot of Kahlua. It was slightly bitter in taste – think 85% Dark Chocolate – and had a Frothy Coffee Head. But, paired with the crunchy bits of Vanilla Bean from the creamy Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, it was like my own little cup of sweet Black Magic – not to mention its bold Alcohol Content of 10%! Ladies – you might prefer Ballast Point "Victory At Sea" Imperial Porter as a dessert, or perhaps in a Snifter. Gents – you'll definitely enjoy this Victory on its own. Now go out & get it – it's Friday, you deserve it!
